Stitching a lacey sampler: Part 1

Do you guys remember a page in my first embroidery journal where I worked some lace borders following Youtube tutorials?

Well, the inspiration from that period has been really strong and lasting!

I've actually sketched my own ideas for borders in that style a while ago (not showing it, it's too tacky!) and it's been in my sketchbook ever since, waiting for the perfect opportunity. Which finally came!

For the new spread in my Blue Journal, I decided to make a page of a lacey sampler, blue on white, and the other page will have... something on that dotty fabric :D

I don't have a very clear vision yet although I'm leaning towards a simple botanical embroidery piece. You guys have suggested some plants and flowers in the comments here, so I will be drawing my ideas from there, I think :)

But before that, let me share some tutorials for simple lacey borders that you can replicate for your own embroidery!

Stitching a Lacey Border Part 1:

Step 1: First of all, I suggest square lining the fabric. It will even space out, and make it easy for you to stitch symmetrically. Of course, the lining should be done in temporary markers – water-erasable, heat-erasable, or air-erasable.

Another option is to use water-soluble interfacing material, line it, or even draw out the whole of the borders, then pin it to the fabric, stitch through both of these layers, and then upon finishing, soak the fabric in water so that the interfacing dissolves.

Step 2: Stitch two lines at the top and at the bottom of the border. I'm using stem stitch (or outline stitch to be more specific), and I'm using a sewing method because I'm working it all without a hoop (I interfaced the page though).

Step 3: Lay straight diagonal stitches in one direction, and then repeat the same in the opposite direction. Slant the stitches a bit more. So, as you can see, my stitches here are 2 squares in width.

You can make them 1 square in width too, no problem there! I just liked that this looks “busier” and matches the smaller details we will work later.

Step 4: Anchor the places where the diagonal stitches cross each other with smaller stitches. What a nice time to revisit Lattice work basics!

Step 5: Turn your fabric upside down and work buttonhole stitch, fitting 3-4 stitches in one square.

Step 6: Place french knots at the bottom line from Step 2, in the middle of each buttonhole stitch.

Step 7: With your fabric upside down, work lazy daisy sticthes at the start of each buttonhole stitch (or, simply put, at the vertical lines).

Step 8: Fill the lazy daisy stitches with a couple straight stitches.

And that's all!