Vani's blog 2

I am deeply hurt

2012-02-05T14:15:00.000+05:30

Hi Readers!

http://pratibhacollection.com/sap13.html has copied my posts from Vani's blog 1 and 2
and posted in her blog under the heading student's blog.I do not know what should be done.she has not given links to my blogs

Brazilian embriodery

2011-11-18T17:24:00.002+05:30

These are gifts for my sister.I had done these for cushion covers.She wants to frame them.If I had known this before I would have selected different designs.

Video of the method of making flower design in Canadian smocking

2011-07-25T23:24:00.000+05:30

Tutorial for Mesh with flowers

2011-07-23T00:14:00.020+05:30

Method of preparing the graph

Preparation of graph is little different from others.I will explain it with drawings so that it will be easy to understand.Draw a graph of 4cms having 17 squares in width as well as in length on the wrong side of the material.Group them in to big squares having 9 squares in each as shown in the figure.I have coloured them orange so that it will be easy to understand.

Mark the mid points outer sides of small squares and name them A,B.C,D,E,F,G,H and L.join them together by lines as shown in the figure by green lines.

Smocking is done only on the squares which I have coloured green.

Graph should be drawn on the wrong side of the material.Graph looks like this on cloth.

Make a mark on the squares that should be smocked.Smocking is done on the green squares by joining 4 points 1,2,3,and 4.
Let us consider one set of 9 squares

Smock the 4 squares in the corners by joining 4 points.Please note smocking is done on the wrong side of the material. Method is here

Observe the triangles formed.I have shown them by arrows.

On the reverse ( Right side of the material) it looks like this.

Pull the 4 triangles out from the points shown by the arrows.

After pulling out the triangle from back it looks like this.A square is formed.

Take a threaded needle out from the center of the square and join the mid point of the opposite sides of the square as shown below

and then like this

Finished flower is like this

back side of this flower looks like this

Join the petal at the back like this.

Follow the same procedure for the other sets of squares
right side looks like this.

we can sew cushion of size 40cmx40cm from this material

Oh ! what a lengthy tutorial! But it is very easy to do!

Canadian smocking- Design "Bones"

2011-07-22T12:28:00.000+05:30

Cushions with Canadian smocking

2011-07-18T20:03:00.001+05:30

I have used 2cm squares to do These cushions.these are gift to my youngest sister.

Canadian smocking- Design mesh with flowers

2011-07-17T10:57:00.004+05:30

Dimensional embroidery

2011-03-08T13:32:00.008+05:30

I have used Rayon threads which are available in India to do this project.
I have used cone thread from Indian Rayon & Industries Limited of ,Adithya Birla group.I think one cone casts approximately RS.20/=, I do not remember the actual prize.When I started to do Brazilian embroidery by using pearl cotton threads by Anchor, I was told Brazilian embroidery should be done using rayon threads only or else it is called dimensional embroidery.Stitches are the same but different types of threads are used.I started searching for rayon thread .I had some cone threads with me.Till now I did not care about the brand .I saw inside the spool .I saw the label Rayon- Indian Rayon & Industries Limited,My joy knew no bounds!The machine embroidery thread by Natesh- well known & reputed company in the field of embroidery threads is also rayon thread.

Closeup view

Six Canadian smocked cushions with six designs

2011-02-18T08:04:00.002+05:30

I have made these cushions with 2cm graph.I am going to gift them to my sister.

Front and back views of Canadian smocking designs

2011-02-07T13:53:00.006+05:30

Here are some designs which I recently did.I have used 2 cm graph.Material used is satin.Here you can see how the pleats can be arranged.
leaf design

Design Matrix

Design " Bones "

Design " Shells"

Design " Braid "

Design " Arrow head"

Method of making square cushions with Canadian smocking

2011-02-07T13:14:00.005+05:30

Canadian smocking is not as complicated as it appears. Precession is very important.
Satin which is not too shiny is suitable for this. It can also be done on any thick material. If it is done on thin materials embossed effect will not stay long.
Follow the following steps to stitch a cushion of your choice
Measure the size of the cushion.
Decide the size of the squares in the graph.
Select the design.
Calculate the material needed.
Press the material so that there no wrinkles.
Check whether the adjacent sides of the material are perpendicular to one another .If they are not correct them.
Fix the cloth on a table with sticky tapes all around so that wrong side is on the top. Draw graph of squares of your choice. Do not forget to leave borders all around.

I bought 45 cm long and 4 cm wide plastic scales and got them cut along the length into 2 cm, 2.5cm , 3 cm and 3.5 cm wide pieces .
I feel 2 cm x 2 cm graph gives good finish.

Zigzag the edges or else the thread coming out of the edges hinders our work.
Smock the design of your choice column by column.
There will be pleats all around the design. Arrange the pleats in an order according to the design. here I have shown you how pleats can be arranged for different designs Check the size of the smocked piece tack the pleats in place. This takes a little time. Later on these stitches can be removed.

