Cross stitch. Successful start. Basic skills and basics of embroidery Secrets of beautiful embroidery

Since ancient times, embroidery has been one of the most fashionable hobbies of the rich nobility. They embroidered with satin stitch, cross stitch, half cross stitch, and ribbons. Learning to cross stitch is not difficult at all. Follow the basic rules of embroidery and you will get amazing results.

First of all, choose the pattern of the drawing that you will depict on the canvas. Then you will need to select the first hoop. The most important thing – the desire of a novice needlewoman to continue embroidering – depends on how comfortable they are. The next step is to select canvas and a special embroidery needle with a blunt end and, finally, select floss thread in the desired shades and colors.

The first steps of a beginning needlewoman

Nowadays in special craft stores you can simply find huge selection embroidery kits, check out the link http://fancywork-ua.com/article/choosing-kits-for-cross-stitch. In the Fancywork embroidery and handicraft store you can purchase counted cross stitch embroidery kits Charivna Mit, Juno, Luca-S, Novaya Sloboda, Povitrulya, Matrenin Posad. The purchased kit will already contain everything you need for needlework, but some hobbyists prefer to make the diagrams themselves.

We select the design that we would like to depict, and using a special program on the computer we convert it into an embroidery pattern. Next, we prepare the canvas by sewing thread around its edges. In order to start embroidery, you must first fold the canvas in four and mark the resulting center with a dot, then calculate from the cells on the diagram how much the length and width of the embroidery will be from the center. Some needlewomen begin embroidery from the center of the canvas, while others, having calculated the length and width from the center, determine the beginning from the lower left corner, that is, from left to right, as if we were writing a unique work with threads.

In order not to spoil the embroidery,

It is recommended not to make knots when securing the thread. Starting with the first stitch, secure the thread with subsequent stitches, and when the thread runs out, you can secure its end under the embroidery on the wrong side. If you want to get an even and clear pattern, then the stitches should be placed in one direction: first the first stitch from left to right, then the second on top of the first, from right to left.

If according to the pattern you need to make two rows, then, without interrupting, we draw the first stitches first from the bottom row from left to right, then with the second stitches from right to left. We embroider the bottom row to the last square and, without finishing it completely, go to the top row, and then do the same manipulations again.

If, according to the pattern, you need to embroider separate crosses, then it is best to embroider each of them completely at once. You can also, if the design requires it, skip a few squares on the canvas: to do this, just stretch the thread between the desired squares on the wrong side. Sometimes on the diagram some details seem difficult to implement, but in reality everything turns out to be completely different. As you gain experience through practice, you gain the necessary skills. Good luck!

Embroidery is one of the most common and favorite activities of needlewomen of all ages. Among the variety of types of embroidery, cross stitch is the most attractive and has not lost its popularity since its inception. This was partly due to the wide possibilities of this technique - they embroider cross-stitch patterns on clothes, tablecloths, pillows, napkins and other accessories and decorative items, as well as create paintings and panels, while embroidery provides almost endless possibilities for realizing the most different ideas– from simple pictures to paintings of world classics.

From the lesson you will learn:

Cross stitch

Cross stitch is a method of embroidering a design onto canvas using a needle and colored thread (floss) or other embroidery threads using the cross stitch technique. Cross stitch is a countable type of needlework. The main element is the cross stitch, which consists of two intersecting oblique stitches. There are quite a few types of cross; in cross stitch, the full cross or half cross technique is usually used.

Simple cross– represents two diagonal crossing stitches. As a rule, it starts from the top right diagonally down to the left, and ends from the bottom right diagonally down to the left. An important feature of cross stitching: all top stitches must lie flat and in one direction, lower - in the opposite direction.

Half cross- This is the first stitch when making a simple cross.

- a technique that is used less frequently due to its greater labor intensity. It is an alternation of simple crosses and small straight lines between them.

You can also distinguish other types of “cross”: elongated cross, elongated cross with stitching, Slavic cross, straight cross, alternating crosses, “Star”, Leviathan, Rice stitch, Italian cross.

Let's look at how to master cross stitch for beginners, where to start and what you will need for this.

Cross stitch techniques

The cross stitch is the easiest stitch to master. Even novice craftswomen will be able to perform simple cross stitch, because mastering the technique will not require much time and effort. Cross stitch is easy to learn and for children. For them, this is not only an exciting activity, but also a hobby that helps in the development of artistic taste and a sense of beauty, which fosters perseverance and the ability to concentrate.

There are several ways to make a cross:

1. Classic cross stitch technique - English method or “Back needle”

The traditional way of cross stitching, also called English, consists of sequentially performing each individual cross.

2. Danish way

Using the Danish method involves making all the bottom stitches in a row, from left to right horizontally, then, after completing the row, closing them with the top stitches, following in the reverse order.

3. Simple Diagonal

Procedure: Using this technique, embroider, making stitches from the bottom up first, remembering to alternate the bottom and top, and then in the reverse order - from top to bottom.

3.1. Double diagonal (from left to right)

To try this technique, take a close look at the diagram. The embroidered section is represented by a double chain of red squares.

