We are beginning with the lowest branches and working our way up.
Last month I gave you some tips on the pekinese stitch and I used it again this month in a few places!
I also added a couple other stitches that you might already know… or like to try.
I used the Bullion Knot to outline the white circles and the red heart. This is probably my favorite stitch and I use it a lot!!! If you aren’t already hooked, maybe you will be soon!
Bring your thread up from the back of your work, anywhere along the edge of your applique is fine.
Take a back-stitch about the length you want your knot to be. Mine is roughly 1/4″. Bring your needle out where the thread is coming out.
Take the thread (next to the tip of your needle) and wrap your needle enough times to fill the back-stitch space (estimate). I wrapped mine clockwise about 12 times. Wrap it snug, but not so tight you can’t pull your needle through it.
Now here is the trickiest part… and it’s not really that tricky once you’ve done it.
I use my left (non dominant) hand and place my thumb over the wraps on the needle in the front of my work, and my index finger on the back of my work and hold the wraps in place (pinching it) while I pull the needle through. Once the needle is pulled through it should look like this…
Pull the tail down close to the work so the knot rests along the edge of the applique. You might have to fuss with it slightly till you get the hang of it.
Now you insert your needle again at the base of the knot (where the tail is coming out) and take a stitch so your needle comes out 1/4″ above the top of that knot…
Pull the thread to the front of your work.
Take another back-stitch to repeat the process…
You can use any length stitch and any number of wraps. If you use a lot of wraps and a short stitch the result will be more of a loop. You’ll be hooked in no time!!!
I also used a few fly stitches and French knots. You are probably more familiar with these stitches…
I worked from the left to the right and then back again. To start bring the needle up from the back of your work.
Insert the needle about 1/4″ to the right and angle the stitch to come out in-between the stitches about 1/4″ lower with the thread under the needle.
Pull the thread snug creating the V shape.
Add a french knot here by wrapping the tip of your needle 3 times.
Insert it just below the V… notice (with my left hand) I have tension on the tail so the knot stays snug until I’ve pulled the needle and thread all the way through to the back of my work.
Continue to the right side.
When you get to the edge return to the left with the fly stitch but instead of adding a french knot, just make a stitch at the base of the V.
Pull the thread to the front of your work.