The lines in the graph also help us while making pleats. I prefer giving lining to the smocked material.

This is front side of the cushion cover. Using matching cloth for the back stitch the cushion cover.

Graph and Instructions for Canadian smocking using design " Bones"

2011-01-25T17:17:00.007+05:30

Here is the graph for making cushions with design “Bones”. This design also consists of columns marked with diagonals separated by gaps. While drawing graph we have to keep in mind the last column should not be a gap.

Method of calculating material needed

If you see the reverse of the"'Bones " design we find formation of equilateral triangles.
Let us consider that we smock 2 rows of squares having 2 squares in each row.We get an equilateral triangle ABC (See figure 2) whose sides are equal to the diagonal of the square which is used for smocking. Using this we can calculate the material needed for smocking for the required size of cushion.

Let us calculate the material needed for a cushion of size of the cushion 40 cm x 40 cm and size of the square of the graph used =2 cm Χ 2 cm
(please refer the chart)
Base =Diagonal of the square of square of side 2 cm= 2.8 cm
Height will be 2.4 cm.
Let us calculate the length
Every 2 rows we smock the length will become 2.8 cm
Or in other words, to get 2.8 cm of smocked we need 2 squares or 4 cm material.
To get 40 cm of the smocked material we need 40 Χ 2÷2.8 = 28.5 squares or 28 full squares.
Material needed for 28 squares is 28 Χ 2 cm=56 cm
Add 2 cm for the seams on both sides
Length of material needed = 56 cm+ 4 cm =60 cm
Let us check .If we smock 28 squares we get 14 Χ 2.8 cm = 39.2 cm
There is a deficit of 0. 8 cm .This can be made up by adding 1 cm more for the seams that is ½ cm extra on each side.
Length of the material will be 61 cm.
Let us calculate the width of the material needed.
Width of the smocked material is the height of the equilateral triangle.
In this case it will be 2.4 cm.
Every 2 squares or 4 cm we smock it will become 2.4 cm in width.
Or in other words to get 2.4 cm of the smocked material we need 2 squares or 4 cm of material.
To get 40 cm of smocked material we need (40 Χ 2) ÷ 2.4 = 33 squares.
Material needed for 33 squares =33 Χ 2 = 66 cm.
By adding 2 cm on each side it will become 66+ 4 = 70 cm.
If we smock 32 squares we will get 16 Χ 2.4 = 38.4 cm.
We get little more for the last line.
Material needed of width 70 cm.
So the material needed for making a cushion of size 40 cm Χ 40 cm in the design “Bones “ using a graph of 2 cm square = 70 cm X 61 cm
In this manner we can calculate the material needed for any size of cushion done using any size of squares.

Squares and their diagonals.

2011-01-21T19:06:00.000+05:30

While calculating the material needed for Canadian smocking we need the measurement of the side of the square and also the measurement of diagonal.Here I have given a table from which you can use the values and do the calculation.

Method of calculating material need for Canadian smocking for "Matrix design"

2010-12-08T14:34:00.015+05:30

This design contains repetition of 2 columns of squares marked with diagonals (shown in pink colour) and one column which is left blank (Shown in green colour). Finally ends with 2 columns of squares marked with diagonals.Tthat means there should be odd numbers of columns marked with diagonals separated by Gaps. In other words first and last columns should be columns marked with diagonals. Numbers of repetitions of these three columns depend upon the size of the cushion and the size of the square of the graph used.
Smocking is done on pairs of columns marked with diagonals together. After completing one pair of column we have to move on to the next pair.

Width of the material after smocking

After smocking the width of one pair of column of squares become equal to ½ if the diagonal of the square used.he gap takes the shape of an equilateral triangle (See the diagram 1) whose side is equal to the diagonal of the square. Width of the gap will be equal to the height of the triangle thus formed.
Height of the triangle can be calculated by using the diagonal of the square used
Height of the triangle =√ (diagonal²–½diagonal²) .No need to worry about the formula. I have given the table which gives the diagonal and height of the triangle formed when smocking is done on different sizes of squares.

