Getting Started Helpful Hints and Stitch Directions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Are you new to Brazilian Embroidery, or interested in learning how to do it? We hope the following hints and stitch directions will help you get started. Even if you have been doing Brazilian embroidery for a long time, you may still find some helpful information here. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thread Comparison Chart Throughout the years there have been several manufacturers of Z twisted rayon thread. Currently, EdMar Co. is the one most designers refer to for thread needs.
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Some Basics for stitching Brazilian Embroidery One of the major differences in stitching Brazilian embroidery with rayon threads is the need to tie knots. Be sure to make good knots both at the beginning and ending of your threads. Leave at least ¼" tails beyond the knot and fray them out to prevent the knots from untying themselves later. You may hide the tails under your work to avoid having them show through the fabric, but never skip tying knots and leaving tails. Using a hoop or not is generally a personal preference. You will find some stitches work up better when using a hoop, and others that are cumbersome to work in a hoop. Milliners needles are used for for all wrapped and cast-on stitches. They are best suited for these stitches because they have a long straight shaft and it does not bulge at the eye. Since the eye does not bulge, the needle pulls through the wraps more easily, and the long length makes it easier to wrap or cast-on many times. For other stitches, any needle that is the right size for the thread will work fine. Detached buttonhole stitches are more easily made using a tapestry needle so it will slide between the thread loops rather than catching into threads.
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Keeping Track of Threads Would you like a little thread chart to carry with you where you can keep track of the thread weights and colors you already have so you don't buy the same color again by accident? Here is an Excel spreadsheet to download. It is written in Excel 2002 and may be limited to that version to work right. To print, set for landscape printing with margins of .5" top and bottom and .75" on left and right. Print page one separately first. Flip the paper over in your printer and print page 2. Do the same for pages 3 and 4. Fold in half to have a nice 51/2" x 81/2" booklet. You can fill in your current thread on hand on your computer before printing, or by hand afterward. Please let Loretta know if this works for you, and if it is helpful. Click to go to spreadsheet to download. (It will only open if you have Excel on your computer.) Save to your hard drive. For those who don't use Excel, here is the PDF file of the spreadsheet. It will be easy to print and use. We are planning a more comprehensive spreadsheet that also shows color numbers in color families and more. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic Stitches Here are some of the stitches frequently used in Brazilian embroidery to create the dimensional look. Bullion Cast-on Buttonhole Couching Detached Buttonhole Drizzle Leaf Stitch Pistil or Long-Tailed French Knot Stem Stitch | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Brazilian Embroidery Supplies Here is a list of supplies that would be handy in every Brazilian embroiderer's sewing basket submitted by Pat Kamperschroer and Grita Gidner, members of the BELLS chapter. Basic
Optional (but suggested)
1Needles – This assortment of needles is sometimes offered as a beginners kit
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Brazilian Embroidery