Learning Hand Stitches

Over the past few weeks we have been learning different stitches; some more simple and some more complex. Below are a variety of different stitches including the technique of couching. 

Whilst practicing these, I was told to think about how the direction and position of the needle in the material changes the outcome and look of the stitch. For example, in the first photograph where I have used straight stitch and ladder stitch, it is the same simple method just changing the position of the needle in the material. Rather than moving the needle 'south to north' going 'east to west'.

 Straight stitch, Ladder stitch, Chain stitch

 'Couched' version of above stitches

 Reverse Blanket Stitch changing to Reverse Blanket with knotting and back to Reverse Blanket stitch

 French Knots on a translucent fabric 

Chain and Moss stitch using a Cornely machine. In the first week of the course I was given an induction on to this special type of machine, where I am to now make a series of 5 samples using it based on a few of the drawings I did in the first sessions from the chance cards.

16 Chance Cards

As our first task we were given 16 'Chance Cards' with instructions on to guide us in our drawing. With these we were also presented with a variety of random object from which to draw. Below are a few of the drawings that came from these cards.

Drawing using 20 lines and colour

 Mark Making

 Find a collection of objects and draw them

 The print of 'Drawing the Shadows'

 Draw using 20 lines with light pencil

Draw using 20 lines and a gradient