Length

After smocking the height of two rows will be equal to the diagonal of the square
With the help of these calculations we can find out the number of squares we need in each row and in each column. And then the material needed..Figures3,4and 5 explain the changes that take place after smocking for different sizes of squares

I will give one example
How to calculate material needed for a cushion of size 40cm x40cm smocking done on graph with squares 3cm x 3cm
Width
After smocking width first column becomes half of the diagonal =2.1cm
Width of next gap will be equal to height of the triangle formed = 3.6cm
Total of these three squares will be 5.7cm
These three squares are repeated
Last column is column of squares with diagonals (marked pink) its width is 2.1cm
Subtract 2.1 cm from 40 cm =37.9 cm
Now we have to find out how many times the fist 3 squares whose width will be 5.7 can be repeated to get to get 37.9cm
37.9cm÷ 5.7= 6.6
We can repeat 6 times without fraction that means we have to repeat 3 squares 6 times
3x6= 18 squares + last column 2 squares. = 20 squares
If you smock on 20 squares resulting material will be (8x 5.7) + 2.1= 34.2 cm + 2.1cm= 36.3 cm
It is 37 cm approximately or 4cm less than 40 cm this can be made up by adding 2 cm on either side as border to this add 1cm on either side for seams
Length

We get 4, 2 cm when we smock 2 rows
These two rows should be repeated 40 ÷ 4.2= 9.5 times or 9 times without taking decimal
2 rows X 9 = 18 rows. When we smock these 18 rows the length we get = 4.2 x 9= 37.8 cm
It is 2.2 cm less than 40 cm. it can be made up by adding 1 .1 cm on either side. To this add 1 cm on either side as border.
So the graph will have 18 rows each row having 20 squares
Width of the material=20 squares x 3cm=60cm + 6cm=66cm
Length of the material = 18 X 3 cm =54 cm + 4.2 cm=56.2 cm
Material needed =66 cm Χ 56.2 cm

Method of calculating material need for Canadian smocking -"Arrow head design"

2010-12-05T14:20:00.009+05:30

Material need for Canadian smocking depends upon the flowing things

1. Size of the finished material we need.
2. Design we select.
3. Size of the square in the graph we use for smocking.

For each design I have arrived at a general formula using mathematics .By just substituting the numbers in the formula we can find out the width of the material by calculating how many squares we need in a row. We can calculate the length of the material needed by calculating how many squares we need in a column.
Diagonal of the square plays a great role in this. I will give you approximate values diagonals of the squares we normally use.
Diagonal of a square of 2 cm =2 .8 cm
Diagonal will be for square of 2 .5 cm = 3.5 cm
Diagonal will be for square of 3 cm = 4.2 cm
Diagonal will be for square of 4 cm= 5.7 cm

Method of calculating material need for a cushion of "Arrow head design"

Cushion size 40 cm X 40 cm

Arrow head design

Size of the square used in the graph= 3 cm

General formula to calculate width of the material

No of squares needed in row = (width of the finished smocked material needed x 4) ÷ diagonal of the square
General formula to calculate length of the material

No of squares in a column = (length of the finished smocked material needed X 2) ÷ Diagonal of the square

Method of calculating the width of the material

No of squares needed in a row = (40 cm X 4) ÷ 4.2 = 38 squares
Material needed for 38 squares =38 X 3 cm = 114 cm
Width of the material needed =114 cm + 2 cm for seams =116 cm

Method of calculating the length of the material

No of squares in a column = (length of the finished smocked material needed X 2) ÷ Diagonal of the square
No of squares in a column = (40 cm X 2) ÷ 4.2 = 19 squares
Material needed for 19 squares =19 X 3 cm =57 cm + 2 cm for seams =59 cms.

Please note that the number of squares in a row should be of even number.
First row and last row are smocked by joining 2 points

The remaining rows are smocked in pairs by the method of joining 3 points.
In the same manner we can calculate the material needed for different sizes of cushions done with different sizes of squares.

"Flower basket" in dimensional embroidery

2010-12-03T12:29:00.004+05:30

In this design I have used stitches which are used in Brazilian embroidery. I have used double cast on stitch for small pink flowers which are wrapped by daisy stitch.It has got an embossed effect.For big flowers I have used pistil stitches of different lengths.Flower centers are done with French knots.I did applique work for basket ,once again I have used double cast on stitch for the bars.

Dimensional embroidery with bullion stitches

2010-11-19T12:56:00.001+05:30

Dimensional embroidery using Anchor pearl cotton threads - closeup view

2010-11-12T11:44:00.003+05:30

Here are the closeup views of the design.

Dimensional embroidery using Anchor pearl cotton threads

2010-11-11T20:34:00.003+05:30

Various stitches from" Take a Stitch Tuesday"

2010-10-30T00:16:00.001+05:30

Here are the different types of stitches from " Take a Stitch Tuesday".I had not done them before as I was not well.

Canadian smocked cushion By the method of joining 4 points

2010-10-17T09:17:00.007+05:30

Draw graph on the reverse of the fabric .Smocking is done by joining 4 points

Cushion with Hexagons by the method of joining 4 points

2010-10-07T21:42:00.002+05:30

I have worked this cushion on a graph of 2,5cm squares. Finished smocked piece will be 42 cm x 42.5cm.

