I am working on some embroidery designs for the Saturday Children's Creative Embroidery Classes. In the process I'm trying to build in some structure to the learning and document how they should be taught and why, whilst still allowing choice for the students. Difficult when you have a range of abilities and ages, from 8 years to 14 years.
After our holiday class which was based on a sampler I have decided that the children could select a shape and then fill it with different stitches. This could then be used as a panel in a small bag to hold their stitching. I selected a bird shape but it could be any shape that you can draw lines in. I also selected a cotton Osnaburg fabric which is inexpensive and almost an even weave.
Because the fabric is such an open weave I layered it over a piece of very thin pelum and put it into a hoop for stitching.
The other thing I have found is that most children like stitching in an embroidery hoop. But there are a few things that must be taken into consideration.
The hoop should be no larger than 16cm (61/2") in diameter. This will mean that the child will have to move it around the fabric to stitch. In reality this means the tutor or parent will need to do this.
The embroidery hoop should have a screw that can be tightened with a small screwdriver so that the work can be held tight. Again, this will require an adult with a small scredriver in their sewing kit to help.
Because this piece is for children I used lots of bright colours in No 8 perle cotton and a crewel embroidery needle.
( Download Untitled I have enclosed a copy of the pattern which has a heavy outline, no need for a light box.)
That's a great idea, much more interesting than just rows of stitches in a rectangle!
Posted by: Rachel | January 29, 2012 at 05:33 AM