Procedure: Start stitching from the bottom using two single stitches in parallel squares. Once you've finished a side, work your way back down, covering the stitches and making crosses.

The step-by-step diagram is shown in the figure:

The technique of embroidering diagonally from right to left is very different from the same one, but from left to right, despite the apparent similarity. If you have already mastered the double diagonal from left to right, then be careful when performing this technique.

Procedure: Start embroidering from the bottom, moving gradually upward. Diagonal stitches must be completed by finishing the cross, only in the outer row. Having reached the end, go back, finishing the diagonal stitches with crosses in the inner row.

The step-by-step diagram is shown in the figure:

Procedure: Start stitching from the top, making diagonal stitches downwards. Once done, continue upward, finishing the crosses with the top stitches.

The step-by-step diagram is shown in the figure:

Procedure: Start embroidering with the longest row. Use diagonal stitches. Once you move on to a row with fewer stitches and complete it, do not sew the entire subsequent row with more stitches at once. Having completed the fragment, complete the diagonal stitches in rows with a large number of filled “cells” of the canvas, going up. Next, complete the crosses as indicated in the diagram.

Step-by-step diagram:

6. Tapestry (half-cross)

Separately, it is worth mentioning the “Tapestry” technique. Many people love this technique due to the time it saves.

The tapestry stitch is a half-cross stitch that is sewn from left to bottom to right to top. When embroidering a row from right to left, the direction of the stitch changes - from right to top to left to bottom. The stitches run strictly parallel to each other. The thread should not be tightened when performing work.

An important feature of the “Tapestry” technique is the execution of stitches - they should all be directed in one direction, the canvas should be stretched tightly on the hoop, but not over-tightened to the point of distortion. If the fabric is not stretched during embroidery, then after completing the work it will be difficult to align the finished design.

Fasten the thread

There are no knots in a perfectly executed job. How to achieve this?

Start of embroidery

When starting to embroider, you need to secure the thread. This can be done as follows using the “Loop” method: a piece of floss thread must be folded in half in the middle and the resulting loop must be threaded into the eye of the needle. Insert the needle into the corner of the “cell” of the canvas so that the needle comes out on front side, and the loop that we made in the previous step remained on the wrong side. After making a small indent, bring the needle to the wrong side, thread it through the loop and tighten the knot. Next, we begin to embroider.

If you still have questions about securing the thread, then in the video you can see in detail how the “Loop” method is performed.

Continued work

Another common type of working with thread is attaching a new thread. This technique may be needed in cases where it is necessary to change the color of the thread or the working thread has run out. In order to carefully attach new thread, carefully pull it under a few stitches from the back of the picture to the place where you will begin working with it. Make a backstitch at this point and continue embroidering.

Completing the embroidery

To complete the embroidery, secure the thread using the “back needle” technique. This can be done in a similar way to attaching a thread. Pass the remaining tail, approximately 5 centimeters long, through several of the nearest stitches from the wrong side. Secure it with a backstitch. Ready.

Choosing and working with floss

Traditionally, special threads called floss.

Floss is a yarn produced in a factory, or less often by hand, produced specifically for embroidery, as well as other types of needlework.

You can choose any thread for your project, even regular sewing thread (best used for simple paintings only), however, as a rule, it is better to choose from cotton or silk floss. In some cases, thin wool yarn is suitable.

Floss comes in a variety of colors and shades. Modern production does not limit itself, trying to please even the most sophisticated craftswomen, and provides customers with a wide range of colors - from classic shades to the rarest.

Needles

Embroidery needles do not require any special parameters - any will do. Just remember a few nuances that will help you simplify the needlework process and make beautiful and neat embroidery.

1. Pay attention to the shape and size of the eye of the needle. The thread should be easily inserted into it, but the canvas should not be deformed when it passes through it.

2.If you have a large weave canvas, take a medium-thick needle with a blunt tip.

3. The thickness of the needle depends on the density of the canvas: the denser it is, the thinner the needle.

Canvas

Canvas- this is the basis for embroidery. It is a specially made fabric, marked with squares, which are places for cross-stitching using threads. Canvas is made from various materials- cotton, linen, mixed materials, plastic.

In embroidery kits you can find canvas on which a design has already been applied. In the process of needlework, it is filled with embroidered crosses. This technique is called "printed cross". If the canvas is without a pattern, then the “counted cross” technique is used, i.e. you yourself will have to count the number of crosses.

If you choose the canvas yourself, then you should pay attention to its dimension. Dimension is a value from English traditions and means the number of crosses per inch of canvas. The size of the canvas can be determined by its marking (the number assigned to the canvas).

The following sizes are popular:

1. Canvas No. 14(55 cells per 10 cm) - suitable for beginner embroiderers. It is quite large, so it is easy to embroider on it without the need to use a magnifying glass or glasses. You can even embroider on it with double-layered threads to better fill the canvas. The embroidery on such a canvas turns out neat, but be prepared that the picture may turn out a little larger than on a canvas of a different size.
2. Canvas No. 16(60 cells per 10 cm) suitable for experienced embroiderers. The crosses on it will be smaller in size, so the picture itself is slightly smaller than on canvas No. 14, and the crosses will be denser. Here it is also recommended to embroider in two threads.
3. Canvas No. 18- very small (72 cells per 10 cm). To work with it you will need special devices (for example, a magnifying glass). You can embroider either with two threads or with one thread - depending on the desired embroidery density. This canvas is ideal for creating paintings that are highly realistic.