White cushions with Canadian smocking reverse of 'Bee cottage design"

2010-10-07T14:57:00.006+05:30

These cushions are done by the method " Joining 4 points. " It is the reverse of " Bee cottage " design.Smocking is done on graph of 3cm squares.Border of 7.5cm is marked all around.Finished smocked piece will beof size( 7.5cm +3cm+9cm+3cm+9cm+3cm+7.5cm) =42cm x 42cm. Size of finished cushion will be 40cm x 40cm

Canadian smocking design "Bones"

2010-09-04T19:03:00.001+05:30

The method of making round cushion-- part 2 Continued from older posts........

2010-08-31T15:43:00.002+05:30

The method of making round cushion with Canadian smocking part 1

2010-08-31T15:36:00.002+05:30

Materials needed

Satin cloth 70 cm x 176 cm
2 big cloth covered buttons

I could not get buttons of the size I wanted. I got plastic disks having 5 cm diameter cut from school badge maker, made two holes using hot nails, passed a thick thread through the holes and tied a knot. I then covered them with sponge sheet and fabric.

Design used -- leaf design
Size of the square used --3cm x 3cm

Mark the graph as shown in the figure leaving 1 cm all around for seams. Squares should come in the center and the parallel lines on the sides. You can do the smocking by just drawing the squares in the middle.I prefer to draw lines at the sides also. We can use these lines as guide lines while pleating. Finish the edges by Zigzag stitches. This stops the edges from fraying and hindering our work while smocking. The squares that are marked along the length (176 cm) should always be of an even number. This decides the circumference of the cushion. The squares marked along the width depend upon the design and thickness of the cushion we want. The length of the parallel line decides the diameter of the cushion.

Join the shorter edges together matching the graph as shown in the figure to form a tube. Do the smocking by joining two points together. This forms a cover for a round cushion

Measure the circumference and width of the smocked tube. Stitch inner cushion of the same size of the smocked piece as illustrated in the figures.
Cover the inner cushion with smocked cover as shown in the figures.

I have used the smocked piece to make a cushion cover and not to make a cushion. By doing so we can smock as many covers as we want and can store them in a small place.We can change them whenever we want by untying the knot that holds the the pleats on one side. Long thread can be used while stitching the pleats and then the extra thread remains after tying cab be pushed in side the opening.By doing so we need not stitch the pleats again. Washing covers is easier than washing cushions.
There is another method in which poly fill is directly filled in the smocked cover and openings are covered with cloth covered buttons.

Continued in newer posts.............

TAST 2010 Week 26 Chained Cross Stitch

2010-08-27T15:50:00.001+05:30

This is my trial of chained cross stitch

Round cushion with leaf design

2010-08-25T14:20:00.002+05:30

Method of calculating the fabric needed for smocking done by joining two points- "Leaf design"

2010-08-23T13:00:00.003+05:30

Measurement of the cushion= 40 cm x 40 cm.
Size of the squares on which smocking is done= 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm
Design= " Leaf design"
Two columns of squares marked with diagonals are worked together while smocking. These form one column of smocked design. These columns are separated by columns of gaps on which smocking is not done.
Two columns of diagonals are separated by one column of gap. These are repeated to get the measurement we need.
First and last columns should be of columns with diagonals.
So there will be even numbers of smocked columns and gaps will one less.
In the above design square which are marked green are the squares on which smocking is done.
Draw a square of side 2.5 cm and measure its diagonal. If we are accurate it will be 3.535. Let us take 3.5 cm.
After smocking 4 squares of the first column (filled with red stripes) the width will be half of the diagonal that is 1.75 cm.
The length will be equal to the diagonal of the square that is 3.5 cm.
There will be no change in the measurement of gaps
Keeping this calculation as basis we have to find out the number of squares we have to mark in each row and how many rows we need to get the size of cushion we need.

Width

Width of 2 smocked squares + 1 gap = 1.75 cm + 2.5 cm =4.25 cm .By dividing the width of the cushion by 4.25.
40/4.25 = 9.41
We have to repeat the design 9 times 4.25 x 9= 38.25
Last column of smocked squares =1.75 cm
So we need 10 pairs of columns marked with diagonals separated by 9 columns of gaps.
We have to mark 29 squares in each row
Width of these squares after smocking will be
1.75 cm x 10 no’s =17.5 cm
Width of 9 gaps =2.5 cm x 9 =22.5 cm
2.5 cm border added on each side for seams and for wastage while stitching.
2.5 c m x 2 no’s =5 cm
Total =17.50 cm +22.50 cm + 5 c m= 45 cm.

Length

After smocking 2 rows will be equal to the diagonal of the square we are working on.
Length of 2 rows after smocking =3.5 cm
Divide length of the cushion 40 cm by 3.5 cm
40/3.5 cm= 11. We have to repeat these two rows 11 times.
We have to mark 22 rows.
2.5 cm border is added on each side for seams and for wastage while smocking.

