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I hand-embroidered
a bluework block, using a Stem Stitch and 2 strands of floss. The embroidery work was relaxing,
but I knew I had to make one more block exactly
like it. The hand embroidery took up a bit of time, which I didn't
have to spare. I thought there had to be a faster way.
Setting up your sewing machine
I experimented around with some stitches on my Janome New Home 8000 and found that
#15, a triple strength stitch (stitch length 2.0) mimicked the Outline
Stitch, which is also used for redwork/bluework. Coats & Clark Dual Duty
106C was a pretty close match to the recommended DMC floss #312 used for
bluework. Use 2 spools of thread for the needle
thread and pass both threads through single sewing machine needle. This
gives stitches a more "beefier" look. I Used a #80 needle.
If you use thread that is any thicker,
then use a top-stitch needle.
Drawing design on fabric
I was using a white on white fabric and didn't want to draw the design
directly on the fabric. I was afraid that if I drew
on fabric, lines might show. Also, it is too easy
to draw an unwanted line. Instead, I drew the design
on "Stitch 'n Ditch" paper. It's a very thin paper that is shiny on one side
(side I drew on) and a "fiber" feel to other side which did not slip
around on fabric.
For a stabilizer, I ironed freezer paper to wrong
side of fabric square, then pinned the design drawn on Stitch 'n Ditch
paper to right side of fabric, centering design on fabric
square.
So, what you have is 3 layers that you will
be sewing through:
-
Freezer paper (or use any other stabilizer)
-
Fabric square
-
Stitch 'n Ditch paper with design drawn on
Sewing the design
Start sewing the elements of the design from center of design, outwards.
Pull bobbin thread to topside, before starting to sew the design.
Keeps the stray thread from getting tangled underneath. To
get bobbin thread to topside, take one stitch and pull up on the needle
threads and the bobbin thread loop will come up -- pull this loop
to get bobbin thread up.
Sew the design with "needle down" position. Run
machine slow and easy. Whenever necessary, lift presser
foot and adjust fabric to allow you to follow the design.
Only drawback is that you will have to remove paper from
both sides of fabric, but, hey, I'm a PaperPiecer and am used to removing
paper! I used a wooden shish-kabob stick to get the paper out
of tiny, pesky places.
I finished my bluework design in a fraction
of the time it took me to do the hand embroidery!
Page by Pat
Tribbey 10/04/2000
Page updated 10/7/2008
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