Stitch Life Magazine Issue 1

GETTING STARTED WITH FREESTYLE
Iron the fabric and place it over the printed pattern.
Trace the design using a pencil or water-soluble
fabric marker. Laying it onto a light box or against
a window will help you to see the design clearly
through the fabric.
Use a frame or embroidery hoop to maintain an
even tension on your fabric while stitching. Ideally
stitch with a 50cm cut length of thread. Anchor
stranded cotton thread is made up of 6 individual
strands. Separate as required to use the number of
strands as stated on the chart/key.
Follow the chart and key placing the various colours
and stitches. Work stitches of the same shades that
are close together at the same time. Do not move
to areas that are more than 2.5cm away as this
makes subsequent stitching difficult and the thread
may show through. Ensure that you completely
cover the drawn design on the fabric when stitching
as this may also show through.
Follow the step-by-step photos to complete your
freestyle embroidery projects.
Backstitch
This is a single line of stitches, used to add definition
to patterns and shapes.
152 Stitch Life