Material needed

Width= (2.5 cm x 29) + 5 cm =77.5 cm
Length= (2.5 cm x 22 rows) + 5 cm = 60 cm
In the same way you can calculate the material needed for cushions of different sizes and of different designs .If you change the measurement of the square of the graph calculate the diagonal accordingly and proceed.

Do Canadian smocking by joining two points following the above graph

TAST 2010 Week 25 Vandyke Stitch

2010-08-19T18:22:00.002+05:30

This is my trial of Vandyke stitch.I feel it is suitable for borders and ferns.Best for centipedes and millipedes !

Cushion with squares Graph

2010-08-17T18:59:00.001+05:30

Siennese stitch

2010-08-10T20:45:00.001+05:30

This week Sharon has introduced siennese stitch.This is my trial

Waved chain stitch

2010-08-04T16:43:00.001+05:30

This stitch is from TAST 2010 week 23 from Sharonb's pin tangle.I am taking part in this challenge for the first time.It is fun.We can see how a particular stitch can be used in different ways.I feel this stitch is suitable for sea weeds,ferns and cacti.Using this I have also done some cute flowers and a small butterfly.

cushion with squares

2010-07-30T18:42:00.001+05:30

Coushion with" Flowers and buds" design-- continued

2010-07-22T13:39:00.001+05:30

Continued from the Older post

Step 1

Draw the graph on the reverse of the fabric with squares of your choice. Smock the each block with “FLOWERS AND BUDS” design.
Step 2

Join the folds form at the back of the design by using METHOD 1 or METHOD To get good embossed effect, keep a sponge piece of same size of the gap, in the middle and stitch the folds together .Attach a lining for this smocked piece and then stitch the cushion.

Cushion with "Flowers and buds" design

2010-07-22T12:13:00.001+05:30

Material needed .

In this design to calculate the width of the material that remains after smocking we have to just subtract the width of the squares marked “X”. I have drawn the design with squares whose sides are 3x3 .The length and width of portion A will be 7 x 3 =21 cm to find out the width of material that remains after smocking subtract the width of the square ,which is marked ‘X’. That is 3 x 4=12 cm. The width of the material after smocking is 21-12=9cm.The same calculation holds good for length also. You can arrange the blocks according to the measurements of your cushion. In this design width will be 10+9+8+9+10=46 cm. Length is the same.Seam allowance is included in this.

Tips
Secure the material well on to the working table with 3M tape and then draw the graph. Neatness depends upon the graph we draw. Always use matching thread for smocking. I use 3 strands of Anchor thread. Stitches taken should be uniform. After drawing the graph “Zig- Zag” the sides. I prefer to give lining to the smocked fabric and then stitch the cushion. This type of smocking is not elastic as English smocking. So it is better to stitch loosely fitted cushion covers.

Continued.............

Design "Flowers and buds"

2010-07-16T15:02:00.001+05:30

In Canadian smocking “Bee cottage” design is very useful. Both right side and wrong side of the design are beautiful.
Using the wrong side of the design we can make varieties of designs. It is like our Indian “Rangoli" Once we master the technique we can create as many designs as we want. I will show you how to produce a beautiful flower pattern from the reverse of the pattern “Bee cottage”. I do not know it’s real name. I feel like naming it as” Flowers and buds”
Draw squares of the dimensions of your choice on the wrong side of the fabric.Mark X . as shown in the graph.These are the squares in which smocking is done
After smocking the square marked X disappears .Width and the length of the smocked piece is equal width of the square x total number of gaps.

Method of doing "Flower design" in Canadian smocking

2010-07-14T17:14:00.001+05:30

In Flower design folds are created by joining 4 points of a square. From this stitch we can create as many designs as we want. It has got many names. One of them is" Bee cottage."
Flower design is worked on the right side of the fabric. We cannot draw squares on the right side of the fabric as it shows. Only dots should be marked.Both the sides of this design are used to create designs.

Mark rows of dots 2 cm or 3 cm or 4 cm apart on right side of the fabric according to the design and according to your taste. I find it difficult to mark dots in the front. So as usual I secure the fabric to my working table with 3M tape and draw squares back side of the fabric. Then I transfer the corner points of the squares to the right side with the help of a light colored carbon paper.

Method of doing "Leaf design" in Canadian smocking

2010-07-12T17:27:00.001+05:30

This is Leaf design in Canadian smocking.I have used 2cm square graph.I feel if I had used 1.5cm graph the design would have been more delicate.

Round cushion Using design "Rows of arrows"

2010-07-09T15:30:00.002+05:30

I have used the design "Rows of arrows" in this cushion.

Cushion done with Canadian smocking using design "Rows of arrows".

