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A Beginner’s Guide to Embroidery

If you are a newbie into the world of stitching and wish to explore more about the variants, nuances of it, then embroidery is a technique you must get your hands on. An embroidery is a craft form of decorating pieces of fabric using needle and yarn in its most lucid definition. This how to embroider techniques will enable you to decorate any fabric and make it more embellish and captivating in aesthetics and creativity.

During COVID 19, while everyone was practicing quarantine, we all were bored and had ample time in our hands, this is one of the hobbies you can pick up on. After all, creating a piece of art using our own hands gives us a feeling of absolute bliss.

So, if you are a beginner in stitching or want to learn more about embroidery, let’s get into how to embroider, your Ultimate Guide to Embroidery.

Tools You Need For Embroidery

• An Embroidery Hoop (Preferably 6 inches)
• Linen or Cotton Fabric
• Tapestry Needle
• Two pair of scissors (One big and one small)
• Thread
• Disappearing ink pen

Your Guide To Do Embroidery

• Take your hoop and separate the outer and inner lines of the hoop by loosening the hoop on the outer side.
• Now, take your fabric and place it above the inner circle on a flat surface.
• Then place the outer circle on top of the fabric, with the fabric being sandwiched between two circles.
• Tighten the screw until it’s professionally taunting. Insert the thread into the needle and you are all ready to start with embroidery.

SOME BASIC EMBROIDERY STITCHES

Here are some of the basic stitches which form the ABC of Embroidery:

1. Running Stitch

• Insert the thread into the needle, tie a knot to the loose end of the thread.
• Now, position the needle underneath the hoop, and pierce through the fabric tied to the hoop.
• In the next step, insert the needle again. Specifically, towards the fabric — this is your first running stitch.

Continue doing this till the number of stitches desired. The motion of the needle should be Down-Up-Down-Up. 

2. Back Stitch

• Position the needle inserted with the thread on the backside of the hoop.
• Take the needle upwards through a point marked on the fabric and insert it downwards, as done in running stitch. Let these points be A and B respectively.
• Now that needle the needle is inserted through B downwards, pierce it upward through another point C.
• Once the thread is facing you through point C, pierce it downwards through Point B. This way, we create a stitch by taking it backward.

This is a backstitch. Repeat doing this for as many stitches desired.

3. Chain Stitch

• Get the thread through one point, say point A in the Fabric. Now insert the needle through point A and make its way through point B, but not to pull the needle out completely.
• Take the thread now, from left to right in such a manner that the thread is around the needle, leading to the formation of a loop.
• Next, pull the needle out through point B.  The first part of the chain stitch is done.
• Thereafter, insert the needle through point B (inside the hoop) and take it out through point C (outside the hoop).

Repeat these steps till you get the required number of chain stitches.

4. Satin Stitch

• Mark the design on the fabric using chalk or a disappearing fabric ink.
• Now, insert the thread from underneath the fabric towards the upward direction. Let this be point A
• In the next step, insert the fabric downwards exactly through a point, say B in the opposite direction.
• Next again pierce the thread from down to up in a point extremely adjacent to Point A. This is Point C.
• From Point C again the thread is pierced through a point, say D in the opposite direction, lying very close to Point B.

These steps are continued till the stitches completely cover the design on the fabric. And there you have your satin stitch!

5. French Knot

• Take the fabric and pierce the needle out through a point, say A.
• Now, place the needle close to the fabric and wrap the thread around it for a couple of times.
• Next, while pulling the longer end of the thread, insert the needle through a point just near to A.

Lastly, pull the needle downwards, through the fabric. The French Knot is ready! 

6. Lazy Daisy Stitch

• First, draw the pattern on the fabric using chalk or a disappearing ink pen. This stitch is ideal for floral motifs.
• Pull the thread out of a point, say A. Now insert the needle through a point near and make way for the needle to come out at another point, say B. Make sure to not pull it out completely through B.
• Now, loop the thread around the needle like a chain stitch.
• Thereafter, pull out the needle for the loop to tighten.

