Pinch stitch tutorial
Pinch stitch is a decorative stitch that comes from traditional hand-stitched pojagi.
It is a fun way to add both colour and texture to a piece and could be a nice addition to your next embroidery project.
Below you will find
- video
- materials and supplies
- tutorial
- project inspiration
Materials and Supplies
This stitching technique can be stitched with a lot of different fabric and thread combinations.
Fabric
In traditional pojagi, it is often stitched on ramie fabric. This can be difficult to find in North America, so if you find this great fabric, linen is a good substitute. Any weight of linen can be used, from fine handkerchief weight to heavy coarse weight.
Feel free to experiment with other fabrics as well. The most important thing to consider is that it is easier to stitch on a fabric that can hold a crease well. So things like knits or polyesters will be difficult.
Thread
The thread choice will be determined by the fabric choice. A heavier fabric will require a coarser thread.
Perle cotton and embroidery floss are good choices because there are different weights available and they come in any colour you could want.
Materials used in the sample
The sample in the tutorial is stitched on a lightweight linen fabric with size 8 perle cotton. The thread weight should match the fabric. If you use a coarser linen, use a larger thread.
Tools
Besides the fabric and thread, you will need the following tools:
- needle (large eye and dull tip – like a cross stitch needle)
- Hera marker
- scissors
Tutorial
This tutorial uses a simple trillium design. You can make your own pattern using a school compass.
There are two different stitching options, so try them both to see which you like betterr.
Mark the design
Place the linen over your pattern. Put both on a soft but firm surface, such as an old magazine or notebook. Don’t place it directly on your table, or your table may get marked.
With a hera marker, trace the design with a firm back and forth motion and steady pressure.
When you are finished, the creases should visibly show the design.
Pinch the creases
Pinch along the creases made by the hera. The Hera scores the fabric, so it should be fairly easy to fold.
Pinching will help set the creases into the fabric.
Stitch
Thread the needle and knot the thread. Bring the thread up from the back, nesting the knot in the crease.
1st stitching option
Sew along the crease with an overcast stitch. Pull the stitches quite firmly, as you want to maintain the crease, and not have it open.
This option gives a design with a lot of colour. The thread is prominent.
2nd stitching option
Sew along the edge of the crease with a running stitch.
This method tends to give more texture, as the creases do not flatten as much.
The thread is not as prominent, but the design is still clearly visible.
If you are using this technique in a project, always cut the fabric larger than you need. The dimension does pull on the fabric and distort the grain, so you will need to cut to size after doing the stitching.
This technique adds colour and interest to projects, and can be used in a lot of different ways. Experiment and see what you like!
Project Inspiration
There are a lot of ways this stitch can be used in a project. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Falling Leaves
There are five different designs for these leaves. They can be stitched in any colour you want, and are a great way to decorate for autumn.
No matter what project you choose, you will enjoy using this stitch to make a unique project.