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4 ideas on stitch size

Ideas on Stitch Size

There are a lot of factors contributing to how finished embroidery looks. One that I've been considering lately is stitch size. Basically, how long the individual stitches are. I think it stands out most on back stitch, running stitch and even chain stitch, but it certainly has an effect on stem stitch and others.

So here for you are 4 ideas I have on using stitch size to change the look of your back stitching!

Ideas on Stitch Size

When your stitches are uniform, and all the same length, it looks high quality! Tiny stitches are even more impressive (at least to an embroiderer, who knows how long it takes!).

When stitching this way, you need to plan out how you'll get to the end of a line and keep it all even. To do this, you may need to start "cheating" your stitch size as you approach the last 3 or 4 stitches. Do it right, and you'll hardly notice that some stitches are just a little different in size!

Ideas on Stitch Size

This one is like above, with stitches being the same length. But you change the length in different sections of the embroidery. The size of the stitch can change its appearance so much that it can give it a whole new look!

I think this would work really well in red work, where the color remains the same. Like above, remember to plan out the end of a line.

Ideas on Stitch Size

Another way to change the look of a line is to pattern the stitch size. The cupcake above is done in short-long-short-long, but you could do other patterns too!

Think of it as texture within a simple line of stitching. To me, this is the most fun way to use stitch size, but it could also be distracting, so use wisely! (I'd also like to point out that you could stitch morse code into your work this way!)

Ideas on Stitch Size

Finally, we have what I call haphazard stitching. For the sake of the example, I was a bit more sloppy that I normally would be for this so you can see it a little more. These stitches are whatever length work for an area. (Small curved sections! Long straight sections!) As you see, it's not as crisp and clean as planning your stitches.

But don't let that kill any ideas of stitching this way! If you want to just stitch and not think too much, this method works. Also, if you make a point to use varying stitches throughout, and mix it up a bit, it has a cool, casual look. Especially when stitched with 6 strands of floss.

So there you have it. 4 ways to use stitch length to alter the look of your embroidery!

11 comments:

  1. Morse code! Love that idea....
    HOw many strands do you usually use? I used to think less was better, but now am trying more strands....
    I'm sure it depends on the project, but do you have some general rules/guidelines?
    Wanna go look at my latest project and make suggestions?

    http://donna-homebuildingcountdown.blogspot.com/2012/06/ring-bearer-pillows-wedding-gift.html

    Not sure why it didn't come out blue so you can just click...
    Happy Tuesday. Oh, our first night in Babylon went well. Kids liking music and crafts...we made musical instruments last night.

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    1. The number of strands I use depends on the project, and often the size of the motif itself. No rules, just how I'm feeling. These were all stitched with 3, which I like to do. But all 6 is also a favorite...I like that the lines are more chunky! It's also nice to mix up the number of strands in a design!

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  2. How neat! I never thought about this much since I usually just try to make they all the same size (even if it ends up looking more haphazard!) but these examples really show what's possible. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. I agree with uniform stitches. I truly have an appreciation for quality work.

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

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  4. I find that I have a stitch length that is natural for me, and at this size my stitches are fairly uniform. When I make an effort to make stitches bigger or smaller, I have to fight my "natural" inclination. Has anyone else experienced this? :) Aileen

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  5. HillaryMN4:47 PM

    Mollie, can you tell me the best way to make sure my stitches are all the same size? I love the way you do that but mine seem to always end up random sizes even when I'm trying REALLY hard.

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    Replies
    1. The biggest thing is just practice. But using fabric where you can see the weave more will also help, because you can almost count spaces. Once you've gotten used to that, you're better able to judge the space, even without counting.

      I'll try and work on a post about this!

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  6. So cute and great explanations!

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  7. I sometimes poke holes with my needle for the next three or four stitches as I approach them. The holes will act as a guide to get your stitches even. But I think all in all it just takes practice and patience.
    Thanks for the informative post :)

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  8. This is a great explanation, and I love how cute the visuals are!

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