Heavy Broad stitch is used for outlining and linear motifs.
It's best worked in metal threads or tightly twisted silk, or cotton, threads.
#371 gold wire was used for this tutorial for clarity in the photos. However, the stitch lengths given are for soie perlee. If using thread of a different thickness, adjust stitch lengths accordingly.
It's best worked in metal threads or tightly twisted silk, or cotton, threads.
#371 gold wire was used for this tutorial for clarity in the photos. However, the stitch lengths given are for soie perlee. If using thread of a different thickness, adjust stitch lengths accordingly.
If using cotton or silk, use a 3” away waste knot to start your thread. After completing the embroidery, cut the knot off and run the beginning tail under 4 or 5 stitches on the back of your work.
For metal threads, start with a double knot, which is not cut off after embroidery is completed.
Begin by making a small back stitch.
Bring the needle back up through the fabric about 1/8” away from the backstitch and run it under the back stitch. Return the needle back down through the fabric in the same hole, creating a small chain stitch on the fabric surface.
Bring the needle to the surface about 1/8” away from the first chain stitch and again run the needle under the first backstitch.
Bring needle to surface about 1/8” away from the last chain stitch and run the needle under the first chain stitch.
Bring needle to surface 1/8” away from last chain stitch and run the needle under the second chain stitch.
Continue in this way to the end of the line.
The result is a nice heavy chain stitch. When this stitch is worked with metal wire, or tightly twisted threads, it looks like a braid that has been couched onto the fabric. It'a beautiful stitch that's enjoyable to work.
(You may have noticed that I'm using a tapestry needle, rather than a Japanese needle. I understand that Japanese needles are currently quite popular, but I don't like to use them due to their extreme sharpness, and will avoid them wherever possible. I find, even after years of practice, that I constantly prick myself, often quite deeply, thereby risking stains on the fabric.)
(You may have noticed that I'm using a tapestry needle, rather than a Japanese needle. I understand that Japanese needles are currently quite popular, but I don't like to use them due to their extreme sharpness, and will avoid them wherever possible. I find, even after years of practice, that I constantly prick myself, often quite deeply, thereby risking stains on the fabric.)