2010-07-04T12:49:00.002+05:30

I have done this cushion using the design " Rows of arrows"

Closeup view

Canadian smocking by joining two points-design 3 - "Matrix design"

2010-06-28T17:30:00.001+05:30

Canadian smocking by joining 2 points.design 2-Braid

2010-06-27T17:16:00.001+05:30

Rows of aCanadian smocking by joing 3 points" "Arrows"

2010-06-26T16:02:00.003+05:30

I call this design" Arrows".There should be name to each graph for reference .Then it will be easy to follow the tutorial

Canadian smocking by joining 2 points Shell design

2010-06-24T16:27:00.011+05:30

Shell pattern

In shell pattern two dots are connected with pulled stitches which are knotted and separated by a slack knotted stitch.
Mark squares of 2 .5 cm x 2.5 cm on the wrong side of the fabric. Mark the red diagonal lines that represents pulled stitch. Mark the numbers 1,2,3,4,....while learning, as it will be easier to follow the diagram.
.Stitch with 3 strands of Anchor thread of the colour that matches the fabric. Folds look good if satin material is used.Follow the steps and stitch all the rows.2 rows of the squares are used at a time. I have explained them with images. please see below.

How to do Canadian smocking

2010-06-22T18:06:00.001+05:30

In Canadian smocking folds are created by pulled stitches alternated by slack stitches at equal intervals using a grid of dots as guide line. Usually it is worked on the reverse of the fabric except for ” The flower “design. When fabric is gathered from the back side beautiful pattern is formed in the front .This type of smocking is not as elastic as English smocking. Beautiful cushions and bags can be prepared with this type of smocking. Canadian smoking is also called North American smocking and Lattice smocking. This type of smocking is very quick and easy to do . The neatness of the work depends upon the grid of dots that is marked on the fabric. I prefer to draw square graph of required dimension. It is easy to draw squares of required width by using ruler of the same width. That is if you want to draw squares of 2” use a scale of 2” wide.

Preparation of the fabric

Step 1

Iron and remove wrinkles if there are any.

A margin of required width is left by drawing margin lines on all the four sides of the fabric using a tailor's chalk.Now we have to mark squares of required width.

Step 2

Use a scale of required width and draw parallel lines to the margin of one side.

Step 3

In the same manner draw perpendicular lines
Thus the fabric is divided in to squares of required width.I prefer to produce the lines beyond the margin lines as it helps while finishing the work.
Now the fabric is ready to smock.

In Canadian smocking folds can be created in three ways.
1. By joining two points
2. By joining three points and
3. by joining 4 points.
Further variations can be made under each method by changing size of the square, by leaving gaps between rows or columns and by drawing rectangle grid instead of square grid. Using flower type stitch in-between.In my next post I will explain the method of smocking various designs.

Neck design

2009-12-09T23:40:00.000+05:30

Aari work

2009-12-09T23:34:00.000+05:30

How to wash ribbon embroidery

2009-10-08T08:58:00.000+05:30

It is better to prewash the ribbons before starting the project. Soak the ribbons separately in salt water for 30 minutes. This sets the colour. Rinse with clean water, wash with mild soap,drip dry and Iron.

Finished projects can be washed gently by hand or by machine using a mild soap. While doing machine wash put the finished project in a bag stitched with mosquito net cloth and do gentle wash. By doing so embroidery will not get spoiled. Drip dry. Hang or dry flat.

To Iron spread the project face down on a terry cloth towel and Iron around the design. While ironing on the embroidered area do not press. Iron it with less pressure. Spray little water on the flattened ribbon flowers. They will regain the shape. Arrange the petals by hand and dry

Multi-petal flower -Dog rose

2009-09-13T21:47:00.000+05:30

Multi - petal ribbon flower can be done done by using one continuous length of ribbon. Ribbon is divided into equal portions depending upon the number of petals. Length of the ribbon used for a petal depends upon the width of the ribbon. Here ribbon width is used as a scale. It is called RW
5 petal flower needs 2 to 2 ½ RW
4 petal flowers needs 3 RW
3 petal flower needs 4.RW

Step 1

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Take a length of ribbon 5x2 ½ RW + 2x¼ inch for seams .If the ribbon width is 1 inch 13 inches of ribbon is required. Make sure the cut edges are straight. Apply fabric glue on both cut edges. Mark lines ¼ inch away from both the edges .Divide the remaining portion of the ribbon into five divisions of 2½ inches wide

Step 2

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Thread two strands of matching thread to a needle and using running stitch, stitch as shown in the figure. I have used different colour thread so that it is easily visible. Corners should be rounded. After stitching one division pull the thread a little. Needle comes out from the back of the ribbon or from the front of the ribbon. At this stage if the needle comes out from back start stitching the other division from the front. If needle comes out from the front start stitching from the back. By doing so the thread will wrap over the selvedge. This helps the thread to gather up easily .Remove the needle from the thread.

Step 3

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Keeping right sides together sew the short edges together on the seam line.

