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Geometric Stitch Patterns & Embroidery

with

Liz Sofield

This workshop demonstrates how to create paper embroidery from your own geometric design.  Be inspired by repetition in architecture or find patterns in nature or your surroundings. Use these  patterns to create your own unique work of art! 

Liz explains “Textures and rhythm can be found in unexpected places, such as breezy concrete  blocks around my home. Patterns don’t always need to be elaborate to have an impact. It is fun  to explore simple shapes to find symmetry and play with scale. When out in your neighbourhood  document your surroundings by photographs or quick sketches. This way the patterns you collect  and create are more personable and individual and this makes them more distinct to you and your artwork.” 


Step-by-step instruction PDF


Materials - Pattern

  • Sketch book

  • Graph paper 2 mm

  • Pencil

  • Eraser

  • Ruler

  • Watercolour paper 300 gsm or thick card stock

  • Tape, removable

  • Scissors

  • [Optional] Printer and paper

 

Materials - Embroidery

  • Tool to punch, poke holes. Universal Crafts Quilling Tool 01

  • DMC 6 strand embroidery floss

  • Watercolour paper 300 gsm or thick card stock

  • Tape, removable

  • Needle, DMC Size 18 Tapestry

  • Printout of Breezy Block Pattern or stitch pattern you have created 

METHOD

Geometric Stitch Patterns & Embroidery

Creating a pattern

Trace out pattern on graph paper.

TIP
Think about what inspires you and create a pattern! Liz has used a breezy block pattern from her local environment.

Making holes

  1. Cut paper pattern to the same size as paper/card you are using

  2. Lay pattern over the top of paper/card and secure top with removable tape

  3. Once pattern is in position you can gently poke holes with quilting tool - the holes are poked where the points of the pattern meet

  4. Remove the tape and graph paper

  5. Go over holes again for consistency

  6. Once you have created your holes, you are ready to stitch.

Embroidery

  1. Thread the needle

  2. Bring the needle through your first hole leaving about 2 inches loose at the back, then down the second hole and then tie these threads together with a knot.

  3. Start stitching up and down through the holes. Use the pattern as a guide, but don’t worry about which order to stitch the pattern.

  4. When you have almost run out of thread, loop your thread into the back and tie a knot to secure and cut away excess thread, but leaving about an inch and a half

  5. To start a new thread, tie a knot into one of the loops and the back and continue stitching

  6. Get creative! Liz has used two different colours of thread