Module 4 Chapter 6 - Combining Hand and Machine Stitching

Looking at the wavy edges of stamps, in my research pages, I tried several ways to interpret the perforated edges in this sample. The withdrawn threads are woven under the remaining bars - to form a boarder of circles around the square. Silk ribbon is woven in an undulating pattern (reminding me of torn perforated holes). Floss is looped around bars and machine stitching is made over alternating intersections, in a zigzag pattern. In the center withdrawn threads are woven and stitched in a wavy pattern.

Module 4 Chapter 6 - Hand and Machine stitching

In the first sample, bundles of withdrawn threads are loosely interwoven. I wanted to take this sample a step further, and looked for 'letters' within twisted threads. I stitched over some of the letter shapes, with hand and machine stitching. The parts not stitched looked odd, so I continued stitching even if it was not a letter shape. This piece did not turn out as well as I hoped, but I will still include it.

Module 4 Chapter 6 - Diagonal Stitching

Hand and machine stitching is worked diagonally across the fabric.

Stitches are worked over the horizontal and vertical threads - a square pattern was made in this way, as well as over the intersections.

Machine threads, wool yarn, silk ribbon, metallic threads , floss and stranded threads were used.

The withdrawn threads have been stitched back at an angle, by staggering the stitches holding them in place.

Module 4 Chapter 6 - Machine Zigzag stitching

All withdrawn threads have been machined over, as well as the remaining vertical threads - until not much of the original fabric remains.

Module 4 Chapter 6 - Zigzag Machine Stitching

Groups of threads are twisted around and joined with other threads; they are machined stitched in place. At the top of this sample, threads are withdrawn in a staggered pattern and stitched in place with machine zigzag stitches. At the bottom, threads are twisted in the same manner as in the center.

Module 4 Chapter 6 - Machine Zigzag Stitching

Machine zigzag stitches form long bars around the center, where a smaller scale of squares are stitched. The small squares are machined in two directions -horizontally and vertically. Two different colours of thread were used.

Module 4 Chapter 6 - Machine Zigzag Stitching & Tucks

Four rows of tucks are stitched in the center, with machine zigzag stitching either side.

Module 4 Chapter 6 - Needle Weaving on Bands of Withdrawn Threads

The top row has three groups of blanket-stitched columns. In between the columns are two areas of tapered shapes, made by decreasing the stitches, as they are worked across the threads. The areas are worked in two different types of yarn.

Row 2 - Threads are withdrawn to the left and to the right of the fabric, (without completely removing them). They are twisted together until they curl on themselves and then they are woven back though the vertical threads.

Row 3 – Withdrawn threads are woven back, through larger groups of threads. The ends are braided and wrapped at the ends – to form little tassels.

Row 4 - A herringbone pattern is stitched over the vertical threads, the withdrawn threads are taken to the sides and are stitched over with a smaller herringbone pattern.

Row 5 - A strip of silk fabric is woven and wrapped around groups of threads. The withdrawn threads are woven in an arrow pattern to the left and a staggered pattern on the right. Also, on the right-hand side, vertical threads were taken from the bottom and woven, in groups over the staggered threads. Beads were also woven in and added to the end threads.

Row 6 - Groups of threads are twisted over other groups by weaving floss through them. The floss holds the twists in place. The withdrawn threads are couched into a pattern at the sides.

On the left hand side, three groups of withdrawn threads are rewoven in loose loops. Extra withdrawn threads are also added to cover the area.

The adjacent area is stitched with decreasing needleweaving over groups of threads. The fabric was turned and the same needleweaving was added to the same threads groups - forming narrow centers. Small beads were added to the centers. The withdrawn threads were divided and couched down.

Just below - random needle weaving, formed by including and then missing threads.

To the left - threads are withdrawn in a square and couched down using blanket stitch. Not all threads were cut; these remaining threads were woven in a twisted pattern.

Underneath - threads are wrapped with a twisted chain stitch at the top and bottom, while splitting the thread groups, to form a zigzag pattern. Withdrawn threads are woven in two groups, in a right-angle pattern.

Size: 9.5 X 8 inches

Distant Stitch - Module 4 Chapter 6, Ideas to Decorate the Drawn Fabric

Row 1 - three silk ribbons are woven in a simple staggered pattern of under 2 threads, over 4.

Row 2 - the same silk ribbon is taken under groups of threads and tied in knots.

Row 3 - machine thread is twisted around groups of threads and taken on to the next group of threads.

Row 4 – a nubby wool yarn is stitched in a Herringbone pattern around groups of threads.

Row 5 - pine needles are woven through the threads in a random pattern.

Row 6 – a fabric strip is loosely woven, forming loops on the surface of the scrim.

Row 7 – brass wire is woven and twisted into loops (this row may not show up too clearly in the photograph).

Row 8 – eight strands of floss are woven under four threads along the linen scrim; a floss loop was made in the center, which is knotted and the threads cut to form a tassel.

Row 9 – pieces of plastic straw are placed under groups of threads. The straw pieces are covered with dyed tissue paper, for a more attractive look.

Row 10 – feathers are woven in the scrim.

Row 11 – Loops are made with a string of bugle beads loosely woven through the vertical treads.