Step 4

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Take the ends of running stitch thread and pull gently gathering ribbon in to five petals. Stitch the flower on to a small piece of buckram cloth. Take desired amount of stamens bundle them in the centre with a thread. Stitch this in the middle of the flower. French knots or pistil stitches can also be used instead of stamens.

Gatehred flowers

2009-09-11T20:35:00.000+05:30

There are many types of ribbon flowers. Simple one is gathered flower.
Step 1 Cut 12 inches of 1 inch wide satin ribbon. Seal the edges with fabric glue Join the edges with back stitch using matching thread.
Step 2 Make running stitch all along one edge using double strands of thread.
Step 3 Pull the thread to form gathers and put tight knots and using two ends of the thread. Arrange the gathers.
Step 4 Embellish the flower with pollens or beads.

Ribbon embroidery with ribbon flowers

2009-09-11T11:13:00.000+05:30

At last I finished this project!Ribbon flowers are done separately and fixed to the cloth.Ribbon embroidery is not like crewel embroidery.While stitching some times ribbons take unexpected turn and give a different shape.We cannot unravel the stitch and do it again.Quality of the ribbon and the base cloth also play great role.I like this embroidery because it does not strain my eyes!

how to make tassels or" kuchhu" for pallu of a sari

2009-08-04T18:18:00.006+05:30

Tassels are also called fringes. They give grand and elegant look for a sari. In silk saris threads will be left while weaving for tying tassels. Some saris do not have them. We can still beatify them by adding tassels

Step 1

Stitch the edge of the sari with a small hem. Cut 8 or 10 strands of matching silk thread (machine embroidery thread) of equal length. Length depends upon the design and taste. Fold the strands to form a loop. Insert a thin crochet hook through the stitched edge of the sari and draw the loop a little.

Step 2

Pass the loose ends of the silk thread through the loop and pull. A knot will be formed.
Continue this along the edge of the pallu.Make the fringes ¼” apart. Trim the edges evenly. This is the foundation row. This is single knot fringe. Trim the edges evenly

Double knot fringe and other variations

Make the foundation row. Pick half the numbers of the strands of the first fringe and half the no of the strands of the second fringe and tie a knot continue till the end. Care must be taken so that the tension is same. The distance between the knots and the edge of the pallu should be kept same .Trim the edges. You can do as many rows as you want.

There are other variations. We can group them and tie knots.We can add beads also.It is up to our creativity

French knot and Daisy stitch flower

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Daisy stitch flower

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I have used daisy stitch for sun flower

Twriled roses

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Ribbon flowers

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I have used straight stitch for the blue flower and ribbon stitch for red flower

Nice place to share

2009-04-03T23:40:00.000+05:30

Visit stitchin fingers

Loop flower

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This is another type of loop flower.In this flower, loops are small.This is got by inserting the needle through the fabric near to the needle which is kept across .

Alton loop

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This stitch is used to stitch various types of flowers. Bring the needle out at the point A. Lay it flat on the fabric in the direction of the petal. Keep a needle across the ribbon at B according to the length of the petal AB will be the length of the petal .Fold the ribbon above the needle and insert the needle through the ribbon at the point A” near A and pull slowly .A loop is formed.

French knot.

2009-03-06T15:25:00.000+05:30

French knot is used for flower centers,small bunch of flowers and berries It is worked with 2mm ribbon.Bring the needle up through the fabric at the point A. Wrap the needle once with the ribbon and insert the needle at the point B very near to A and pull.

Split stitch

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Split stitch is also worked from left to right. Bring the ribbon up through the fabric at the point A . Push the needle down at the point B and make a straight stitch. Bring the needle up at the point C behind A and push the needle at the point D, The midpoint in the straight stitch AB and continue. It looks like chain stitch. Good for stems.on stitch (as shown) at the tip C.

Lazy daisy stitch

2009-03-06T12:55:00.000+05:30

Bring needle through the fabric at A. Take a stitch A” B. A” will be very near to A. Wrap the ribbon around the needle tip, bringing remaining ribbon down at the right side. Pull the needle through. Finish off with a straight stitch or a ribbon stitch (as shown) at the tip C.

Fly stitch

2009-03-06T11:51:00.000+05:30

Bring the ribbon through the fabric at A .Hold it down with the left thumb and insert the needle to the right on the same level at B little distance from where the thread first emerged. Take a small stitch downwards to the center at C with the ribbon below the needle. Pull through and insert the needle at D below the thread, as shown.

Stem stitch

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This is an out line stitch which is worked from left to right.Bring the thread through on the design line at A and hold it down with the thumb. Insert the needle at B and bring it out at C, midway between A and B and pull the thread. Hold the ribbon down with the thumb and insert the needle at D, bringing it out at B.Continue in this way, making each stitch exactly the same length.

