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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 > Stitches & Techniques

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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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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Beautiful Ribbon Embroidery by Fatima Paruk

  Honeysuckle Cottage Don't you just love this lovely ribbon embroidery piece by the talented Fatima Paruk from Kloof in Kwazulu-Natal? It's one of our  Cottages that we printed onto pure cotton fabric for embroidery.  Her teacher, Annamaria Kelly showed Fatima how to make the lovely thatch roof with Lana wool thread from Madeira (but you can also use any thin yarn). The picket fence Annamaria found at her local stationery...

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PICOT Stitch by Di van Niekerk

Woven PICOT STITCH by Di van Niekerk This is perfect stitch for long, loose leaves and the best thread for this stitch is Perlé 8 or 12 . To make a fatter leaf, keep the tension loose as you weave in and out of the foundation stitches. Remember to use a long length of thread if the leaves are long. The soft sculpture/doll's needle (about 13 cm long) that is used...

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Raised Stem Stich
Raised Stem Stitch is a good stitch for filling in gate posts and fences...
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Woven Filling Stitch
Woven Filling Stitch for embroidered baskets
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Detached Blanket/Buttonhole Stitch

  This stitch is ideal for making branches or stems that are raised off the surface of the design. Also, useful when making loops for buttons.   First form a foundation stitch in straight, stem or chain stitch. To form a thicker stitch or loop, you can make several stitches alongside each other. For button loops, make the foundation stitch looser than normal so that the loop will fit...

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