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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.

To stay in the loop with Dicraft you can subscribe to my newsletter and stay in touch on Instagram and Facebook.

Blog > Share & Learn

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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A Stunning Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork Sampler

  Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork Sampler - written by Di van Niekerk . I have something to inspire you today! The talented Jane Ludlow from Kent sent me a picture of the exquisite flower sampler she made as a wedding gift (how lucky is that couple!) and I thought I would show it to you... . This sampler is from one of my books titled RES  and has over 30 elements in the...

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Beautiful silk ribbon embroidery by Catherine Nicol from Paris
I must show you something really special - a beautiful silk ribbon embroidery by the talented Catherine Nicol from Paris, France.
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April Flowers in a Beautiful Book by Inspirations

  The Beautiful Handpicked Collection that teaches so many needlecrafters across the world is now available in Book Format... And my April Flowers  project  has been included in Handpicked Collection 2! RELEASE DATE: October 2024. . . For the first time ever, the original 22 Handpicked projects are now available in book format, curated into Handpicked Collection Books 1, 2 & 3. All three books are launching at the same time in October this year, so do keep...

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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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Ribbon Embroidery of a Seaside Cottage from a Studio in Kloof, KZN

  Annamaria Kelly, Ayesha PARUK’s teacher in Kloof KZN kindly sent me this lovely piece Ayesha made and wrote: . “Ayesha is simply loving her embroidery. These little pictures from Di’s range are especially popular. Di, we love your embroidery panels and will hopefully continue to make beautiful things to show you.” . I asked Annamaria about the shutters and the bench, and she replied that she finds accessories like...

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Simplicity in Ribbon Embroidery Design
I learned the hard way that nothing even begins to touch side with Di’s ribbons for superb softly variegated colours, which look so natural, softness and suppleness and absolute consistency in quality. And so, over the years, I have stayed true to Di’s ribbons, producing bowls or baskets of roses, tulips, peonies, and daffodils that can be found in homes in the USA, Ireland, and South Africa.
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Campanula & Butterflies by Di van Niekerk - Silk Ribbon Embroidery and Stumpwork out now in Inspirations #123

Campanula & Butterflies by Di van Niekerk - Silk ribbon embroidery and stumpwork. Out now in Inspirations #123.  Don’t miss out!  

 

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Love Baby Blocks - Creative Embroidery by Carman Chan from Hong Kong
Blog post by Di van Niekerk. There’s a talented group of embroiderers in Hong Kong and I just love their work! Carman Chan and I have become friends over the years, and she kindly sent me this lovely baby block embroidery design she has made for her friend’s birthday!
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The Embroidery Heart Challenge - an International Embroidery Competition

The Embroidery Heart Challenge - an International Embroidery Competition by Di van Niekerk

 
NEW Launch.
Do join embroiderers from all over the world in the  The Embroidery Heart  Challenge 
 
 
Embroider this lovely panel in thread or ribbon (or whatever you feel like using) to make a heart to frame or to fill with toy filling or wadding to hang up on a looped string or ribbon. Or a wedding gift or… whatever you feel like making with it. The possibilities are endless! 
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