Pattern and shape

A modern twist on the traditional sampler

2020-05-27 - Mollie Johanson, www. wildolive. blogspot. com

YOU WILL NEED

■ Fabric: approx. 25x25cm

■ Embroidery thread ( we used DMC

728, 726, 352, 3326, 646, and 823)

■ Embroidery needle

■ Sticky- back water soluble stabiliser

( or a transfer method of your choice)

■ Felt: approx. 18x18cm

■ 18cm or larger embroidery hoop

for stitching

■ 15cm wooden embroidery hoop for framing

■ Acrylic paint

■ Scissors

■ Iron

■ Sewing thread to match the felt

■ Bath towel

NOTES

■ Turn to p153 for the template

Samplers were a traditional way of displaying an embroiderer’s skill and the stitches that they’d mastered. This geo- inspired design, with its selection of simple stitches to try, takes the tradition bang up- to- date and is a lovely addition to your crafty corner. If you’re on a roll, add your own patterns or embellishments for a truly customised piece. When you’re done, frame your work in a pretty painted hoop and admire. Don’t forget to cover the back with a piece of felt for a tidy finish, especially if gifting.

HOW TO MAKE THE SAMPLER

Step one Transfer the template onto the water soluble stabiliser and stick it onto the fabric. Place the fabric in the larger hoop and embroider the design. Use three strands of embroidery thread throughout. 1

Step two Soak away the stabiliser and allow the embroidery to dry. Fold a bath towel a few times and place the embroidery face down on top of it. Gently iron the embroidery on the reverse to smooth out the fabric without

flattening the stitches. If the wrinkles aren’t going away, don’t iron harder. Instead, try misting the fabric with a bit of water before you iron. Set the embroidery aside. 2

Step three Pull the centre ring from the smaller embroidery hoop that you’ll use for framing. Trace around the outside of the felt, then cut out the circle. Set the felt circle aside. 3

Step four Paint the outer ring of the smaller embroidery hoop. Take care not to paint the metal hardware at the top, and be sure to cover the skinny edges on the front and back. For good coverage, apply at least three coats of paint. Allow the hoop to completely dry between coats, and before framing. 4

Step five Place the embroidery in the painted hoop so the fabric is taut. Tighten the screw.

Flip it over and cut away the excess fabric, leaving about 4cm of fabric extending from the hoop. Do not discard the fabric you cut away, as you will need some of it in step 8. 5

Step six Thread a needle with sewing thread and tie a large knot in the other end. Take long running stitches around the circle of fabric, and then pull to gather the fabric. As it gathers and tightens up, the fabric will pull in towards the centre of the hoop. Secure the thread with a knot. 6

Step seven Thread the needle with a long piece of sewing thread and tie a knot in the other end. Bring the needle through the gathered fabric on the back of the hoop, right next to the hoop. To neaten up the back of the hoop, place the felt circle on the back of the embroidery – trim to fit, if necessary. In a single stitch, go down through the felt and back up through the gathered fabric right next to the hoop. Repeat around the entire hoop and secure with a knot hidden under the felt. 7

Step eight Cut a thin strip of fabric, loop it through the screw on the hoop, and tie a knot for a hanger. You can also make the hanger with ribbon, several strands of embroidery thread, or just leave it without a hanger.