Modern Folk Embroidery: 30 Contemporary Projects for Folk Art Inspired Designs

by Nancy Nicholson

Overview

Bring the folk-art trend into your home with this collection of 30 stunning embroidery designs.

Folk art is a major trend and can be seen influencing everything from fashion to interiors. Now you can incorporate this trend into your home in a contemporary way with this collection of stunning modern folk art inspired embroidery designs by leading designer, Nancy Nicholson. 

Nancy's distinctive style, which draws on Scandinavian and Eastern European motifs, perfectly captures the folk art trend and will appeal to stitchers of all ages and abilities. This collection shows you how to use the designs to create beautiful and practical home decor items and accessories.

The stitch techniques will be shown using Nancy's unique and comprehensive stitch library so they will be extremely easy to follow whether you are an experienced stitcher or a newbie. There are also plenty of suggestions for creating your own designs if you are feeling inspired.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781446306291
Publisher:	David & Charles
Publication date:	11/24/2016
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	786,065
Product dimensions:	8.20(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

THE PROJECTS

Whether you're a beginner or a more experienced embroiderer, you'll find plenty in these pages to inspire you. This is a practical book designed to help you make some lovely things, and I've applied traditional stitching techniques to fresh designs, at the same time drawing ideas from different cultures. The projects should prove satisfying in themselves but I hope they'll also give you the confidence to take these ideas and skills in other directions, following your own tastes and sources of inspiration, and that this is just the beginning of your creative journey.

PINCUSHIONS

Here are two easy pincushions for you to choose from. Quick and simple to make, each provides you with endless opportunities to practise new stitches. Discover how to cover a simple form with felt to make the bottle-cap pincushion, and keep your sewing needles handy with the secret needle keeper in the rectangular pincushion.

YOU WILL NEED

Felt in a choice of colours Polyester stuffing Stranded embroidery cotton (floss) in a choice of colours Double-sided tape and a wine-bottle cap for the bottle-cap pincushion Large press-stud for the rectangular pincushion

BOTTLE-CAP PINCUSHION

MAKING UP

1. Trace the bottle-cap pincushion templates (Download full-size templates from http://ideas.sewandso.co.uk/patterns) onto thin card and cut out.

2. Use a pencil to draw around the card templates onto your chosen felt colours and cut out your pieces (one side, one base, one top).

3. Put a small square of double-sided tape on both the side and the base of the bottle cap to hold the felt in place as you sew.

4. Cover the side of the cap with the long felt strip and the base with the small felt circle. Over-sew around the base and up the side.

5. Take the large felt circle and sew a line of gathering (long running) stitches 3mm (1/8in) from the edge.

6. Place a small ball of stuffing (about the size of an egg when squeezed) into the centre and draw up the thread to close tight. Stitch to hold.

7. Push the padded top firmly into the cap and slip stitch all the way around to attach it to the bottle-cap base.

8. Now embroider using three strands of the embroidery thread and your own choice of stitches or refer to Embroidery Suggestions for inspiration.

RECTANGULAR PINCUSHION

MAKING UP

1. Use the rectangular pincushion templates (Download full-size templates from http://ideas.sewandso.co.uk/patterns) to cut out the felt pieces for the large (with needle keeper) or small rectangular pincushion.

2. Embroider the pincushion top using three strands of the embroidery thread (see Embroidery Suggestions), taking care not to go over the seam allowance.

3. If making a needle keeper, stitch the insert onto the back of the needle keeper flap.

4. Pink the edges of the flap, or embroider with buttonhole stitch if you prefer. Tack (baste) the needle keeper in place on the front of the pincushion.

5. Place the back and front together with right sides facing and machine stitch all around the edge using a 1cm (½in) seam allowance and leaving a 6cm (2½in) opening.

6. Trim the corners and turn right side out, pushing out the corners carefully to a point.

7. Fill with stuffing, then turn in the seam allowance on the opening and sew it closed by hand as neatly as you can.

8. Use the button templates to cut out two circles of felt and one of craft foam. Embroider one felt circle (see Embroidery Suggestions).

9. Place the foam circle in between the felt circles and buttonhole stitch together. Sew the finished button to the top or side.