You can also find canvas No. 8 in stores - used for training (you can embroider with a cross, half-cross), No. 11 - used for simple circuits, as well as for embroidering tablecloths, napkins, etc., No. 20 is the smallest, used for tapestry stitch embroidery or to add elegance to ordinary embroidery.

There are several types of canvas for cross stitch - Aida (AIDA) And Hardanger. These are the most popular among needlewomen.

Aida canvas is most convenient for counted cross stitch, since the crosses are even and neat without much difficulty. It is made of 100% cotton, and the fabric is a warp of 4x4 threads that form crisp squares. Available in the following sizes: 8, 11, 14, 16, 18, 20.

Hardanger canvas is a linen fabric with a uniform weave, so the embroiderer herself determines the size of the crosses. Most often it is embroidered on it using the tapestry technique, but cross stitch or satin stitch embroidery is also possible. It is used only by experienced embroiderers, so for beginner needlewomen it is recommended to take Aida canvas.

An important point when working with canvas is the shrinkage of cotton canvas after washing. It occurs along the longitudinal line, so the correct cutting of the canvas is necessary so that the embroidered picture remains symmetrical and does not stretch out in height. This is most important for paintings covering the entire working surface; for paintings with an empty background, such deformation will be less noticeable.

Hoop

A hoop is a device for securing and tensioning the canvas. They come in different diameters and from different materials.

1. Plastic round hoop - convenient and inexpensive option for beginners. Lungs, wide choose diameters, but fragile. They can also deform the canvas if it is too “loose”.
2. Wooden hoops can be not only of different diameters, but also shapes (round, square, rectangular). Lightweight, comfortable, versatile, the canvas does not slip out of them like plastic ones. The main advantage is that the outer ring is open, its diameter is adjusted with a screw, so the canvas does not deform when fastened. If you have a wooden hoop, you can work with fabric of any thickness.
3. A frame hoop is a hoop and a frame in one. First, you stretch the embroidery canvas, and then hang it on the wall. Universal, a wide variety of shapes and sizes, they stretch the fabric well without deforming it.
4. Chair hoops are an option for those who are seriously interested in embroidery. Thanks to the leg with a “claw,” they are attached to a chair, which allows you to work with two hands. In addition to the fact that the process will go faster, your arms, back and neck will not get tired, since you will not need to hold the embroidery.

There are other types of hoops, but they are for professionals and are more expensive; for beginners, the listed options are quite enough.

The size of the hoop is very important: the larger the hoop, the fewer canvas fastenings will be required to embroider fragments of the picture, thereby reducing the chances of damaging the canvas. Otherwise, choose according to your taste and budget.

Selecting a ready-made embroidery kit

So, now you have all the necessary knowledge and equipment to start embroidering. It remains only to determine with a picture for embroidery. Manufacturers offer a wide range ready-made schemes and cross stitch kits, and the variety of ideas for paintings will inspire even the most fastidious needlewoman. Since you are just a beginning craftswoman, the best thing for you is not just patterns, but ready-made cross stitch kits. They contain everything you need for needlework, so you don’t have to choose canvas and floss for your future painting, and the diagram is equipped with useful notes, thanks to which you will immediately find the thread of the desired color in the set. All you have to do is choose an embroidery hoop and be patient and enthusiastic.

To ensure that your first embroidery project does not become your last, you need to carefully select a ready-made embroidery kit, otherwise you risk losing interest in creativity due to the complexity of the chosen embroidery.

How to choose the first cross stitch kit? These tips will be useful for beginners:

1. What size of painting should I choose?

Do not take large paintings with complex patterns. Yes, they are so beautiful that you will definitely want to embroider them all and hang them proudly on the wall. And you will definitely have such pictures, but it’s better to start with something simple in order to understand how to work with embroidery. The best option would be a 25x25 cm picture: this way you will practice, have time to get a taste for needlework, and the resulting picture will decorate your room.

2. Which drawing should I choose?

Paintings with a lot of small details are not suitable for beginners. In addition, this greatly delays the process. It is better to take a picture with large details: ornaments and “story” drawings (houses, toys, ships) can be embroidered fairly quickly.

For example, you can try this scheme:

If you like several sets, see which color scheme you like best and which threads will be more pleasant to work with. Also pay attention to the diagram included in the kit. Embroidery patterns are available in color and black and white. This is a matter of taste: some people like to immediately see the color on the diagram, while others think that black and white does not distract attention with a riot of colors, and the marks on it are more clearly expressed.

3. What canvas should be in the set?

Sets may include different canvas. Pay attention to the markings. The canvas number is assigned depending on the size and density of the crosses. Canvas No. 14 - perfect option for beginners. If the set contains canvas No. 16, the crosses will be smaller and denser, so it will be more difficult for you to embroider. Canvas No. 18 is the most difficult; here you may even need a magnifying glass.

