Crafts - Creative Expressions

Embroidery is such a rich and exciting skill to learn. Just like painting, the creative possibilities are endless! But instead of using paint, youll express your creativity using thread. At a very basic level embroidery is as simple as drawing on a piece of fabric and then stitching over it. The form of the different stitches is how variation is created. From our guide, youll find out everything you need to know about embroidery even if you are a complete beginner. By the time you reach the end, youll have completed your first stitches. First up, we will explore how to embroider by hand in our step-by-step guide. Well also show you how to create an even tension to keep your stitches looking neat and uniform. Lets get started on your embroidery adventure! Main image: Learn fishbone stitch Embroidery for beginners - start toda...

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Using an embroidery hoop or tapestry frame can make your stitching experience so much more enjoyable and comfortable. Your project will be easier to hold onto, and youre less likely to get frustrated with the tension of your fabrics. If you are a complete beginner, learn the basics of the hobby before you buy an embroidery hoop or tapestry frame in our cross stitch for beginners or embroidery for beginners guides. The complete guide to embroidery hoops and tapestry frames Do I need to use an embroidery hoop You dont have to use a tapestry frame or embroidery hoop to get started with embroidery or cross stitch but it does make it easier. You can get to know the basics in small projects while simply holding the fabric in your hand, especially if you are working with aida or plastic canvas. However, for softer fabrics like line...

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Regardless of whether youve been crocheting for years or have just picked up a hook for the first time, we all need a little help from time to time. Our library of crochet stitches is the ideal reference point for any crocheter. It can help you to get the hang of the basic crochet stitches or crochet stitches that youre unfamiliar with. Library of Crochet Stitches Were going to start off looking at the basic crochet stitches, before moving onto the various different types of crochet stitches. If youre looking for a specific stitch, you can use the handy links below to jump directly to the stitch youre after. You will find that most patterns will use abbreviations for stitches. Its important to be aware that there are different names for stitches depending on your geographical location! Well include this important information in th...

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Move over spring cleaning, spring sewing is the seasonal activity thats top of our to-do lists! Issue 122 of Love Patchwork & Quilting is all about celebrating the sunshine and bringing the outside indoors, starting with Sarah Campbells cheerful daisy design. Manjari Singhs beautiful, tactile Kantha pattern will help you hand stitch some gorgeous textured blooms, while Yasmeen K Brantons appliqué tote bag is a farmers market essential, complete with quirky florals and fruits. We cant get enough of Nadine Adeles wellie-wearing spring chicken FPP mini� it even comes with a fried egg quilt block for a little novelty fun! Easily mark out and quilt stunning retro leafy designs on your patchwork projects with the handy stencil and water-erasable chalk pencil that come with this issue! Order your copy today in our onli...

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Calling all multi-crafters: heres a chance to get working your needle, thread, hook and yarn, all at once. Regina Groleau and Sara Huntington have created this bunny pattern to sew and we just love it! This cute Easter bunny comes with his very own crocheted jacket - however, if youre a dedicated sewist-only, you could make your own alternative outfit, or simply tie a snazzy bow around his neck. If youve got multiple children to make Easter gifts for, then you could customise each rabbit for its prospective owner. Try to use woven wool fabric with no right/ wrong side for easier assembly. Make your own cute Easter bunny Materials For your cute bunny pattern: Woven wool fabric approx. 25cm(9 /8?) sq Small scrap of cotton fabric Sewing needle or sewing machine - check out our best sewing machines fo...

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We have lots of free patterned papers here on Gathered, with themes for every occasion and today its Easters turn! These cute and colourful Easter chick printables are just the ticket for creating your own DIY Easter cards this year. Pair with base card colours in pastel shades or plain white for easy coordination or how about using kraft card to add a rustic touch to your Easter cards Scroll down to download your free Easter chick printables in PDF form. Download your free Easter chick printables! To download the Easter chick printables , click on the link and it will open in a new window. You can then save/download the collection. Scroll the gallery to see what freebies youre getting! We love seeing what you make, so dont forget to share your craft projects with us on Instagram , Facebo...

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Looking to take the leap into machine embroidery Youll need to get the lowdown on the different types of machines, and what types of embroidery they can be used for. If you are thinking about buying an embroidery machine then youll need to decide on what purpose it will have. Dedicated embroidery machines can be expensive, so its worth weighing up your options when it comes to buying an embroidery machine . Well walk you through everything you need to know about buying your first embroidery machine. Well cover all types of machines, including machines that do a combination of sewing and embroidery, free motion embroidery and dedicated digital embroidery machines. We wont be covering industrial embroidery machines in this article as they are more suited to a business environment and can cost tens of thousands of pounds. Digital em...

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