Hand Stitch

We have been shown several basic stitches as part of our hand stitch bloack, including running, chain, satin, and ladder. By making a joined sample of several fabrics, I learned that thread behaves very differently with different sorts of material, and sheer fabric can create an interesting layered effect.

 

For our French Knot samples we were asked to work in black and white, with the title 'population'. The first thing I thought of was the population of mould growing on our roller blinds; it is grouped in circular patches and as a gradient. The mould varies in size and shape, so I tried to reflect this in the type of knots formed.

circular mould

gradient of mould

Hand stitch is a much slower technique than machine, and so in a way must be planned more. I can see myself using it to add the odd detail, or for stitches that cannot be achieved by machine, or for 3D work, but I do enjoy the immediacy of machine stitch and the drawing-like technique it requires. Also there's the fact that it can be used to build up layers of stitch quickly, and make uniform seams and lines when needed, though it does lack the home-spun quality and feel of hand stitch.