Next, put in the needle just outside the chain that has been created. This completes the creation  of Lazy Daisy Stitch. Continue repeating the steps to create as many lazy daisy stitches you desire.

REQUISITE TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND

Embroidery is an art— to master any art-form, requires patience, practice, and diligence. To ensure a blissful endeavor in your first attempt to embroidery, the following steps should be kept in mind:

• If you are a beginner or an amateur, use embroidery fabric to practice. The special fabric comes with premade lines, which makes the entire process very easy.
• Use the right kind of needle and thread. 
• After practicing your skills on embroidery fabric, switch to a light fabric which is easy to work with.
• Lastly, keep on practicing to gain mastery over this beautiful art form. 

How easy were these steps, isn’t it? Well, then what are you waiting for? Start practicing these beautiful stitches and beautify your home, apparels and décor. Mastery over this art-form will not just give you praises and validation but also joy and contentment, which is unparalleled.

All About Pleats And Their Types

Pleats are the folds made on fabric by usually gathering the wide piece of cloth to fit narrower proportions. Pleats help in giving the clothing texture, shape, and volume. To create pleats, one has to start by gathering the desired length of fabric followed by pinning them in place and lastly sewing. 

The earliest evidence of pleats dates back to the times before ancient Egypt. At present, there are several types of pleats depending on the different patterns used for the gathering in the folds. In this article, we will discuss the various types of famous pleats.

Regular Pleat Formation

The folds of pleats turn a wider piece of fabric into having a narrower circumference. Pleats are created merely by doubling the fabric back on top it and securing it using pins. 

The pleats fall under the category of “pressed fabric” because the fabric is either ironed or heat-pressed to create a sharp crease. One can also create soft rounded folded pleats by not pressing. Tuck is the pleat or folds sewn into place. The following are the different types of pleats and a brief description of how to create them.

1. Knife Pleats 

One of the most well-known types of pleats observed on the waistband of skirts is the knife pleats. The wearer gets a slim look because of knife pleats. One can easily move by wearing knife-pleated skirts for the pleats hand loosely on the body. ‘Flat pleats’ is the other name for knife pleats because they typically overlap with each other and travel in one direction. 

To create this pleated one will have to make two folds of equal width, one on the inside (under pleat) and the other on the outside (over pleat). You can sharply press the knife pleats to create the prominent crease on the fabric. For creating a versatile and classy look, you can always rely on knife pleats.

2. Accordion Pleats

As you might have guessed, the resemblance of the pleats to the bellows of an accordion is the reason behind giving it the name ‘accordion pleats’. This type of pleats can fit well on most body frames and sizes. Accordion pleats are the machine-made permanent knife pleats that remain the same even after washing and ironing. 

Sunburst Pleats (Sunray Pleats) are a type of accordion pleats where an individual creates zig-zag patterns on a semicircular piece of fabric by these heat-set pleats that widen out towards the bottom.

3. Graduated Pleats

These pleats are flat or flared pleats, and it is the name of the machine-made knife pleats. The difference between standard flat pleats and the graduated pleats is the width of the under pleats. It is because the width of under pleats in the graduated pleats type varies from the hip to the hem. The graduation of the flared feature of the pleats created in the fabric adds an elegant yet trendy aspect to the garments.

4. Crystal Pleats 

Crystal pleats are the delicate knife pleats that are common on men’s shirts like tuxedo shirts. To create the crystal pleats, you have to create narrow folds and sharply heat-press setting it at a 90-degrees angle from the fabric. Also, the pleats should measure 2 or 3 mm on both sides. The fabric with crystal pleat gets an exquisite and stylish texture.  

5. Box Pleats

To make box pleats, you will have to fold the piece of fabric repeatedly back on itself which will form a series of pleats. Box pleats are knife pleats with the folds in the opposite direction. 

