Winter Pursuits- Embroidery
Sophie Lombardi
My favourite winter sports include reading, cooking, getting outside and doing a bit of sewing. None of these will incur injury or require extensive travel insurance. Recently I have been really enjoying learning very simple embroidery. It’s a great winter sport because it doesn’t require a lot of stuff and you can do it on the train or in front of the telly. I also find embroidery very soothing and satisfying.
For our Christmas table I embroidered everyone a napkin with their name on it. I didn’t use a particular script, I just used a heat erasable fabric pen and wrote their names on the fabric in my own handwriting. Below I will detail the very simple equipment and method that I used in order to create something that was a little imperfect but special and personal.
Time to get your mob cap on and start an embroidery project before Mr D’arcy arrives. Maybe you can fit in some harpsichord and singing practice if you have time?
Happy January
Sophie xxx
Equipment
Embroidery Hoop
Embroidery Threads (I prefer Anchor)
Method
Place your embroidery hoop loosely over the napkin or fabric. Decide where you would like to write (ensuring that there is enough room).
Using your heat erasable pen write your name onto the fabric, If you make an error it doesn’t matter as you can remove the ink with an iron and rewrite,
Secure the hoop over the fabric. Cut your embroidery thread and split the thread so that you remove one of the little strands (you should have x5 strands total).
Make a straight stitch at the top of your first letter leaving a little tail of thread that you can knot later.
Continue around all your letters using back stitch.
To finish your name go to the back of your work and tuck your needle under some of the thread from a previous stitch. Pull it through - but leave a loop. Pass your needle through the loop to create a small knot. Make sure you go back to the loose thread at the beginning of your first letter and tie off in the same way.
Write your name with a heat erasable marker.
Start your work with as straight stitch and go around all the letters using back stitch.
Handmade napkins make a special gift and create a gorgeously personal table setting.
Napkins shown in Rose Gingham and Florence (in stock).