The Stitch Roll is something that’s become very close to my heart.
Why? Because it’s unique and purely me.
My colours, my interpretation of stitches, my love of texture and creativity.
Want to have a peak?
Go to my YouTube channel to see this simple Stitch Roll – something I’ve worked on over the past two years. I add to it whenever I have the time and inclination.
It’s become a stitch and idea resource for me and could become the same for you.
There’s no plan, there’s no pressure. It’s a place to learn, make mistakes and try new ideas, but best of all to relax and enjoy the motion and movement of a simple needle and thread.
The stitches I’ve used are not difficult, nor are the techniques.
I’ve used a little painting and one piece is machine work made years ago – but in the main, it’s hand embroidery, worked on scraps of beautiful navy blue wool stitched together to create this wonderful roll of creativity. (I used some separate embroideries in the video to help fill the uncompleted spaces in the roll)
Plus, it’s easy to roll up till I can work on it next time.
If I had some tips to get you started they’d be to:
- use a white or yellow pencil to draw a few large shapes to begin
- work in colours you love and that resonate with you
- work blanket stitch around the entire roll once the pieces are all joined using a variegated thread
- think of texture constantly – this was worked on pure wool so I used thick threads, fuzzy threads, silks, ribbons, braids, beads, whipped cords, scrapbook trims and wooden tokens
- incorporate beads and other media – just remember they need to be fairly small and laid down as this work is intended to be rolled
- try different techniques – hand embroidery, canvas work, machine embroidery, beading – just think of your design and how that technique can be incorporated
- learn how to make wrapped cords because it’s worth the effort and they’re so versatile
- use basic shapes like squares, circles, rectangles or arches if you’re a beginner, fill them, then fill the spaces in between
- have a goal to fill the entire space
- teach yourself how to join each piece of wool or fabric creatively using simple decorative stitches full of wonderful colour
- still unsure about where to start? Work vertical rows by laying down beautiful silks, braids, or cords, then embroidery over them. Use a single colour scheme to help unify the work, then add pops of colour for sparkle and interest and keep going till you are satisfied
- this is the perfect time to utilise bits and bobs that didn’t make it into previous projects – use them now and make them work
This would be a great project to utilise factory second or offcut fabrics, but they must be the same width to make the Stitch Roll into one long and continuous piece.
Wool is a fantastic substrate to stitch into but remember to use a variety of threads including thick, thin, metallic, variegated and even painted to enhance visual interest throughout.
The beauty of a Stitch Roll is that you can let your hair down and connect with your creativity and sense of innovation.
To help get you started, here are two great resources:
- Sarah Homfray Embroidery on YouTube
- Threadwork by Effie Mitrofanis
Why not begin your very own Stitch Roll?
Make it unique and make it yours!
All views and opinions expressed are my own, except where acknowledged information is included from other sources.