This style of pleats rose to popularity in the 1940s when designers were experimenting with women’s fashion to bring styles that are more playful and exaggerated. Since the box pleats give a fuller and voluptuous look, in today’s time, it is the style of pleats rarely opted for in clothing.  

6. Inverted Pleats

The trend of inverted pleats started from around 1920s. Inverted pleats are basically box pleats inside out (the back of the box pleats will look similar to what the inverted pleats look in the front). You have to bring two folds in a line in the centre of either the front or back of the clothing (skirt say) to create inverted pleats. Knee lengths skirts with inverted pleats are very popular among designs.

7. Kick Pleats 

If we are to join the inverted pleats along the fold edges that is a short distance from the top, then we will get kick pleats. In 1940, designers added kick pleats to the back of some traditional tighter fitting skirts to make movement in then easier and provide comfort to the wearer. Kick pleats now are most common on the shorter side as they lead up from the bottom of the hem.

8. Fancy Pleats 

One can observe a lot of variation in the history of fancy pleats. These pleats come in all sorts of style and have the space for experimentation. As a designer, you can create fancy pleats out of your imagination to give volume or texture to your clothing. There are several websites you can explore for inspiration while creating fancy pleats.

9. Sari Pleats 

The most common garment to craft sari pleats is on the Indian ethnic clothing, a sari or saree. These pleats are primarily thin (like sunray pleats) that are at the center of the garment. We tuck the top end of the sari pleats, and the bottom remains flare. On removing the drapes of the garment, the pleats disappear too if not set using a pin.

10. Pintucks

Pintucks are the small pleats stitched along the length of fabric. This type of subtle pleats is commonly noticed on the front of tuxedo shirts. Pintucks add texture and dimension to the fabric rather than giving volume to the clothing like other pleats. 

Even though we create pintucks by sewing the pleats but often the stitching is not visible from far. For sewing the folds quite closely together, the stitching goes unnoticed. Hence, pintucks give people the illusion of being tiny fold pleats.

Final Note

A lot more can be discussed if we go onto describing further about each type of pleat and its history. However, in this article, we have provided a great deal of information about the types of pleats. 

You can additionally search about how to make the types of pleats mentioned in this article. Hope this article will inspire and help the readers to create beautifully pleated attires.  

Your Ultimate Guide To DIY Fabric Flowers

When English poet John, Keats wrote “A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever,” he composed these lines while imagining the beautiful visuals of the flowers. If we are to list the things which can instantly spark joy, then flowers will come foremost. DIY Fabric Flowers, in that case, becomes a perfect addition to this repository. They are extremely handy and versatile in adding that ‘cute element’ to our everyday lives. Be it from a cute hair-band, a dress, or even a table cover— they can instantly add vibrancy and instantly glam up any look.

While they are readily available at any craft supply store and even at online stores, do you know that you can actually make them at your home?
Yes! They are extremely simple to make and this DIY activity gives you the advantage of not only saving money but also getting a design of your imagination. 

This is what this blog seeks to do, to help you out to make your first set of DIY Fabric Flowers. So no more delay, headway right into the blog.

Tools Required For Making Fabric Flowers

Okay, so before getting started with the DIY fabric flower-making activity, it is important to list the tools which would be required to make these beautiful flowers:

• Desired fabric
• A pair of scissors
• A thin needle, matching thread
• Green tape
• Pips (stamen of the flower)
• Lastly gum, wire and cotton for stuffing (if needed)

DIY FABRIC FLOWERS

We will be now listing six different varieties of flowers that you can prepare from the comfort of your home. They are very simple and easy to follow, so let’s get started.

1. Voluminous 5 Petal Flowers

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• Lay the chosen fabric on a flat surface and cut the fabric into 6 inches wide and 12.5 inches long. You can alter the measurements according to your preference.
• Next, fold the fabric into half in such a manner that you are able to form 5 sections onto the fabric. Make sure to mark these sections into the fabric, using chalk or a pencil
• Thereafter, make running stitches on these marks and make sure to leave some thread loose.
• Once done, it’s time to gather the fabric by pulling the threads from both sides of the fabric. 
• Lastly, finish the look of the flower by attaching a decorative button in the center.

