Machine Embroidery:
Stamped, Stenciled & Stitched
By Dana Bontrager
Combine multiple surface- embellishment techniques with embroidery to add dimension to your next project. See "Brush Up On Stenciling" in the Dec. '04 Sew News for stenciling basics.
WITH ALL THE ATTENTION ON MACHINE EMBROIDERY these days, it's easy to be swept up in the movement. But if you're less than inspired by images of bunnies plopped willy-nilly on a project, how do you go about creating your own unique look?
You can build texture into a project by combining a variety of surface techniques with machine embroidery. Choose images that are designed to go together (embroidery and matching companion stamps); are similar in nature, like fall leaves, dragonflies and fish; or make sense together (beehives, honey, bees). Projects will feel planned and harmonious instead of looking like a random sampling of embroidery.
Build on a Theme
Using similar or complementary images, build a design based on a theme. Imagine dragonflies soaring across a field of green. Some are embroidered, some are stamped and yet others are stenciled. By combining techniques, the dragonflies have more dimension and look less static and flat.
With so many embroidery designs available, it's easy to find what you need. Let the fabric print dictate the images and colors, both in paint and thread choices. Perhaps a piece of great snowflake fabric inspires you. Build around the theme, using snowflake stamps combined with snowflake embroidery for a cohesive design.
Can't find the right stencil to fit your theme? Make your own using transparency sheets. Print designs on transparency film using your computer printer, then cut out the shapes. Be sure to read the package for suitability to your printer--some transparencies are specific to ink-jet or laser media.
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