Spell it out
Create an elegant monogram in chain stitch
YOU WILL NEED
■ Wooden hoop
■ Fabric of your choice
■ Stranded cotton in your
choice of colours
■ Air or water soluble pen ■ Basic sewing kit
■ Embroidery needle
NOTES
■ Turn to p139 for
the template
HOW TO MAKE THE INITIAL HOOP
Step one Transfer the template onto the fabric ( you can hand- draw your own letter too).
Step two Secure the thread at the back then bring your needle up through the fabric. Push the needle back through a couple of millimetres to the right of where the thread first emerged to create a loop on the surface. Don’t pull the needle all the way through just yet. 1
Step three Hold the loop flat on the surface then bring the needle up just below the top centre of the looped thread to the length you want your finished chain to be. Pull the thread slowly through the fabric to create a soft, curved chain stitch, keeping the chain held flat to the fabric. 2
Step four Take your needle down through the fabric a couple of millimetres to the right of your last stitch, which is just below the top of the chain. Again, don’t pull the needle all the way through the fabric, as you will next make another chain which will hold the first in place. 3
Step five Bring the point of your needle up just below the top centre of the loop, and pull to create your second chain stitch. Make all your chain stitches exactly the same length to keep the chain looking neat and even. To finish off, work a small vertical stitch over the last chain to tie it down. 4
Step six Stitch the floral detail, using backstitch, French knots and lazy daisy stitch.
Design & stitching by Lisa Jones and Zoë Patching