TIPS AND TRICKS
If you’re left handed, start each row of stitching on the right side of the cushion and, when needed, reverse the order of the stitch instructions to produce the same results as if working right handed.
Use the running stitches as a guide to keep your rows of smocking stitches straight. second pleat, halfway between the 9th and 10th rows. Then, move down and insert the needle through left side of the first pleat and out through the right side of the second pleat, angling the needle slightly upwards so it emerges halfway between your previous entrance and exit points. As you pull the needle through the fabric, make sure the working thread is under the needle to catch the loop. Repeat this action, moving the needle downwards to stitch through the second and third pleat, again, catching the working thread under the needle as you pull it through. Continue to the end of the row, changing the direction every three stitches.
WAVE SMOCKING
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This stitch is worked using two strands of yellow and blue. It’s worked in the same manner as Cable Smocking, but continues stepping downwards or upwards to create the wave pattern. Make sure you have a consistent angle to your diagonal stitches through the two pleats by bringing the needle out a fraction below or above the last stitch to create even steps. For this design, start using yellow at row 13 and work the stitches downwards until they’re level with row 14.
There should be 12 stitches before switching to go upwards. Use the same process in blue on row 14 and then mirror for rows 15-17.
MAKING UP THE CUSHION
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Make sure all the front stitches have been securely fastened off, then remove all the running stitches from the back, carefully cutting off the knots from either side. It should be easy to pull the threads out if they haven’t been caught in the embroidery.
Take your two 35x30cm backing panels
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and fold over one short edge on each by 3cm. Fold over again to conceal your raw edge and then stitch in place. Trim the front panel to 45x30cm, spacing the smocking 10cm away from the right-hand edge so that the smocking is positioned off-centre. Be careful not to stretch the smocked area of fabric.
Pin the panels together, right sides
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facing each other, with the raw edges aligned so the seams of the backing panels overlap. Stitch around the outside edge with a 1cm seam allowance – taking care not to stretch out the folded pleats. Trim off any excess fabric from the corners, turn through
and press the seams and flat areas. Finally, insert your cushion pad to finish.
Summer is here and with it comes some of our fave colour combos, which of course we’re always looking to work into our stitching! We’re kicking off this issue’s machine projects with a delicious strawberries and cream tee design by Andrea Walpole, and following it up with a brilliantly bright canvas project by Marlee Margulies, which is inspired by Daniel Quasar’s Progress Pride flag. Their new flag design has a greater emphasis on inclusion and progression, representing often marginalised LGBTQ+ communities of colour with the black and brown stripes, and the Transgender Pride Flag with the pink, light blue and white stripes.