4. What should be the first cross stitch kit?

First of all, you have to like him! Then embroidery will go easier, and needlework will be a joy.

Preparation of the workplace

The main requirement for the workplace is that you should be comfortable. Since embroidering will take more than one hour, the place should be comfortable. An easy chair is best.

The next requirement is lighting. You will be working with small details, so the place should be well lit so that you don't have to "strain your eyes" in semi-darkness. It is most convenient for the light to fall from the left side for right-handed people and from the right side for left-handed people. If you create in the evenings, then in addition to the chandelier, it is advisable to turn on a table lamp.

It is advisable to place the cross stitch pattern closer to the light source. Everything else is in random order.

That's it, you can start crafting!

Let's start cross stitching

If you bought the canvas separately, then before starting work you need to process the edges - overcast or coat with a special transparent varnish or glue.

To make it easier to work with the outline, you need to mark it. To do this, fold the canvas in half twice and iron the folded areas. Next, use a pencil or washable marker to mark the outline into 10x10 cm squares.

Don't forget to leave at least 5 cm of free canvas for seam allowances. This is necessary for better stretching of the embroidery onto the backing. If your work has an empty background, then remember how much space you want to leave from the drawing to the frame or mat.

Fix the canvas in the hoop so that the canvas lies flat, without distortion. Do not overtighten the canvas - this can deform it, and the canvas or embroidery will be damaged.

Choose the cross stitch technique that suits you and enjoy the process.

Completing embroidery and designing the finished work

After the embroidered picture is ready, it needs to be put in order and framed.

To remove the washable marker from the canvas, and also if your work gets a little dirty during the preparation process, soak it in warm soapy water and then rinse, but do not rub or wring it out. Dry the work in an upright position. After this, iron with an iron and steamer from the wrong side through a clean white fabric. Place another white cloth or sheet on the board before ironing to avoid accidental staining.

The finished picture can be framed for photographs or bought a special baguette.

Welcome everyone to my blog “All about embroidery”! Often girls come to me who just want to learn how to embroider, they say, tell me how to do it. Therefore, today I am publishing basic tips for beginners in cross stitch - the hot twenty, so to speak. Because in fact, there can be a lot of these tips - my entire blog talks about what news is in. 😉 But today my article is dedicated to those who have never embroidered before, but want to try their hand at this relaxing form of creativity.

Cross stitch for those who have not yet gotten acquainted with it should not seem like something very difficult. I suggest you study these tips - despite the abundance of information below, I assure you that embroidery is not difficult! 🙂

Buy a ready-made embroidery kit rather than downloading a pattern. The fact is that the ready-made kit already contains everything you need - canvas, threads, diagram, needle. And, or using from a magazine, you will have to independently calculate the required amount of floss and canvas and select a needle. This may turn you off from the process.

Don't immediately buy a large set with many colors and different types of stitches.

Firstly, than larger size embroidery, the higher the price of the finished set, and if you don’t complete the process, you will be sorry for the money spent. Secondly, the result of a small job will be obtained faster, which will give motivation for the next embroidery feats. Thirdly, you will be able to practice the correct execution of crosses, both on the face and on the face.

I don’t advise beginners to take on sets with dark canvas - this is quite a difficult job. I previously talked about all the subtleties and tricks when doing this.

In embroidery kits, the canvas is quite dense due to a special composition that gives it rigidity, but the edges of the canvas, as a rule, are not processed, so that the canvas does not crumble during embroidery.

If you still decide to take a larger embroidery kit, purchase one. With which you can draw the fabric into squares so that it doesn’t get lost while working on the pattern. Rules for working with markers are usually indicated on the packaging, and in my article I talked about different types markers and rules for their use.

Traditionally, beginners are advised to start embroidery from the middle of the pattern. But in reality, start from where you feel most comfortable.

I start every time new project from different places. 🙂 I can do it from the center, I can do it from the bottom left edge, I can do it from the top right edge...

Study the diagram and key carefully. , I have already told you in detail. Pay attention to what types of stitches are used, the number of folds of thread for the work (that is, how many threads to embroider).

Try to monitor the quality of lighting while embroidering. If you do not embroider during the day, use various additional light sources, or floor lamps.

It has been experimentally established that, on average, the working length of the thread should be about 30 cm, but not longer than 50 .

If you use a floss of a shorter length, there will be too much consumption, but if you take it longer than 50 cm, the floss will get confused and “twisted”.

Correct cross stitch is when all the top stitches are done in one direction (either \ or /). To ensure that all the crosses are exactly the same, try to insert the needle strictly into the same holes on the canvas.

Before you start embroidering, read the instructions to understand how to “put” a cross. I also advise you to read about techniques, methods, etc. Remember that knots are not allowed in cross stitch (unless it is, of course).

If you are afraid of getting confused and losing your place on the diagram where you left off, you can use a text highlighter that can be used to mark already embroidered icons. This is especially true for black and white schemes, in which it is difficult to distinguish characters.

