Satin Stitch Embroidery Tutorial
I am not an expert Embroider but have been doing it since 11 years old being taught by my Mother. I have looked through many books and picked up tips along the way as you do, my favourite type of embroidery is by far Crewel work.
Lately I have been inspired by Tracy A Franklyn and her work, Tracy is based in Durham City and has a studio there selling everything you need to get you started and lots of supplies for any embroider. Tracy also holds workshops and I would love to find myself there one day to.
Tracy Trained at the Royal School of Needlework in traditional embroidery techniques, and London College of Fashion in costume design/making, Tracy now runs her own business.
You can find Tracy's work here at the following links
Satin Stitch Tutorial
Please remember I am not an expert this tutorial is just what I have learnt and am passing on to you by request from the ladies that follow my page on Facebook.
If you have prepared your hoop and fabric with your design then follow the instructions below to get a better outline on your work.
Cut your stranded cotton, and remember cut it the length of your forearm by holding between your pointer finger and thumb and measure it to your elbow. This is your reach and should be comfortable to work with and not to long, to knot up.
I used two strands of cotton to work with, you have six altogether so separate them by pulling apart. I will pull all six strands apart and put two back together again, this will help them lay flat when stitching. You can see in the right hand picture they are not twisted around each other.
Outline your work in a split stitch, do one small stitch and split it going back through it again. (like a back stitch but splitting the stitch before) Continue to do this around the shape making sure you sit just slightly the outside of your design mark, this will ensure you cover your design line.
Now you can start to do your satin stitch by coming up at a slight angle under one side and going down at a slight angle to the other. Remember do not pull your stitches to tight over the split stitch as this will distort the split stitches and miss shape your design. They should lay taught but not tight.
Continue to do this throughout your work and you should achieve a pretty straight edge. Don't be put off if you don't quite make it the first attempt it takes a little practice but you should get there..
I do hope this will help if you have any tips for me I would be glad to hear them. Also if you would like some more info on different stitches then let me know in the comments. I will be happy to help and may even pick up a few new ones myself.
Happy stitching
Mell's ♥