Choose a very light weight fabric and make the running stitch longer. With longer stitches the fabric gathers through running stitch easily.

There you go! You have your five-petal flowers. Simple, isn’t it?

Here’s an easy and light 5 petal fabric flower.

2. Morning Glory Fabric Flower

• First, lay the fabric on a flat surface. Using Organdy Fabric, cut the fabric 3 inches wide and 5 inches long or in the same ratio as per your convenience.
• If you are a beginner, slightly burn the edges of the fabric or you can also make whip stitches. (Here, the aim is to get a nice lip along with the fabric)
• Now join the short edges of the fabric using a French seam.
• On the other hand, take a wire and make a loop. Add some pips inside this loop.
• Next, place the looped wire with the pips into the fabric tube. 
• Gather the middle part of the fabric tube and tie it with a thread. (This will form the petals of the flower)

Gather the flower base in the same fashion and there you go, enjoy the beautiful DIY morning glories to adore your décor items!

3. Gladiola Flower

• Take the chosen fabric, preferably organza or voile, and cut out 3-inch square fabric pieces.
• Fold the first piece by the center (diagonally), such that the opposite corners should meet each other. (You must have a triangle now)
• Now, for the second fold bring the right and left corners of the fabric to the bottom corner. Repeat the same fold going towards the bottom.
• Next, twist the sides of the fabric towards the back. Once done, tie the petal at the base with matching threads.

Well, how pretty does that look? 

4. Folded Flower

• To begin with, cut the Fabric into 3-inch circle shapes.
• Fold the circle into a semi-circle, and again fold the fabric in such a way that the right and left corners should meet the middle bottom corner of the fabric.
• Make four or five petals in the same fashion and tie them at the base with a matching thread. 
• Add some pips in the center or petals made out of different color fabric.

Now tie everything to a wire and your folded flowers are ready!

5. Globe Amaranth Flower

This is one of the simplest fabric flowers to make. All you need is some woolen yarn, a scale, or fork and some wire.

• Take the yarn and fold it along the scale/ruler for around 40-45 times. (You can fold it for a higher number of times to get a more fluffy flower shape)
• Once done, gently take a ruler out of the yarn. Here, the folded yarns should form a loop.
• Now, insert a wire inside the folded yarns, by coaxing the downward fold out of the other fold.
• Cut the other end of the yarn circle, add a calyx to the base and wrap some green tape around the flower. 

Your DIY Globe Amaranth is ready!

6.  Bougainvillea Flowers

• For this interesting DIY, take some fabric and cut it in the shape of a leaf.
• Now stick some pips into the leaf-shaped cut out using fabric glue.
• Repeat this step for as many numbers as desired.
• Bind the leaf-shaped fabric together and attach it to the wire.

Wrap some green tape around the wire and your fabric flowers are good to go!

Another way of making the bougainvillea flowers.

Tips To Make Beautiful Fabric Flowers

Fabric Flowers are extremely easy and budget-friendly in nature, which makes them a perfect DIY activity. However certain tips must be kept in mind while going forward with this pleasant DIY. Some of them are as listed below:

• While choosing the fabric, make sure you pick organza or voile, as these fabrics are easy to work with and provide a better look to the flowers.
• Use green tape to wrap the wires— this gives the flowers a more natural and finished look.
• Use fabric glue instead of normal adhesive wherever stick pips need to be stuck together. Fabric glues are specially designed for creative DIYs for clothing as it is more durable.

Now that all the steps and tips to make fabric flowers have been laid out for you, start with your DIY activity as soon as possible! Add these fabric flowers to your new dress, to your home décor valuables, and don’t forget to post it to the ‘Gram and enjoy all the praises showered upon your creative abilities!