Why is a highlighter better? So that if you suddenly find an error in an already embroidered fragment, then you can read the characters and correct it. Some embroiderers generally cherish the original scheme and make a photocopy of it, on which the sewn fragments are marked with a felt-tip pen or pen.

If you are using a hoop for the time when you are not embroidering, remove the canvas from them. Also, try not to over-tighten the fabric with the hoop.

The marks left by the hoop can damage already sewn crosses.

Remember that around the embroidered pattern, the free canvas should be at least 5-7 centimeters on each side. This is necessary in order to be able to properly straighten the fabric into the hoop and then fill it into a baguette.

Despite the fact that a needle with a blunt end is used for embroidery, still take care of the place where it is stored. Use a pincushion or.

Firstly, this way the needle will not be lost, and secondly, if you leave it in the canvas, you will get too large a hole, which will be too noticeable against the general background.

Try not to make long broaches on the wrong side, especially in those places where there are no crosses. Three reasons to avoid broaches:

1. high floss consumption;
2. broaches, as a rule, are very noticeable on the front side;
3. pulling the thread too far creates excessive tension in the fabric, which can lead to deformation of the entire work.

If you mixed up one or two crosses when embroidering the background, then you don’t have to unpick the threads when you start re-stitching. Errors in minor fragments are not noticeable in the overall picture. But if you mixed up the colors or deviated from the scheme when creating a face or outline, you will certainly have to. What errors there are, you can find out more.

As a rule, ready-made embroidery kits for beginners usually include light or white canvas. During embroidery, the fabric collects dust and sometimes gets dirty, so after finishing the embroidery, do not forget to wash it . All rules for washing embroidery. After the embroidery is finished and washed, it needs to be ironed properly. I haven’t talked about this in detail yet, but I promise to improve in the future. 😉

Pay attention to the design of the pattern you choose. Often designers who develop a story forget about the big picture. And as a result, the results are not critical, but still unpleasant incidents... I discussed in detail the issue of “formatting a picture,” that is, creating the correct visual concept, in a separate article.

It is advisable to think about the design of the finished work before starting embroidery. Will it be, or will it be, decorated with embroidery, or, or, or?

Actually, in my opinion, these are the main tips for beginners in cross stitch. After studying the information in this article and following the links that I provided, you will have the necessary minimum information to be armed and prepared for the process. Although, honestly, sometimes it’s more interesting to learn everything as you work, making small mistakes (well, big ones too 😉), because it’s from mistakes that you learn!

I wish all cross stitch lovers inspiration and easy, enjoyable processes!

Learning to cross-stitch all the secrets in the master class

Cross stitching is one of the most fun things to do. In fact, the hardest part about this is getting started. For those who are just taking their first steps, there are many lessons. They even contain photos and. However, it still doesn't work the way it does in the picture. But then how to learn how to cross stitch correctly. You just don’t need to initially try to cover everything at once. With a little patience, you will definitely master the cross stitch technique.

The beginning of time

In fact, in order to understand whether cross stitch is right for you, you don’t need to buy the entire assortment of the store. It is enough to purchase the simplest set or a small piece of canvas, floss and a pattern. Some needlewomen for beginners in cross-stitching do not even advise using a hoop, since the canvas is quite dense and it is very easy to drag it. However, to understand which will be more convenient, it is advisable to try both options.

Now you can start embroidering, following the pattern. It is advisable to do this correctly right away. What does it mean? Usually for the first job the choice falls on a small picture. Therefore, you should not think about the ideal reverse side at the first stage. After all, no one will see her anyway. It is much more important to do the front side perfectly. And this is not as simple as it seems at first glance.

In practice, the cross stitch technique looks like this. A floss thread in two or three folds is threaded through a needle. In this case, there will be no knots on it. The thread will be attached slightly differently. But how to do this will be discussed a little later. Now we are learning to embroider with the most common cross stitch.

In practice it looks like this. The thread is threaded from the upper right corner to the lower left, and such a half-cross makes the required number of crosses according to the pattern. Then the thread is led in the opposite direction: from the upper left corner to the lower right. Next, if necessary, move to a row higher or lower. Once the segment has been embroidered, you can secure the thread by passing it under the stitches.

You can more clearly see how cross-stitching is done, you can in the following. This video shows only the embroidery technique, however, without a good example it is difficult to take the first steps.

: learning to cross stitch

Attaching the thread

However, to embroider a picture so that you can easily see the picture from the inside, it is advisable to learn how to fasten the thread correctly. The “loop” method is most often used for these purposes. In fact, with its use, the thread is attached by itself. This is easy even for beginner needlewomen. So how to do this?

Securing the thread using the “Loop” method

The thread with floss is threaded in such a way that a small loop remains on the front side. Then, at a distance of 2-3 millimeters, the needle is brought out and threaded through the left loop. It tightens well, and now you can continue embroidery.

