BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Embroidery Embroidery Instructions

I am starting to write some simple e-books on embroidery - and the first one will be some simple instructions.

So: what do you always find you need help with?

I know from the forum discussions that attaching beads and charms in cross stitch is something that can cause a problem, so I'll be covering that.

What other things do people find that it's "assumed" by the people writing instructions that they can do, and that they always need to go looking for?

Your feedback is invaluable.

Hi jessahan, something you might want to include is the difference between half and quarter cross-stitches. J.M.O <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Definately! I fully intend to add these

Megan (who's posts got shifted to some other user name when we moved the forums!)

Megan, I perpetually have problems with the directions for making french knots and the like...it would be great to see a really good explanation of them!

I'll do my best - but will admit that French Knots are a bugbear of mine also!

On the other hand - I do know the theory exceedingly well, just have a problem putting it into practice.

I am not left-handed, but instructions or hints for left-handed work might be a good thing to include.

Good idea, Ruth! I honestly hadn't thought of that.

Now to track down left-handed embroiderers & suck their brai......erm..... Learn how they do it.

I think when I do a French knot (it's been a while) I wrap my floss arount the needle 2 maybe 3 times tops, push the needle into the fabric, but I hold the floss that is coming out of the fabric tightly as I pull the needle through the fabric. That seems to make a nice tight knot for me.

I actually like doing French knots. I think it's been a couple of years since I picked up any embroidery. When I come across the napkins & placemat I was working on, I'll do a French knot & post some pictures of how I do one. Maybe that will help a little. If it's OK with Megan, that is.

I can't stand it when a French knot is loose and they are such a pain to take out, too.

Jeanne, that would be wonderful! And a huge help to more than me, I know!