Decorative and Embroidery Stitches

Back to: Pre Vocational Studies Primary 5

Welcome to class!

Hello, my creative student! I’m so excited to have you back for a fun and artistic lesson. Today, we’re going to talk about “decorative and embroidery stitches.” These are special ways of sewing that add beauty and design to fabric. It’s like drawing with thread! Let’s begin!

Decorative and Embroidery Stitches

When we sew, we usually use simple stitches to join pieces of fabric together. But decorative and embroidery stitches are different. They are used to create patterns, designs, and textures on fabric, making it look more beautiful and interesting.

Here are some examples of simple but beautiful decorative and embroidery stitches:

1. Running Stitch:

• This is one of the simplest stitches. It’s made by passing the needle in and out of the fabric in a straight line, creating a series of small, even stitches.
• It can be used for outlining shapes, creating simple patterns, or even gathering fabric.
• Imagine drawing a dotted line – the running stitch looks similar.

2. Back Stitch:

• This stitch is stronger than the running stitch and creates a solid line.
• You bring the needle up through the fabric, then take it back down a short distance behind the starting point. Then, you bring the needle up again a short distance ahead of the first stitch, and so on.
• It’s often used for outlining and creating fine details.

3. Stem Stitch:

• This stitch creates a slightly raised, textured line that looks like a plant stem.
• You bring the needle up through the fabric, then take it down a short distance away. Then, you bring the needle up again halfway between the first two stitches, and so on.
• It’s often used for outlining flowers, leaves, and other natural shapes.

4. Chain Stitch:

• This stitch creates a chain-like effect.
• You bring the needle up through the fabric, then make a loop with the thread on the surface. You take the needle down again close to the starting point, and then bring it up again a short distance away, catching the loop with the needle.
• It’s often used for outlining and filling in shapes.

5. Blanket Stitch (also called Buttonhole Stitch):

• This stitch is used to finish raw edges of fabric and prevent them from fraying. It can also be used for decorative purposes.
• You bring the needle up through the fabric, then make a loop with the thread. You take the needle down again a short distance away, catching the loop with the needle.
• It creates a neat and decorative edge.

6. Cross Stitch:

• This stitch creates a series of “X” shapes.
• You make two diagonal stitches that cross each other to form an “X.”
• It’s often used to create patterns and pictures on fabric.

Let’s use some examples. Imagine you are decorating a simple cloth bag. You could use a running stitch to create a simple border around the edge. You could use a stem stitch to embroider the stem of a flower. You could use a chain stitch to fill in the petals of the flower. And you could use a blanket stitch to finish the top edge of the bag.

So, to summarize, decorative and embroidery stitches are special ways of sewing that add beauty and design to fabric. Some simple examples include the running stitch, back stitch, stem stitch, chain stitch, blanket stitch, and cross stitch.

Evaluation 

1. Can you name three decorative or embroidery stitches? 
2. Can you describe what the running stitch looks like? 

Excellent! You’re doing a fantastic job! I’m so proud of your learning. 

We have come to the end of today’s class.

In the next class, we shall be talking about the control of Insect pests.

In case you require further assistance or have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below, and trust us to respond as soon as possible. See you in the next class!

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