10. To complete the needle keeper, remove tacking (basting) stitches and stitch a press-stud to the underside of the flap to secure it in place when not in use (the button embellishment should be positioned to hide the stitching).

CUFF BRACELET

This pretty little cuff bracelet is a very traditional Scandinavian accessory, and it will help to keep your wrists warm as you embroider your way through cold, winter days. It is so simple to make and only takes a few strips of felt and a little embroidery to create something very special.

YOU WILL NEED

6.5cm x 20cm (2½in x 8in) cream felt
5.5cm x 20cm (2¼in x 8in) red felt (pinked)
4.5cm x 20cm (1¾in x 8in) pink felt (pinked)
2cm x 20cm (¾in x 8in) green felt (pinked)
Two pearl buttons Stranded embroidery cotton (floss) in a choice of colours Black elastic cord

MAKING UP

1. The measurements given are for my wrist size. Measure your wrist and add a little extra for ease. Adjusting the sizes as necessary, cut all the pieces of felt, pinking the red, pink and green strips only down the long edges.

2. Layer the pinked felt strips, centring them as you go, and tack (baste) to hold in place.

3. Embroider the design using three strands of the embroidery thread (see Embroidery Suggestions) working your stitches over the strips of felt to hold them together. Remove tacking (basting) stitches.

4. Cut a piece of elastic 10cm (4in) long and knot the ends together to make a loop big enough to go over your buttons. Make one more button loop and stitch them in place along the short end of the remaining cream felt strip.

5. Place the cream strip over the back of the embroidered panel and attach together with running stitch.

6. Sew on the buttons to align with the button loops at the opposite end of the cuff bracelet.

GEOMETRIC GARLAND

These decorations are made from shapes cut out of felt and embroidered, then stiffened by sandwiching craft foam in between. There are templates for making the circles in three different sizes and the diamonds are made extra colourful by adding a smaller diamond appliqué to the centre. They don't take long and can be strung together for a festive garland or celebratory streamer, or hung individually.

YOU WILL NEED

Felt in a choice of colours Stranded embroidery cotton (floss) in a choice of colours Craft foam Seed beads (optional)
Decorative cotton tape

MAKING UP

1. Trace the diamond and circle templates (Download full-size templates from http://ideas.sewandso.co.uk/patterns) onto thin card and cut out, carefully marking which are to be cut from foam and which from felt.

2. Use a pencil to draw around the relevant card templates onto foam and cut out, and mark and cut out the shapes from your chosen felt colours.

3. Embroider the designs using three strands of the embroidery thread (see Embroidery Suggestions) or make up your own combinations of stitches.

4. Sandwich a foam shape in between two felt shapes and slip stitch all around the edge. If using as individual decorations, fold a 6cm (2½in) length of tape in half and incorporate it into the seam to make a hanging loop.

5. For extra sparkle, sew seed beads around the edge of the decorations.

6. To make a garland, use a long needle to sew through the felt to join the decorations onto a length of decorative cotton tape, spacing them evenly.

THREAD CATCHER

The thread catcher is a little bin to put your cut ends in as you sew, rather than dropping them all over the floor, or the dog! It has a lid that closes with a buttonhole loop to keep threads contained, preventing them from blocking up your vacuum cleaner. Made from red and blue felt with contrasting embroidery, the lid is lightly stuffed to double up as a temporary pincushion.

YOU WILL NEED

Felt in a choice of colours Polyester stuffing Stranded embroidery cotton (floss) in a choice of colours Craft foam Button

MAKING UP

1. Trace the thread catcher lid and base templates (Download full-size templates from http://ideas.sewandso.co.uk/patterns) onto thin card and cut out, carefully marking which are to be cut from foam and which from felt. Use the templates to cut out the foam for the lid and base, and the felt for the lid top, lid base and base.

2. Cut the pieces for the pot sides: two strips of felt 5.5cm x 23.5cm (2¼in x 9¼in), and one piece of foam 5cm x 23cm (2in x 9in).

3. To assemble the base and side, sandwich the foam piece in between the two felt pieces and stitch all around using a slip stitch.

4. To make the lid, sandwich the foam in between the lid top and lid base felt pieces. Over-sew a little way around, then place some stuffing in between the foam and the top layer of felt; continue to stitch all the way around easing in to fit.