You can also secure the thread on a small cross stitch as follows. Embroider a few crosses, leaving the tip of the thread on the wrong side and holding it. Then thread it through the eye of the needle and simply slip it under the stitches from the inside out. This option is great for embroidering pictures. However, where the reverse will be visible, it is better to use a loop fastening. This applies, first of all, when it is planned to embroider a napkin, tablecloth or clothes.

: how to secure the thread

Perfect wrong side

Even for beginner embroiderers, it is quite affordable to make a product with an almost perfect wrong side. To do this, just follow simple rules. However, once again it is worth mentioning that it is not always advisable to spend time and effort on such work, for example, when embroidering paintings. In addition, an ideal reverse side increases the consumption of floss threads.

Firstly, all crosses on the front side must be done in one direction, and a picture or other product should be embroidered from the bottom up or vice versa. Thus, it is possible to achieve not only the perfect wrong side, but also the fact that the embroidery will not be pulled to one side.

Secondly, all work must be done without knots. How this is done has already been described above. At the end of the embroidery, the remaining thread is hidden under the stitches on the wrong side. It is very important that the dark floss is secured under the dark ones, and vice versa. The only exception is those cases when this is not possible. For example, if you need to embroider a black eye on a pale pink face.

Thirdly, when embroidering segments of the same color, you should not transfer the thread by more than 3-4 crosses. Not only will such cross-stitching be untidy, it can greatly increase the consumption of threads. When embroidering dresses or tablecloths, where you can accidentally catch on such threads, you should refuse such transitions. Maximum 1-2 crosses in one direction.

: perfect reverse in cross stitch

Cross stitch for large paintings

After the first basics of cross-stitching have been mastered, many needlewomen dare to take on more complex work. Increasingly, their choice falls on paintings. And it is not surprising that you can decorate your apartment or house with them and easily brag to relatives, friends and just acquaintances.

Of course, you can embroider a picture using all the same skills that you are already familiar with. However, to get the job done quickly, you can learn a few new techniques. I would also like to note that it is advisable to embroider paintings larger than 25 centimeters on one of the sides on a tapestry hoop or simply on your hands.

In addition, to make it easier to embroider according to the scheme, it is recommended to use the "parking" method. Its essence is that the rows in the picture are embroidered at once. In this case, all needles and threads are simply attached where embroidery will be continued in the next row. Quite similar to parking cars, isn't it?

True, beginners have a question about why this is needed. It’s just that when we learn to embroider, we do it on small projects. There are few colors, which means it is almost impossible to get confused and make mistakes. However, when large pictures are embroidered, the number of floss used can be more than 50 pieces. Naturally, in this case, it is very easy to make an error in the calculations, and you may not immediately notice it. As a result, you will have to let go of some of the work. The result is wasted time and possibly damaged embroidery.

You can see more details about how to embroider correctly using the parking method in this article. The video very clearly shows the advantages of using it, and the author also points out some tricks and subtleties.

: lesson on cross stitch using the “parking lot” method

Embroidery of napkins and tablecloths

However, for many, after the basics have been mastered, the second step becomes embroidering not pictures, but napkins, towels and tablecloths. And indeed, if you use thick cotton or linen fabric, it is very similar to canvas. In addition, for small napkins you can use regular ones for embroidery.

So, where to start embroidering a napkin? For the convenience of further work, you need to mark the contours of the future embroidery using a special marker or pencil. This must be done carefully according to the chosen scheme. You can simplify the task a little if you embroider a border and fold the future napkin in four. Then measure the required distance from the middle to the edges with a ruler. Draw lines with a marker, then connect. Do the same with the remaining parties.

If the napkin will be completely embroidered, then you can proceed in the same way as when embroidering pictures. Actually this the best option for beginners. The main thing is to make sure that the inside is perfect. It is when we learn to embroider on small projects that this skill is easy to master.

Now all that remains is to understand how to sew ready-made napkin. First, it must be washed, dried and steamed. The edge can be processed in two ways. The first is suitable for fully embroidered napkins. You can simply stitch it around with an overcast stitch, which can also become part of the decor. And because of its lightness, it is suitable for beginner needlewomen.

For the second option, you will need a sewing machine, preferably with a decorative stitch function. Fold the edges of the napkin inward, sew and stitch. Manually, such an operation can replace the “back needle” seam. You can choose any method. The main thing is to understand what it is for and how it will fit into general form napkins or tablecloths.

Embroidery of clothes

Perhaps the most difficult thing in cross-stitching is decorating clothes. This type of needlework is absolutely not suitable for beginners. You need to be able to correctly mark the place for future embroidery, complete the work without flaws and not overtighten the fabric. Here the cost of error is too high.

So, how to embroider clothes with a cross? For the first experiment, it is best to take a coarse linen fabric, on which the interweaving of the threads is clearly visible. As in the case of napkins, slowly mark the boundaries of future embroidery. Lining canvas is also used to embroider clothes with floss threads. Then you can simply pull it out along the thread after finishing work.

During cross-stitching, you need to follow the wrong side. Here it should be just perfect. And not only because it will be visible. While wearing, untidy threads will get in the way, and wearing such clothes will simply be uncomfortable. In addition, because of them, you can damage the finished embroidery. That is why we learn to embroider right away. It is much more difficult to relearn later.

