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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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Blog > Hints and tips silk ribbon embroidery and stumpwork

Handy Hints - How to Make an Embroidered Hat and Basket

  Hi good morning from a rainy Cape Town!  Today I thought I'd show you how to make an embroidered hat and a basket like the two 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 On a...

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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...

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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...

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 12 by Di van Niekerk

Did You Know?   Embroidery hoops are thin with a tightening screw, while quilting hoops are thicker with a wing nut. Both can be used for embroidery, but quilting hoops are sturdier and stay tightened longer. Keep your embroidery taut within the hoop as you stitch to ensure optimal tension. Frequently stretch the fabric layers, pulling them gently along the edges and corners until they are taut again. Secure...

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About Stitching in a Hoop by Di van Niekerk

I always work on an embroidery frame or hoop.  Some embroiderers like to use small hoops but if you learn to stitch in a larger hoop, you can see the entire design whilst you stitch. This helps with choice of colour and texture — one needs to see the bigger picture when deciding on colour and texture, plus the larger hoop does not damage the stitches. .     Hint About Stitches All...

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 11 by Di van Niekerk

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hints and Tips by Di van Niekerk

Where to start?

 

When starting a project, I am often asked, where do I start?

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 10 by Di van Niekerk-Embroidering Hair

  Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 10 by Di van Niekerk From a series of handy hints and tips for silk ribbon embroidery to save and keep for your collection. You are most welcome to share with your students or friends. I will be adding a new card every week until the series is complete. This is Hint 10… . . . Stranded silk threads complement the silk ribbon beautifully. ...

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 9 by Di van Niekerk

Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 9 by Di van Niekerk   From a series of handy hints and tips for silk ribbon embroidery to save and keep for your collection. You are most welcome to share with your students or friends. I will be adding a new card every week until the series is complete. This is Hint 9… . . Stranded cotton is the most used thread for creative...

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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 8 by Di van Niekerk
Hints and tips by Di van Niekerk. Just about any thread can be used in ribbon embroidery, if you can thread it through the needle and bring in through the fabric.  Otherwise, couch it in place. Just check that the threads are colourfast before starting. Experiment with different threads to see how different the stitches appear when working with various thicknesses.
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Silk Ribbon Embroidery Hint 7 by Di van Niekerk

To twist the ribbon, twirl the needle once, twice, or more, depending on how many twists you would like in the stitch. Here are some examples of where the ribbon was twisted repeatedly until a cylindrical shape was formed for the stems. Secured onto the design with tiny stab stitches and matching thread worked between the twisted sections of the ribbon. 

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