Please join me in welcoming guest blogger Jan Donley as she walks us through her method for machine appliqué. Thanks Jan for being a guest here at the Quilting Gallery.

I love appliqué quilts but I do not enjoy doing needle turn appliqué so I set out to learn how to appliqué by preparing the appliqué shapes before putting them onto my background fabric. I found using freezer paper and a glue stick a simple and fast way to accomplish my goal. I have used this method for both machine and hand appliqué with equally acceptable results, but this little explanation will be for machine appliqué.

Supplies needed to do this type of appliqué: Freezer paper, pencil, water soluble glue stick, paper scissors, fabric scissors, background fabric, fabric for the appliqué pieces, thread to match the appliqué, neutral thread for the bobbin and other basic sewing supplies.

Sewing machine requirements: Your sewing machine must have a zig zag stitch, and the stitch should have various widths. An open toe appliqué foot is also very helpful. Different models of machines have different capabilities, this explanation gives general guidelines, and you might need to consult your machine dealer or local quilt shop for more information.

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Lazy Daisy stitch, also known as detached chain stitch is a wonderful little looped stitch perfect for working small flowers.

It can be worked alone or in groups. When working this stitch, the trick is to apply a gentle amount of pressure otherwise the loop will close up.

It is also important to keep the couching stitch at the top of the loop consistent. Work a small stitch if you would like the loop to remain rounded, or work a larger stitch to give the loop a tip.

When working Lazy Daisy stitch you may find that the loop can appear twisted. This is caused from working against the direction of the thread. Watch my how to video below and I will demonstrate what I mean.

Have fun with this stitch, lazy daisy stitch is  a must to have in your embroidery stitch repertoire, it is also perfect for working leaves.

Warmly,
Lenna
www.stitchingcow.com

Running stitch is a very quick and easy hand embroidery stitch to master. It is often used to form the foundation of other stitches or it can be used on its own as an outline stitch.

Running stitch is also the stitch used for hand quilting. For best results work each stitch a uniform size, the distance between each stitch should also be uniform.

Watch my how-to video below.

Have fun working this versatile embroidery stitch.

Warmly,
Lenna
www.stitchingcow.com

Looking for some tips on how to work a perfect French knot?

A few years ago when I was teaching hand embroidery in workshops, ladies would often groan when I mentioned French knots. Seems that this stitch can cause some frustration.

The good news is that I am going to share with you some of my tips so that you can work the perfect French knot every time.

A French knot is a raised stitch that was traditionally worked with one wrap (by this I mean with one wrap of the thread around the needle).

They have a textural quality and can be used for a number of different effects. Often they are used in conjunction with other embroidery stitches or they can be worked on their own in different color combinations to form wonderful patterns and pictorial designs.

When working French knots it is important that you select the correct size needle in relation to the number of threads. If you find it difficult to pass your needle down into the fabric ,this indicates that your needle is not large enough. As a general guide a number 9-10 crewel needle is fine to use with 2-3 strands of embroidery thread.

Also keep in mind that a larger knot will look neater worked with more strands of thread rather than more wraps around the needle.

Take a few minutes to watch the video demonstration and then practice this stitch for yourself.

Discover more about how to embroider here.

Until next time.

Warmly,
Lenna
www.stitchingcow.com

Back stitch is one of the quickest and easiest of embroidery stitches to master. It is predominately used as an outline stitch and is ideal for Redwork embroidery designs.

There are two things to keep in mind when learning to back stitch. One is to aim for an even stitch length. Don’t fuss too much about the length, just find a rhythm that works for you and then be consistent so that your stitches are uniform.

The second important factor that is essential for a quality result is that the stitch is worked so that there are no gaps between stitches. This means that you need to pass the needle back down into the same hole from the previous stitch. Thankfully I have prepared a video demonstration of how this stitch is worked so that you can see exactly what I mean.

On the video I demonstrate two different techniques that you can use to sew this embroidery stitch. My advice is to try both and determine which works best for you.

Discover more about how to embroider here.

Warmly,
Lenna
www.stitchingcow.com

You’ve found the perfect pattern, you have a crewel needle, some stranded embroidery thread, a piece of fabric and an embroidery hoop. Your pattern has been transferred onto your fabric and you are ready to start…so now what?

Your next decision comes down to the end use for your piece of embroidery. If your design will be backed by another piece of fabric or hidden with batting or framed, it is fine to use a small knot in the end of your thread. If you are embroidering onto a handkerchief or doily, where the back will be visible, it is preferable to work your ends into the back of your stitches.

But I have  a special trick to share with you that solves this dilemma. There’s no knot and no working in of ends. This technique is perfect when using 2 strands of embroidery thread and is particularly useful when working Redwork designs.

Discover my trick here:

Warmly,
Lenna
www.stitchingcow.com