For beginner needlewomen, another question arises. What you need to do first - sew or embroider. However, it is worth noting that it is much easier to do the work on a small piece of fabric than to twist the whole dress in your hands. Therefore, it is advisable to first do all the embroidery, iron it, and then sew.

For inspiration, you can watch the following, where a needlewoman shares the process of embroidering her work.

The purpose of the lesson: Studying the technology of making basic stitches and seams based on them.

Tasks:

1. Educational- teach how to perform tasks according to the model; to develop knowledge of hand embroidery at the level of application in a similar situation; learn to independently evaluate the results of your work.
2. Educational- arouse interest in the culture and art of embroidery; improve aesthetic views.
3. Correctional and developmental- improve students’ sensory and motor skills; develop Creative skills personalities; introduce them to samples of the most popular types of embroidery, develop speech and attention.

Lesson type: explanation of new material.

Teaching methods:

• Theoretical training takes place orally, without students taking notes, with the help of visual aids ( instruction cards, magazines, ancient and modern samples) and schematic drawings of the teacher on the blackboard.
• practical training takes place on a sample (a flap of tissue) with the direct participation of the teacher and independently.

Material support:

• Scheme
• Samples
• Materials and tools.

Lesson plan:

1. Historical reference.
2. Classification of embroidery.
3. Tools and materials.
4. Practical work(workplace organization and safety). Hand embroidery technology.
5. Lesson summary.

DURING THE CLASSES

I. Organizational moment.

Historical reference. (Teacher's opening speech).

Embroidery is a common type of decorative and applied art in which the pattern and image are made manually or machine-made on different fabrics, leather, felt and other materials, linen, cotton, silk, wool, metal threads, as well as beads, pearls, precious stones, and etc.

This type of art arose a long time ago - its roots go back centuries. (The words “Embroider, embroider something - sew patterns on something with wool, silk, paper, gold, etc.” - (V.I. Dal) are written on the board. Due to the fragility of fabric and thread, science is unable to determine exactly when managed to embody the beauty of native nature, their experiences and feelings into a patterned motif, determine the time of the emergence of this art.The samples of the most ancient embroidery in museums in Europe date back to the 5th century AD, and samples of Slavic embroidery have survived only over the past few centuries (most of all embroideries of the 19th century).

An embroidered white shirt is an integral part of women's and men's clothing any European people. An embroidered shirt was a characteristic feature of each locality and was distinguished by its unique ornament, execution technique and range of colors.

Embroidery was done almost exclusively by women. Every convenient moment was used for work: gatherings for which girls gathered on long autumn and winter evenings, hours of rest from field work in spring and winter.

Clothing was a unique characteristic of a girl’s skill and hard work. That is why women's clothing was decorated extremely beautifully. The subject of special pride for every family was a wedding chest with a dowry made by the hands of the bride.

Embroidery was practiced in all levels of society - from royal and royal families to the poorest peasants and artisans. In Russia in the 18th-19th centuries. Almost all landowners' farms and monasteries had artistic embroidery workshops, the products of which were not only used for their own needs, but were also partially sold.

From the second half of the 19th century, the art of embroidery gradually expanded beyond the boundaries of home craft and in some places took the form of a handicraft. In some places, entire villages live from this craft.

Komi land is a rich and picturesque region that preserves deep traditions of folk crafts and handicraft production. Folk costume- an invaluable, inalienable heritage of the culture of the people, accumulated over centuries. Clothes were decorated with embroidery and patches made of silk or brocade fabric. Embroidery was done on the collar and shoulders of men's shirts, for women - along the bottom of the apron, and with stripes made of silk fabrics and brocade - on the shoulders of the shirt and the bottom of the sundress. (Annex 1) .

What is interesting about the Komi national costume is that the Izhma people did not use embroidery. The only exceptions were hats. They were divided into girls' and women's. If a Komi girl could walk without a headdress, then a married woman could not go outside with her head uncovered. Headdresses were made from expensive fabrics and decorated with embroidery, beads, etc. (Appendix 2) .

Question: Girls, do you have embroidered items in your house?
Question: Besides sewing items, what else can be decorated with embroidery?
Question: Who did most of the embroidery?
Question: What was the source of pride for every family?
Question: What parts of the Komi costume were decorated with embroidery or patches?

So, you have become acquainted with the history of embroidery, its use in the clothing of different peoples, including the Komi.

And nowadays people willingly turn to the services of masters custom tailoring and folk craftsmen.

Artistic embroidery is one of the most widespread types of folk art, which embodies the best traditions of the people, brings and will bring joy to thousands of its admirers. This exquisite women's hobby will for a long time satisfy the need for beauty, the desire to decorate one's life and leisure time.

Demonstration of embroidery done by high school students.

II. Classification of embroidery.

All embroidery techniques are divided into counted (embroidery with counting threads of the warp fabric, cross stitch and other tapestry stitches on the canvas) and satin stitch (embroidery on white, silk and velvet, gold embroidery, embroidery-appliqué performed within the contours drawn on the fabrics).

Fizminuta, including gymnastics for the eyes.

