Hat tip: The ManQuilter.

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

Earlier this year, I told you about the “New from Old” quilt contest in support of the Alliance for American Quilts.

Quiltmakers are encouraged to think broadly and creatively about this opportunity to celebrate the past in the frame of the present. The rich array of prizes this year includes a Handi Quilter HQ Sixteen Quilting Machine for Sit-Down Use valued at $5,000.

The rules are simple: quilts must be 16″ x 16″ (including a 4″ sleeve and a label) and consist of three layers. Contest quilts must be sent to the AAQ by May 31, 2010. Entries will tour national venues and be displayed on the AAQ website, and later entered in the Quilt Index. The contest is also a fundraiser; all quilts become a donation to the organization and will be auctioned on eBay in November to benefit the AAQ and its mission to document, preserve and share the history of quilts and quiltmakers.

Special Prize for Quilting Gallery Fans

The AAQ would like to offer a special incentive to Quilting Gallery readers and bloggers. All Quilting Gallery fans who enter a quilt in the contest will have a chance to win a prize package that includes an assortment of Simplicity specialty scissors, EZ Quilting acrylic templates and an Alliance Collection for a Cause quilt kit by Moda (total retail value over $250).

Just be sure to write Quilting Gallery fan on your entry form under How did you find out about the New from Old contest?. A small panel of AAQ board and staff will jury this special prize and you’ll still qualify for all the other great prizes.

And remember only AAQ members are eligible to vote for the overall winners of the contest, so if you believe in the work of the AAQ, become a member when you enter the contest. Annual membership is as low as $25 and members enter the contest for only $5 per quilt.

Complete information and a downloadable entry form are available on the AAQ website. Questions about the contest should be sent to the AAQ directly.

See some of the first New from Old entries:

P.S. If you’ve already submitted your quilt for this contest, send an email to the AAQ indicating that you are a Quilting Gallery fan so you’ll be entered for the special prize too.