Blog – Dicraft Embroidery

Welcome to my Blog. This a place to share and learn all things embroidery. Here I post inspirational stories and free lessons in the form of tutorials and guides. I also share tips, tricks and teach stitches and techniques.

You will also find free patterns and designs for you to unlock your creativity. It is a great place for any creative looking to learn or find inspiration in this art form.

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery

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Handy Hints - How to Make an Embroidered Hat and Basket

Hello from a sunny Cape Town - spring has finally arrived! Today I thought I'd show you how to make an embroidered hat and a basket like these in this design. It's quite a simple technique yet it has stunning results. This is from “The Bicycle” design where the hat and basket were made separately and then stitched on to the main design. Make the Hat...

Happy World Embroidery Day 2025!

Happy World Embroidery Day! . Creates beauty, Brings calm, Uplifts the soul! . . "Creativity is contagious, pass it on." - Albert Einstein .

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 14 by Di van Niekerk

Did You Know? The simplest of stitches will often be the most effective. A common error is to use too many stitches in one design. The best approach is to keep to a few stitches and use different textures of ribbon and thread to create an interesting dimension. I would love to see what you are making, please email me your pictures! Until next time, have fun...

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 13 by Di van Niekerk

Did You Know? Needles should be changed regularly as they can become blunt after repeated use. Typically, it is recommended to discard needles safely after two or three projects. If a needle begins to feel sticky or loses its shine, it should be replaced. Avoid using the sharp end of the needle to adjust the ribbon stitches, as this may damage or tear the ribbon. I would...

How to Make Stumpwork Wings from Organza Ribbon or Fabric by Di van Niekerk

Hint: Use this technique to add that special touch of a little moth in 3D to make a brooch, to add a delightful touch to clothing, scrapbook pages, curtains, handbags, quilts, cushions... Hawk Moths and Honeysuckle from my Perfect World book Hello everyone, hope you are having a good day ♫♬♪ Today I will show you a quick and easy way of making life-like stumpwork...

Split Stitch by Di van Niekerk

Split stitch is ideal for outlining shapes and useful when making a layer of stitches for padded satin stitch. It's can be worked in 1 or 2 strands of thread - cotton or silk. Bring the needle up from the back between the two strands as shown, or in the case of one strand of thread, come up from the back inserting the needle between the thread fibres. Here's...

Blanket/Buttonhole stitch

Blanket/Buttonhole stitch Blanket or buttonhole stitches are useful when you need a neat, raised edge. Work the stitches from left to right. For blanket stitch: make the stitches further apart and for buttonhole stitch, make the stitches close together, as you would for a buttonhole on a shirt… Bring the needle up on the outer edge Make a short stitch with thread...

The Moth - Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork by Di van Niekerk in issue #127 of Inspirations Magazine

I am proud to show you this lovely artwork that is featured in the latest stunning issue ( issue #127) of Inspirations Magazine. I must tell you that it is in my top 5 favourites of all time…this piece I am keeping for my own gallery ♥

Here you will learn how to make a little stumpwork moth (the easy way), how to make three-dimensional leaves and how to create dimension in your work. Learn how to make a sturdy main stem and the delicate flower stalks and how to make flower petals with variegated silk ribbon. I hope you will love this piece as much as I do.

Don’t miss out on the beautiful kit to be found here on Inspiration's website.

How to Make a Lisianthus Flower (or Rose Bud) in Silk Ribbon - by Di van Niekerk

These white flowers do add to the beauty of this ribbon embroidery arrangement, don’t you think? Lisianthus, also called Texas bluebell, prairie rose or prairie gentian, is valued for its vibrant colours and attractive blooms. Here is a short tutorial about how to create this lovely flower. I used this technique for my popular Box Full of Lessons (number 13 in the series) and here’s an extract on how...

Beautiful Monograms by Carman Chan from Hong Kong

I wanted to show you these lovely pieces by my friend Carman Chan in Hong Kong I love the colours that she chose to embellish the panels that I made for my Monogram book. If you want to embroider a monogram (printed in colour onto cotton fabric) for a special occasion, scroll down here until you find the letters... Letter E . ,Letter L . .Letter J ....

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