Amy Munson of In the Fold blog has put together a series of video tutorials that will guide you through the process of creating bead flowers for crazy quilts, art quilts, or any other application that strikes your fancy. You … Read More ...
Free chicken-scratch chart
There’s a revival going on: chicken-scratch embroidery. It’s not surprising to see this traditional embroidery technique on vintage aprons, but it’s making a comeback in children’s clothing and home decor, too. If you’d like to try … Read More ...
“Cheat” for beaded picots
Jane Eborall has come up with a technique that is bound to have tatting enthusiasts celebrating: Jane invented a “cheat” for adding beads to picots without having to add them to the shuttle thread first! And she has kindly posted … Read More ...
Free cross-stitch charts from Mary Engelbreit
The Free From ME section of Mary’s Engelbreit’s site is offering free instructions, chart, and color key for these precious cross-stitch flower pots. Download Mary’s Mini Flower Pots now.… Read More ...
Tutorial: Ribbon Canterbury Bells
Allison Ann Aller of Allie’s in Stitches has posted an excellent tutorial for creating Canterbury Bells from wired, ombre rayon ribbon. You can see the instructions and her crazy-quilt application in this blog post. And while you’re at Allie’s … Read More ...
Get punchy with Marilyn Bohn
I love the look of punchneedle embroidery. That snuggly, tiny-rug-like texture is so touchable and inviting. I somehow imagined that the technique would be difficult, but Marilyn Bohn has shown me just how wrong I was. Her video tutorial … Read More ...
Wow: Electronic embroidery
When I say electronic embroidery, I’m not talking about embroidery produced by a computer-driven machine. I mean embroidery that incorporates light and motion!
On the Craftzine site, Becky Stern says, “I’ll show you how to enhance your embroidery projects … Read More ...
Another great tutorial from Deepa
Deepa Balagopal has posted another excellent tutorial for an Indian embroidery stitch. This time, she walks us through chemanthy work – a complex spiraling stitch. Check out the instructions and then take a stab at this lovely technique.… Read More ...
Join the Tour de France stitchalong
Kat Rocha of Cross Eyed Kat needlework designs is sponsoring a month-long stitchalong in honor of the Tour de France bicycle race. If you participate, you’re in for a lot of fun, not to mention some great prizes – free … Read More ...
You can be Matisse!
Okay, maybe you can’t actually become Matisse. But you can use his cutouts as design elements in your own needlework creations. See this great post by Janet Perry of Nuts About Needlepoint about how to take advantage of the Mastisse … Read More ...
Great stitch tutorial
Jeanne at Just String blog has posted an excellent tutorial on spiral trellis stitch. The explanation is clear, and lots of photos guide us through the steps. Be aware that, because the post is picture heavy, it may take … Read More ...
Free fireworks pattern
With Independence Day coming up in the U.S. on Friday, patriotic patterns seem to be on everyone’s minds. Here’s a great free cross-stitch pattern with a seasonal flair. Thanks to designer Erica Michaels and Rainbow Gallery web site.… Read More ...
Free embroidery pattern
Badbird’s free embroidery pattern for July is available for download, and it’s a cutie. Meet Jacob the Octopus, another brainchild of Andrea Zuill. Download the free pattern from the Badbird’s blog.… Read More ...
Teeny tiny tutorials
Janet Granger is a goddess of miniature needlepoint; and her site, Dollshouse Embroidery Kits, will help you become one, too. Janet’s free online tutorials walk you through everything from basic equipment to working with fine fabrics such as 32-count … Read More ...
Great idea: Filigree + embroidery
I’ve just discovered Guyot Brothers, a manufacturer of filigree jewelry findings. The Guyot Brothers site notes a use for these metal bits and baubles that never before occurred to me: They can be used as miniature needlepoint or … Read More ...