Keep on running
Two simple running stitch projects to try
YOU WILL NEED
■ Wooden hoop and your choice of fabric ■ Jumper
■ Stranded cotton in your choice of colours ■ Embroidery needle
■ Air or water soluble pen
■ Basic sewing kit
TEMPLATE
■ Turn to p135 for the template
Running stitch is one of the easiest embroidery stitches to master. In this project one template can be turned into a fun hoop for the wall or enlarged to embellish a plain jumper or T- shirt.
HOW TO MAKE THE HOOP AND JUMPER
Step one Transfer the template onto the fabric. Step two Thread your needle and knot the opposite end of the thread. Take the needle down through the fabric with the knot on the surface, close to your starting point. Make two tiny backstitches through the fabric, less than 1mm in length. Check that the stitches are secure, then snip off the knot. 1
Step three Working over your securing backstitches, bring your needle up to the fabric’s surface and make your first stitch, about 5mm in length. Pass your thread through the fabric from front to back so it sits on the fabric’s surface, without distorting it. 2
Step four Bring the needle to the front again, about 3- 4mm from the end of your first stitch. Pull the thread through fully. Make more stitches in the same way following your design line, making sure each stitch is even in length and the spaces between each stitch are also even. 3
Step five To finish off your line of running stitch, turn your fabric over and pass the needle through the reverse of your stitches until it’s securely fastened. Avoid carrying the thread across unstitched areas of fabric as this can create shadows on the front of your work. 4