EMBROIDERY STITCHES

A few of the projects involve stitching thread onto the tulle, either to act as a guide for your design, or as part of your finished project. You can use any decorative stitches you’re familiar with. I tend to use the following three.

Basting stitch The most basic kind of stitch (also called a tacking stitch), loosely passing the thread alternately above and below the net. I use this when I want a guide for my designs, which will be unpicked when the design is finished. Start and finish by looping the thread two or three times through the same hole in the net to hold it in place – I find this works better than tying a knot, which has to be large to avoid slipping through the net.

Chain stitch A series of looped stitches, resembling a chain. I use this when I want to enhance my dried flower designs with embroidered thread, or to add detail to foliage by stitching over leaves. Use any thread that looks beautiful, as long as it is thin enough to get through the holes in the net. Instead of using a knot, which would be visible through the tulle,

I tend to leave an overhang of thread when I start, and when I’ve finished – just like with the end thread – weave it in on the back through the neighbouring stitches, then cut off the excess.

Blanket stitch This is used as an alternative to either chain stitch or to machine-sewing, which some projects require. Usually this stitch is used to reinforce the edges of fabric or to hem a blanket. I think it is both practical and decorative, as it looks the same on both sides: a straight stitch on the edge and perpendicular stitches coming down from it. I tie a knot to start with, but hide it on the inside. When finishing, I bring the needle to the inside, make a small stitch to create a loop, feed the needle though it and pull to form a knot.