Back stitch

2009-03-05T20:04:00.000+05:30

Back stitch 2mm ribbon suits this stitch. Bring the thread through the fabric at A on the stitch line and then pierce the needle through the fabric at B Bring the needle up through the fabric again at C , a point little in front of the first stitch. Then take another stitch, inserting the needle at the point A and continue.

Straight stitch

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Bring the needle up through the fabric at the point A and pierce back at the point B.If the ribbon is flat you get one type of stitch .If the ribbon is twisted you will get another type. This stitch can be used for petals and spokes

Basic stitches in ribbon embroidery

2009-03-05T18:20:00.000+05:30

Basic stitches used in ribbon embroidery are Straight stitch,Back stitch,Stem stitch,Fly stitch,Ribbon stitch and Split stitch.I have explained Ribbon stitch already.2mm ribbon is suited for these stitches .Wider ribbons can also be used for ribbon stitch.

Butterfly stitch instructions

2009-03-03T20:49:00.000+05:30

This stitch is stitched using two colours.Straight lines are stitched using one colour and another colour thread is woven in to the straight stitch. When the design is finished design will be beautifully shaded. This stitch is suitable for flowers and leaves with smooth edges.

Draw design of your choice. Fill it with straight foundation stitch according to the design. ( Figure A-white thread) Weave these stitches with contrasting thread. (Figure B -Pink thread). For weaving tapestry needle is recommended. Take a small stitch in the fabric at the beginning of each row. This helps to keep the shape of the design.

Butterfly stitch.

2009-03-01T21:03:00.000+05:30

I have done this flower using Butterfly stitch.Two shades blend nicely.

How to finish the work

2009-02-27T14:10:00.000+05:30

Tie a slip knot on the wrong side of the needle work to secure the stitch in place and cut the end of the ribbon. It can also be done by securing the ribbon to the main fabric by very small stitches of matching thread.I prefer the second method.In this ribbon will not fray.

Ribbon embroidery -Ribbon stitch flower

2009-02-27T11:49:00.001+05:30

Ribbon embroidery -Ribbon stitch or Japanese stitch

2009-02-27T11:06:00.001+05:30

This stitch is also called Japanese stitch. Bring the needle from the back of the fabric to the front at A. Pull the ribbon in the direction where the tip of the stitch will be. Hold the ribbon flat on the fabric the direction of the petal. Move the needle under the ribbon to make the ribbon puff up a little and not flat. Hold the ribbon in place with your thumb. Pierce the ribbon in the center of the ribbon at B.Pull the needle and ribbon to the back of the fabric slowly . Ribbon curls itself slightly at B.

Ribbon embroidery -How to knot the end

2009-02-25T17:13:00.001+05:30

How to knot the end of the ribbon -Fold ½ inch of the ribbon end and pass the needle through the two layers and pull the needle. Pass the needle between the two layers and pull. A soft knot is formed

Ribbon embroidery -Threading the needle

2009-02-25T11:40:00.001+05:30

Threading the ribbon. Ribbon is locked to the needle by using locking stitch so that needle will not slip while stitching. Thread one end of the ribbon through the eye and again insert the needle into the ribbon1/2 “from the end that was just threaded through. Pull on the opposite end of the ribbon to lock the ribbon onto the needle. This is called a lock stitch

Ribbon embroidery tutorial

2009-02-25T10:22:00.001+05:30

Ribbon embroidery is an ancient and beautiful craft. Ribbon embroidery is basically done using ribbon Silk ribbon is available in a wide variety of widths, Most commonly used in embroidery are: 2mm, 4mm and 7mm. 2mm is used for French knots, small leaves , buds, and daisies; 4mm is used for flowers and leaves and 7mm for gathered flowers, petals of open-faced flowers and large leaves.

Chenille needle used in ribbon embroidery which has got sharp point and large eye. Sharp point helps to pierce through the fabric and ribbon easily .Large eye helps ribbon to pass through it without crumpling. The size of the ribbon determines the size of the needle:
2mm - needle size 22 or 24
4mm - needle size 20 or 22
7mm - needle size 18.

Usually ribbon embroidery is done on silk fabric.Loosely woven fabric is suitable for this embroidery .Tightly woven material is not suitable. It can be worked on sweaters. While working on sweaters tapestry needle should be used

Threading the needle and knotting the end of the ribbon is different from crewel embroidery.

Ribbon embroidery" Circle of flowers"

2009-02-18T18:45:00.001+05:30

Ribbon embroidery is a dimensional embroidery.In this embroidery I have used Split stitch,Back stitch,Japanese ribbon stitch and french knots.Roses are twirled roses

Zardosi work

2009-02-01T19:01:00.000+05:30

I did zardosi work for my my daughter's dress.It is a simple design.I have used wiped running stitch and lazy-daisy stitch.