Embroidery Basics
This tutorial covers the essentials for beginners to start embroidery using the standard stranded cotton embroidery thread (section 1 &2), and Section 3 applies to any thread including sashiko thread.
1. Organising Embroidery Thread
Cut the thread to the desired length - normally around 1m. ( Depending on the nature of the project, in some of our kits, the embroidery threads have already been cut to suitable length, while in other kits they were supplied in a continuously length to allow you to cut it to your preferred length.)
If using your own thread bought from the market, it usually comes in skeins of 8m (8.7yd). You can either:
Cut 8 threads of 1m: take the entire length of thread, fold it in half and cut it at the folding point. Fold the two threads in half again and cut. Repeat it one more time. Or
Cut as you go: Cut the thread label with the colour code on to fit the bobbin card, and tape it on the bobbin card with the code positioned at the end without hole. Wind the bobbin with the thread.
2. Separating thread
The standard stranded cotton embroidery thread has six strands of fine threads twisted together into a big one (main thread). The instructions in our DIY kits and patterns will clearly indicate how many strands you will need to use for each part of the embroidery.
No matter how many strands you use, you will always need to separate each strand from the main thread first. For instance, the photos below show how I separate eight strands, before combining them into one bunch. I then thread the bunch through the needle, tie a knot on one end, and I am ready to stitch.
When using even number of strands (e.g. 8 as the photos above), you can also take half of the strands (e.g. 4), combine them into one bunch, thread it, and tie a knot with both ends. It is easier to thread the needle with this method, although more difficult to correct mistakes during embroidery as you wouldn’t be able to remove the needle and undo the last few stitches easily. The length of the thread will also be nearly halved compared to the first method in the photo, which means you would either have to change thread more often, or cut longer thread at the beginning.
3. Basic Stitches
A - Running Stitch
Running Stitch is the most basic, simplest stitch. It creates lines with space between stitches.
Starting from the beginning of the first stitch, bring the threaded needle from the back of the fabric. Insert the needle to where you want the end of the first stitch to be, and bring it back to the back of the fabric.
Continue in the same way to make the second, third… and rest of the stitches.
B - Back Stitch
Back stitch creates lines with no space between stitches.
Starting from the end of the first stitch, bring the threaded needle from the back of the fabric. Insert the needle to the beginning of the first stitch, and bring it back to the back of the fabric.
Continue in the same way to make the second, third… and rest of the stitches.
C - French Knot
French Knot creates dots.
Bring the threaded needle from the back of the fabric where you want the dot to be. Wrap the thread onto the needle twice. Slightly pull the thread while inserting the needle back or close to the same point. Pull the whole length of thread to the back to form the knot.