5. Join the short ends of the side together and over-sew, then attach the base of the pot in the same way.

6. Embroider the side of the pot and the top of the lid using three strands of the embroidery thread (see Embroidery Suggestions).

7. Make a buttonhole loop (see Techniques) at one side of the lid, and attach the lid to the pot with a small rectangle of felt sewn over the pot's inside seam and onto the base of the lid to create a hinge.

8. Attach the button to the pot to align with the buttonhole loop when the lid is closed.

TOTE BAG

This useful tote bag is made from hardwearing ticking and denim fabric, lined with a bright contrasting colour to brighten up a market-shopping trip. Ticking fabric is great to embroider onto if you are a beginner as the fine stripes provide a guide to keep your lines of stitching straight.

YOU WILL NEED

Two pieces of ticking fabric 21.5cm x 33cm (8½in x 13in)
Two pieces of denim or chambray fabric 21.5cm x 33cm (8½in x 13in)
Two strips of denim or chambray fabric 6cm x 54cm (8½in x 21½in)
Two pieces of lining fabric 33cm x 41.5cm (13in x 16¼in)
Stranded embroidery cotton (floss) in a choice of colours

MAKING UP

1. Using the fine stripes as a guide, embroider lines of fly, feather and running stitch using three strands of the embroidery thread (see Embroidery Suggestions) onto one piece of the ticking fabric.

2. With right sides facing, machine stitch the denim pieces to the ticking pieces with a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance to make bag front and back, and press the seams flat.

3. Now embroider the motifs onto the denim piece on the bag front (see Embroidery Suggestions).

4. With right sides facing, machine stitch the bag front to the bag back leaving the top open. Trim corners and turn the bag right side out.

5. Machine stitch the lining pieces together; do not turn right side out.

6. Fold and press a hem all around the top of the lining and the bag. Place the lining inside the bag and tack (baste) in place at the top.

7. Machine stitch around the top edge; finish with hand running stitch.

8. Make handles from the denim strips and attach to the bag.

BRAID CUSHION

This cushion is named for the embroidered felt braid that runs across the centre of this colourful accessory. The braid is made separately to the cushion, which is made from boiled wool. Once it is sewn in place, more embroidery is worked to extend the decoration onto the cushion.

YOU WILL NEED

Two strips of felt at least 34cm (13¼in) long Two pieces of heavyweight woollen fabric 18.5cm x 34cm (7¼in x 13¼in) in two different colours for front Two pieces of heavyweight woollen fabric 21.5cm x 34cm (8½in x 13¼in) in two different colours for back Large self-cover button
2-ply tapestry wool (yarn) in a choice of colours
30cm (12in) square cushion pad

MAKING UP

1. Using either a pinking cutting wheel or pinking shears, cut one wider length of felt and another narrower one for the braid decoration.

2. Centre the narrow pinked strip on top of the wider pinked strip and tack (baste) together.

3. Using 2-ply tapestry wool (yarn), embroider the three centre lines (see Embroidery Suggestions).

4. Take the woollen fabric pieces for the cushion front and machine stitch them together with a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance.

5. Tack (baste) the embroidered braid to the centre seam of the cushion front.

6. Embroider the detached fly stitch over the outer pinked edges of the felt braid, then the long-tailed cross stitch and finally the rows of herringbone onto the woollen fabric.

7. Carefully remove the tacking (basting) stitches.

8. To make the cushion back, first stitch a double hem on one long edge of the remaining woollen fabric pieces: turn over by 1.5cm (5/8in) and then by the same amount again.

9. Machine a buttonhole in the centre of the hemmed edge of one of the pieces.

10. Use an offcut of felt to cover the self-cover button (see Techniques). Embroider the button (see Embroidery Suggestions), then attach it to the centre of the remaining back piece.

11. Put the button through the buttonhole and pin the back pieces together at the sides.

12. With right sides facing, pin and tack (baste) the front and back pieces together, and machine stitch all around.

13. Trim corners for a neat finish, then turn the cushion right side out, carefully pushing out the corners to a point. Unbutton at the back and insert the cushion pad.

