Learning Basic Stitches

To begin learning embroidery, I decided to learn some basic stitches.

I decided to start with running stitch, one of the most basic stitches commonly used in sewing, since it’s one of the easiest stitches.

Running stitch

I drew a line to follow while backstitching, but I didn’t follow it, resulting in a crooked line. The individual stitches were also different lengths.

After that, I decided how to learn how to do backstitch, also commonly used, and satin stitch.

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Back stitch

Satin stitch is created by a bunch of close stitches used to fill in a shape. My first attempt was okay, but I noticed that the stitches were very uneven, likely due to shaky hands.

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Satin Stitch

I also learned how to do split stitch as well. For split stitch, I read how to do the “stab” method. It starts out with a straight stitch, then you push out of the bottom in the middle of the stitch.

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Split stitch

I also learned how to do the woven wheel stitch. You start by using straight stitch to make five “spokes”, then alternate pulling the string over or below the spokes. I thought this stitch would be challenging, but it was easier than I thought it would be. This stitch is useful for creating flower shapes.

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Top: woven wheel Middle: Stem stitch Bottom: herringbone stitch

I also learned the stem stitch which is somewhat similar to the split stitch. I encountered some troubles with this, especially at the bend of the line.

I also learned how to do the herringbone stitch, but I noticed that the lines and the distances between the Xs are uneven.

Lastly, I decided to learn how to the French Knot. I tried it yesterday, but couldn’t understand the instructions from 3 books and multiple websites. However I found a video demonstration which helped a lot. I finally achieved some decent French knots.

French knot

With that, I can now do a basic embroidery pattern. I am thinking about doing a basic floral pattern from a book, or a felt cactus pattern.

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Contacting an Expert

For my Genius Hour Project, I have decided to do embroidery. However, I didn’t know where to start, so I decided to DM a Calgary based embroidery artist named Anna and Piotr Angiels on Instagram to ask for help. I asked them where to get started with embroidery and how to get started with embroidery. Here is what they responded with:

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Here is their Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/angiels_art/

With that, I finally got around to starting embroidery. She mentioned starting with an embroidery kit, which I did. Luckily I already had an embroidery kit at home that I opened but never started working on. That should give me a solid foundation to start with. While I was browsing Pinterest I saw a video which demonstrated some of the basic stitches. I have decided to start with running stitch and back stitch, which I already know, and chain stitch.

New Genius Hour Project

I have to start a new genius Hour project. I might learn how to do embroidery, because it will seem fun to make cool design and embroider clothing. If I do decide to do embroidery, I can can show evidence of what I learned by uploading pictures onto my blog.

Another reason why I think I should do embroidery is because it takes a while to embroider a design, which will help me increase my attention span, because my attention span is really short. Also, I can work on it during class time too.

I will start off by learning the basic stitches and then start with a basic design.

The End

This Genius Hour project came to an end. Honestly, I’m kind of happy it did.
Personally, I don’t think I did very well on the presentation. I wasn’t ready. I totally didn’t struggle. Also, I didn’t really have too much to talk about.

In retrospect, I think I should’ve chosen a different thing to learn how to do. I did not enjoy learning how to bake pastries, and it wasn’t really that challenging, because anybody who can read can bake a relatively simple recipe.

As for the next Genius Hour project, I’m not totally sure what to do yet.