Techniques for Embroidery Butterflies
Butterflies can be stitched in ways to suit almost any décor, the differing techniques are what make the same butterfly fit into an elegant dining room or a kid’s bedroom. Butterflies are bright and colorful in nature, but some techniques call for them to be stitched in a single color.
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Black Work
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The black work technique uses diagonal, vertical and horizontal stitches on loose linen, such as Belfast, which has 32 stitches per square inch. Some of the stitches are tight and make solid patterns while others are web-like and go several directions. The effect is unique. For better success, learn cross-stitch before attempting black work. This is a good technique for butterflies and flowers because the stitching can look the same on both sides of the fabric.
Cross-Stitch
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Cross-stitch and needle point are favorites for people who like a countrified look. These techniques use diagonal stitching on linen fabric. Cross-stitch uses a single stitch over one or two threads. The designs can be very simple or complex. For first-time users of the technique, it is best to start with a simple pattern; more complex patterns take a lot of patience.
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Needle Painting
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Needle painting is an ideal technique for any image in nature, including butterflies, because it brings out minute details and shadings to offer a realistic design. Long and short stitches are used in needle painting to make the image dimensional. It is a technique commonly used to bring depth to a picture appliquéd on clothe.
Satin Stitch
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Embroidering a butterfly using the satin stitch causes the butterfly to be bright and solid. The technique is accomplished using stitches that are close enough together to cover the entire fabric, but loose enough so that there is no bubble effect. The satin stitch takes practice because the edge must be even. This technique can have many effects depending on the background and colors used. It can be stitched in one color, such as white, on the same color background where it could be used for formal dining in an elegant room.
Stump Work
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Stump work goes beyond the realism and dimensional aspects of needle painting by creating a scene that pops out. In this technique, butterfly wings are sewn and then cut out and sewn onto the work with padding under it. The stump work technique was common in the 16th century -- then it was called "raised work"; it was often used to decorate sewing boxes.
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References
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