BROOCHES

These flower brooches make lovely gifts. You can make them oval or round, large or small, and choose any colour combination you like. Covering craft foam with felt to make a flower centre, and placing this flower centre on a scalloped petal base, achieves a three-dimensional effect. Add an embroidered leaf for the perfect finishing touch.

YOU WILL NEED

Felt in a choice of colours Stranded embroidery cotton (floss) in a choice of colours Craft foam Brooch backs

MAKING UP

1. Decide which brooch to make and trace the required templates (Download full-size templates from http://ideas.sewandso.co.uk/patterns) onto thin card and cut out.

2. Use a pencil to draw around the card templates onto the craft foam and your chosen felt colours, and cut out.

3. Embroider your design using three strands of embroidery thread (see Embroidery Suggestions) onto the larger (non-scalloped) piece of felt.

4. Run a line of gathering (long running) stitches around the embroidered piece 3mm (1/8in) from the edge.

5. Place the larger piece of foam on the back of the embroidered piece and draw up the gathering thread making sure that the embroidery is centred. Hold in place with over-sew stitch and knot.

6. Insert the smaller piece of foam to build up depth.

7. Place the petal felt piece on the back of the brooch and stitch all around the edge at the base of each petal using embroidery thread either in the same or a contrasting shade.

8. Sew a brooch back onto the reverse of the petal piece.

9. Add a leaf, if you wish, using the template provided.

TABLE RUNNER

This linen table runner will look spectacular on any celebratory table. It is inspired by Scandinavian embroidery, which is always bright and festive. Simply apply the design to the fabric using an iron-on transfer pen ready to work the embroidery. The table runner can easily be extended to suit the length of your table.

YOU WILL NEED

Two pieces of red linen 14cm x 32cm (5½in x 12¾in)
Two pieces of pink linen 20cm x 32cm (8in x 12¾in)
One piece of pale blue linen 32cm x 72cm (12¾in x 28¼in)
One piece of backing fabric of your choice 32cm x 132cm (12¾in x 52in)
Stranded embroidery cotton (floss) in a choice of colours

MAKING UP

1. Machine stitch the red linen pieces to the pink linen pieces using a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance to make the table runner ends.

2. Transfer the embroidery design (see Embroidery Suggestions) to your fabric pieces (see Techniques for options). Take care to space out the motifs correctly.

3. Embroider the designs on all the sections using four strands of the embroidery thread.

4. Stitch together the table runner centre to the two end pieces using a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance.

5. Pin and tack (baste) the backing to the front embroidered panel with right sides facing.

6. Machine stitch all around the panel using a 1cm (½in) seam allowance and leaving a 15cm (6in) opening on the centre panel for turning through.

7. Trim the corners and seams and turn right side out, carefully pushing out the corners to a nice sharp point.

8. Turn in the seam allowance on the opening and hand stitch it closed as neatly as you can. Press to finish.

(Continues…)

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Excerpted from "Modern Folk Embroidery"
by .
Copyright © 2016 F&W Media International, Ltd.
Excerpted by permission of F+W Media, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Introduction 7

Tools and Materials 8

Stitch Library 10

The Projects

Pincushions 22

Cuff Bracelet 32

Geometric Garland 36

Thread Catcher 42

Tote Bag 48

Braid Cushion 54

Brooches 60

Table Runner 64

Pinafore Dress 72

Circles Cushion 76

Folk Doll 80

Bolster Cushion 86

Appliqué Pictures 92

Craft Bag 100

Sampler Pictures 106

Techniques 114

Templates 116

About The Author 126

Suppliers 126

Index 127

Editorial Reviews

02/15/2017
Embroidery designer Nicholson combines colorful stitching with traditional folk-art designs in this collection of small, decorative projects intended for beginners. While the stitch guide is nicely organized by stitch family, the illustrations show the needle moving through the "fabric" in a single stitch, which is unclear at best and confusing at worst. Likewise, the illustrations demonstrating how to assemble many of the projects are presented in "at a glance" format with no reference to the text-based steps, which is cute but not practical. The projects are attractive and true to their inspiration, yet the presentation is problematic. VERDICT Nicholson's book is unfortunately hobbled by an overabundance of whimsy, which detracts from the lovely designs that she's known for. Novices should stick to a more straightforward guide, such as Lucinda Ganderton's Embroidery, to learn the basics.

Library Journal