Friday 29 July 2016

Fearless Freehand

A few weeks ago I asked a group of sampler stitchers - "how do YOU define freehand embroidery within a counted sampler?"

There were lots of replies and varying definitions but one thing that did come across was that many who normally work within the safety of a counted chart are a little apprehensive about venturing into "uncharted territory".

Hands Across the Sea Samplers will shortly be releasing a chart of a beautiful and unusual Scottish sampler that has small freehand motifs. They do not need to be included as the sampler will stand well without them, they could even be cross stitched. However, we want to take the fear out of freehand and for you to be able to stitch these with confidence and enjoyment.

13823643_1347567231939290_467736461_n

I have designed a small chart and step-by-step photo trail tutorial for you. Whilst this motif has been made up it incorporates all the actual flowers that are freehand stitched in the Scottish sampler. The tutorial uses the stitches found in the orginal sampler.

When I first started stitching a freehand design I was a little nervous of drawing a shape onto my linen. Tracing a design has issues with dimensions in relation to the linen count. Without a guide line it is easy for the embroidery to "grow" out of proportion.

I prefer, where possible, to tack a loose outline with my needle, sketching out the shape in thread. The lines and placement of a motif are easily changed and refined without leaving the fabric marked.

Screenshot 2016-07-28 12.17.32

This is the method we have used for our reproduction and within the sampler's chart there are guide lines for the freehand motifs laid out in the same manner as above . There are close up photographs of each of the stitched freehand motifs within the chart.

13819328_1347566108606069_915303821_n

Using the graph above roughly tack out the stems and one flower head. There is no need to count this out exactly - this is freehand. Listen to your needle, she will guide you.

13823233_1347566148606065_68340252_n

The sampler's flower stems are made up of short satin stitches but stem stitch would work well if you prefer.

We do not recommend sewing tightly packed stitches to start - they are hard to unpick if your shape is not right.

Travel up the stem spacing the stitches out so that you are getting a feel for the shape.

13734656_1347566031939410_416297742_n

When you get to the top and you are happy with the shape, work your way back down filling in the stem with the desired coverage. Repeat for the next stem.

13823453_1347566298606050_1218022521_n

I want my stems to curve and not bend in hard angles. To curve my outline I use a couching stitch to lift my loosely tacked line.

13815143_1347566308606049_1466021276_n

See how the shape softens.

13815206_1347566315272715_270782778_n

Keep repeating the process.

13816806_1347566365272710_1496889976_n

Until all the stems are stitched.

13819815_1347566821939331_282489780_n

Turn over your work.

13823337_1347566891939324_588347466_n

Your waste knot and some uncovered tack lines will be showing.

13820769_1347566911939322_1926590814_n

Clip out the visible tack lines and remove the waste knot. There is no need to secure it. Be careful not to clip out the flower head !

13820652_1347566921939321_418505756_n

Turn your work back over and stitch the stamens on the first flower. All you need are two or more straight satin stitches.

13823407_1347566938605986_536729465_n

Do not worry about counting out your stitches. Your flowers will be individual, think about the shapes you are hoping to achieve and experiment.

13815082_1347566958605984_1257165716_n

For the third flower I tacked out the shape of the petals first.

13816767_1347566971939316_572498237_n

I then used the same process for the stems to stitch the flower. Make your stitches a little shorter than those on the stem.

13820604_1347566998605980_118697098_n

Each of the stamens are formed with a single thread with two passes.

13816917_1347567011939312_85226084_n

The tips on the orginal sampler are over one cross stitches. Stitch them slightly on the loose side.
13819412_1347567041939309_1042932648_n

The next flower is made up of three steps. First stitch the vertical satin stitches. A single thread with two passes.

13820922_1347567095272637_422094439_n

Then add the three long horizontal satin stitches and finish with the short diagonal stitches to the outer edges.

13820520_1347567081939305_112006664_n

The final stem has a row of  hanging flowers.

13817194_1347567118605968_1968668816_n

Use a tacking stitch to decide on placement.

13823189_1347567125272634_1481022240_n

Then embroider the flowers with satin stitches.

13817327_1347609785268368_1943087880_n

The last step is to add the leaves. Leave the leaves until last so that they can be shaped to sit well with the flower heads.

Hands Across the Sea Samplers hope that you will stitch this small motif and that it takes the fear out of freehand for you. If you have any questions we are here to help. We would enjoy seeing some photos of your stitched motif.

The Scottish sampler will be released at the end of August and with its autumnal palette will be a perfect project for the Fall.