Embroidery TnT with Nina McVeigh
08.12.09
Imagine 10 Bernina 830 machines in one room with 40 excited students learning a ton of embroidery tips and techniques from Bernina Educator Nina McVeigh. That’s where I spent my day today!
4 different projects and endless inspiration. From reverse applique to cutwork. Then monogramming and tassels.
The technique to achieve reverse applique using an embroidery module is very similar to that for doing cutwork. In both, you first stitch out an outline, and then you cut away the top layer.
For reverse applique, there will be another piece of fabric underneath the top piece – this is revealed when you cut away the top layer. There is also the stabilizer underneath everything.
For cutwork there is only stabilizer, so when that has been removed after the project is finished (you will probably want to use a water soluble stabilizer that can be completely removed) you are left with a hole!
For reverse applique you will typically use a running stitch to finish – this will be close to the cut edge, but not covering it. You are left with a raw edge and the effect can be varied depending on how close to the initial stitching line you cut.
For cutwork the edge is finished with a satin stitch to completely hide the cut edge.
Nina brought one of Bernina’s new cutwork tools to show us. It should be available sometime in October, and I can’t wait. The possibilities are endless!!! As well as being used for more traditional cutwork designs, the tool can also be used to cut out applique pieces. Since my passion is embroidered applique, this tool opens up all sorts of doors for increased accuracy and even more complex shapes cut in much less time than you could do with a pair of scissors.
Tassels are definitely going to be added to my design toolbox! Basically, create a longer than normal satin stitch. Make sure that one end is anchored by an additional outline stitch. Then cut away the bobbin thread from behind the satin stitch. Tassels are revealed!