III. Tools and materials for embroidery (with demonstration).

When doing embroidery, you need materials, tools and equipment.

The material used is fabric and thread. For cross stitch, canvas is used. The best thread for embroidery is floss. They have long-lasting color, shine and the necessary strength. In addition, iris, garus and synthetic threads are used.

Embroidery tools include hoops, scissors and needles.

• Hoops come in round, oval and rectangular shapes, plastic or wooden. The main purpose of the hoop is to hold the fabric taut and prevent the embroidered pattern from pulling together.
• There should be two scissors: small ones with curved ends - for cutting threads, and large ones - for cutting.
• To work, you need to have a special set of embroidery needles. The thinnest needles No. 1 are used for embroidery on thin fabrics with thin threads in one fold. Needles No. 2-5 - for working on linen fabrics. Thick needles No. 6-12 - for working on dense tissues woolen, synthetic threads or iris. The eye of the needle should be oval and large enough to thread easily.

The devices for translating an embroidery design are a pencil, carbon paper and tracing paper.

To transfer the design onto fabric, use hard and soft pencils and colored copy paper.

Tracing paper is transparent White paper, which serves to translate an image, drawing, ornament.

Question: What tools and devices are you familiar with?
Question: What tools and devices did you work with?

Knowing the purpose of tools and fixtures, properties necessary materials we can start the practical part of the lesson.

IV. Practical work (transition to the practical work area).

Organization of the workplace.

The work place for embroidery work should be comfortable, the light should fall from the left or from the front. It is convenient to place tools and devices on the right side of the table, and materials on the left. It is very important to take the correct position when embroidering, because... improper posture leads to rapid fatigue, and subsequently to stooping, curvature of the spine and myopia. During work, the body is slightly tilted forward, the distance from the eyes to the work is 25-30 cm. The chair should be positioned so that you can lean on its back.

During the embroidery process, be careful when working:

• with scissors
• manual needle
• with pins
• iron

Let's remember and repeat the safety rules when performing handmade and wet heat treatment. (Appendix 3) .

In the fourth grade, during labor training lessons, you went through the “forward needle”, “backward needle”, “corner” and “chain stitch” stitches. Let's remember them. Here are cards with images of embroidery stitches on one side and the name of these stitches on the other. Use the arrows to determine whether the seams correspond to their names. (Appendix 4) . Give the cards to the teacher.

Let's make familiar seams along the same line on the sample.

• “forward the needle”
• “chain stitch”

We take a piece of fabric (20x20) of plain-dyed chintz (can be used) and transfer the lines from the card diagram (Appendix 5) onto it.

We grab 2-3 threads of the fabric at the beginning of the first line, pull the thread almost completely through the fabric and insert the needle into the loop remaining above the fabric. We sew a “forward needle” seam along the first line. A seam consists of successive stitches placed along a contour line, which can be straight or curved. We sew the seam from right to left, the needle is always directed forward. The stitches should be the same in size, 2-3mm long. The “forward needle” seam is used in sewing for outlining contours and for basting details; in embroidery, this seam is made with thick threads.

We move to the second line and perform a “chain stitch”. The chain stitch corresponds to a chain of air loops connected to each other.

We point the needle point down and each stitch forms a loop due to the fact that before the fabric is pierced and the needle exits the front side of the material, the working thread is laid on the fabric in an arc by moving the right hand. The needle, which is then pulled out of the tissue, is located above this arc. The chain stitch is used in Ukrainian folk embroidery.

Look closely at the board and find seams that are familiar to you. (Cards with images of seams are attached to the board) (Appendix 6).

What seams are you unfamiliar with? (They answer and show cards at the board).

Today we will continue to study embroidery stitches and something new we will get acquainted with is:

• “stem seam”
• “loops with attachment”

The stem stitch consists of stitches that partially overlap each other and resembles a lace in appearance. In embroidery, it is most often used to make stems, but can be used to fill circles or other shapes. It is more convenient to make a stem stitch from bottom to top or from left to right. We direct the needle with the working thread back, we come out to the front side of the material approximately in the middle of the last stitch, the thread lies to the left or right of it. When you finish working with the thread, secure it by running stitches 5-7 from the wrong side and cut off the rest of the thread.

Next, we make the last seam of the “eyelet with attachment.” This seam is very good for embroidering both floral (flowers and leaves) and geometric patterns. The seam consists of a loop secured with a small stitch. If several loops converge with their beginnings at one point, then a flower is obtained. In this case, we direct the needle along the radius of the circle from the center, place the working thread under the needle. After pulling the needle, secure it with a small stitch and return to the starting point. To decorate the seam, you can fasten each loop not once, but two or three times, making symmetrical stitches.

V. Lesson summary.

Self-control: Compare your embroidery sample with the teacher’s sample, pay attention to the evenness of the line and the length of the stitch.

Checking the work performed and evaluating it.

Homework: finish the work, see if there are embroidered items at home and how they are made.

Basic concepts: floss, hoop, carbon paper, forward stitch, stem stitch, buttonhole stitch, chain stitch. (Written on the board).