These embroidered pumpkins are a fun way to try new stitches. The foundation stitches are line stitches like back stitch, running stitch and chain stitch. The filling stitches are stitches with more interest and texture. The sample uses herringbone, feather and cretan stitches. Use these or try your own variation.
This is the third part of the tutorial. You can go back to get the first two parts if you need to.
Once the foundation lines have been stitched, it is time to add the filling stitches,
Herringbone Stitch
The first stitch is an open herringbone stitch. This is a variation of cross stitch.
Begin by bringing the thread up in a space between two rows of foundation stitch. It should be on one side of the space, not in the centre.
Take a back stitch on the other side of the space. Be sure that the thread doesn’t get caught in the needle. It should be a straight stitch.
Take another back stitch on the side the thread came to the front. You will see a cross stitch, but the cross won’t be in the middle of the stitches.
Continue stitching in the same way, alternating sides. You will get rows of stitches crossed at the ends.
Repeat in every third space.
Cretan Stitch
The next stitch is cretan stitch. It is from the blanket stitch family.
Bring the thread to the front at the end of a blank row. The thread should be right in the middle between the two foundation lines.
Take a straight stitch from one side of the space to the middle of the space.
Catch the thread in the needle to make a loop.
Take a straight stitch from the other side into the middle of the space.
Continue down the row, switching back and forth from side to side.
Repeat in every third space.
Feather Stitch
The last filling stitch is feather stitch. This is a fun stitch that works up quickly.
Bring the thread to the front at the end of a row. The thread should be in the middle of the space.
Take a diagonal stitch from one side into the middle of the space. Catch the thread in the stitch to make a loop.
Repeat on the other side.
Continue working down the space, alternating sides to stitch.
Repeat in the remaining empty rows.
The embroidery is done!
You can frame this embroidery or use it on bags, pillows and more. To see how to frame it in the hoop, go to part four of the tutorial.
Elizabeth DeCroos
designer, teacher, speaker
Elizabeth enjoys doing all types of sewing and needlework and teaching others new techniques. Find out how to take a course or workshop.