Whipped backstitch
WHAT IS WHIPPED BACKSTITCH?
This is a great way to embellish a line of backstitch, adding thickness, texture or extra colour. Try whipping running stitch too, for a lighter, textured line. Start with a line of backstitch. Come up at point 1. Slide the needle under the first backstitch from the top down. Slide the needle under the next stitch from the top down. Repeat. Bring the needle down at point 2 when you reach the end of the line of backstitch.
This hanging heart is ideal as a Christmas decoration or to add a splash of Scandi chic to your bedroom all year long. The glorious thing about felt is that it doesn't fray – so you can leave those unfinished edges!
HOW TO MAKE THE HEART HANGING
Step one Transfer the template on to paper 1 , then transfer the design on to the wool felt. Mark the heart- shape outline too but leave the felt as a rectangle for now as this will make it easier to handle during the embroidery.
Step two Using one strand of red crewel wool and the stitch key embroider the pattern. Start by backstitching the stalks and around the leaves and petals. Whip the stalk backstitches as indicated on the key ( see box above). Outline the centre of the flower with blanket stitch and fill in the petals with satin stitch. Finally, add bullion stitches around each of the large leaves ( using six turns of the wool around the needle). Step three To make up, remove any remaining marks but leave the heart outline. Press the embroidery gently on both sides. Cut out the heart shape along the line. 2
Step four Cut out a matching heart shape from the remaining piece of felt and pin the pieces wrong sides together.
Step five Take the piece of ribbon and fold in half. Insert 1.25cm of the raw ends into the seam at the top of the heart and pin to secure. Using a double strand of crewel wool, begin to stitch the heart pieces together, starting at one end of the marked gap and using a large running stitch. Sew the running stitch one stitch at a time rather than gathering the stitches on the needle, so that the stitching looks the same on the back as the front. Stitch through the ribbon when you come to it Stop stitching at the other end of the gap but don’t fasten off yet. 3
Step six Stuff the heart with toy filling but take care not to over stuff it. Add dried lavender if you want it scented. Finish stitching around the heart to close the gap and then tie off and bury the thread end in the seam. 4