Thanks for all the great feedback! I’m glad everyone is understanding the directions and enjoying the lessons. One thing I didn’t clarify last week is when I talk about point A, B, C, D, etc. This just means the points at which the needle and thread passes through the fabric. Does that make sense? Now it’s time to move on to lesson 2.

Stitch #4 Stem Stitch

This is another great outlining stitch, particularly when you need to stitch a stem (ha) or a rope or string. It’s very easy and can be done quickly.

First you make a stitch (doesn’t matter if you’re moving up or down, or side to side, just bring it up at A and down at B). Then you’ll bring it up (point C) directly above or beside where you put point B in and bring it down in the middle and to the side of your first stitch for point D. This is almost like the back split stitch, except you’re not splitting the stitch, you’re pushing the stitch a little to the side and planting your stitch.

Then you just continue on your path and voila! A stem stitch.

Stitch #5 Detatched Chain Stitch

This stitch is also know as the petal stitch or lazy daisy, and it’s fun because it’s easy and it’s pretty. This is the stitch you’ll use to make flowers, leaves, tears, and raindrops. Also changing one part of the stitch turns it into a different one, which we’ll cover at the end.

First you’ll bring your stitch up at A and down at B (directly beside A) but don’t pull your thread all the way through.

You’ll leave some of the thread to make a loop, and once you get the amount you need, you’ll hold the loop down with the tip of your finger, while you then bring the needle up just below the center part of the loop at C.

Then you’ll bring your needle and thread up and then back down just above point C and complete the stitch at D. (I moved the loop down a little so you could see where to put your needle in)

If you want your chain to be a longer and thinner one (when making a leaf, per se) then feel free to tug a little harder on the string at point D to draw it taut. But if you want a soft, round effect, pull gently at D.

Stitch #6 Chain Stitch

Altering the detached chain slightly can give you the chain stitch. You’ll complete everything the same, except instead of putting your need down for point D directly above point C, you’ll move it to the side slightly. As you pull your thread through, the same thing goes as don’t pull the thread all the way through.

You’ll hold the loop with the tip of your finger so you can bring the needle back up at E, and back down at F, directly beside E. Continue until you’ve achieved the length of chain you need.

Stitch #7 French Knot

I used to dread this stitch until I was taught how to do it correctly and now it’s a breeze. This stitch is perfect for finer details in stitching, and when bunched together can have a really cool effect (like the lei on Kiki).

Start by bringing your thread up at A. Then you’re going to hold the string tight between your pointer finger and thumb, and face the needle point away from the fabric (I do appologize that I am left handed - if this confuses you, let me know and I’ll flip the picture).

Then you’ll wrap the needle 2 to 3 times around the thread (twice will give it a small knot, 3 a bigger, and anything larger than 3 is bordering on becoming a bullion) - for this picture, I did it three times.

Then place it directly beside where you made point A. Do not put it into the same point as A. Some people say that’s the correct way to do it, but I find it’s much easier this way and you won’t lose your stitch by going back down through the same hole.

Continue to hold the thread taut while you’ll pull it through at point B - that’s your key for this to be successful.

Once all the way through you have a cute and easy french knot.

Your thread may get hung up and not go all the way through, so gently tug on it to pull the remainder through. As easy as this stitch can be, it takes some practice, so practice it before you try it on a project.

Lesson 2 Homework

I’ve attached a PDF of an image that you will embroider using one or all seven of the stitches I showed you. click here to download and stitch all of the image, or just certain parts. Since I can’t send every one of you following this an iron-on transfer, you can do what I do when transferring an image - I trace the image onto an index card (from the computer monitor), run over it with a black marker so it’s darker, place it under my fabric and then trace it again onto my fabric with my disappearing ink pen. I do this because I don’t have a printer at home, but if you do, skip that first step and just print it out, place under your fabric and trace. I would love to see some finished projects when you’re done so please email them to candace[at]craftydaisies[dot]com. And as always, if you have any questions please feel free to let me know. Can’t wait to see how you all do!

ETA: For those who had problems downloading the PDF, refresh your page and try again, it should be working now.