From the page: Scraps that become a new story
Idea 6
Embroidery with fabric strips
Fabric strip work consists of narrow bands of cloth born from the thrift of sewing communities, where nothing larger than a hand span was ever lost. The technique relies on the fact that fabric cut on the grain (along the direction of the weave threads) doesn't fray easily when the edges are turned inward, allowing you to form words, outlines, and fills without a thick embroidery needle.
What you need
- Fine or medium fabric pieces (knit, light cotton, batiste)
- A firm fabric base (dish towel, blanket, old t-shirt stretched in a hoop)
- Embroidery hoop or improvised ring
- Rounded-tip needle and sewing or embroidery thread
- Small scissors and a heat-erasable pen
- Fabric glue (optional, to secure ends)
How to make it
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1
Cut the fabric into strips 0.2 to 0.3 in wide, always along the grain of the fabric, because that direction prevents fraying and twisting.
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2
Draw the motif on the base with a temporary pen; simple lines and wide curves give the best results for beginners.
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3
Secure the base in the hoop, well stretched, because loose fabric makes the strip wavy and blurs the design.
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4
Position the strip over the drawn line and secure it with tiny stitches every half centimeter, turning the ends inward at the turns.
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5
On tight curves, make small relief cuts on the edge of the strip before folding; without them the fabric puckers instead of curving.
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6
Finish by hiding the last end under the strip itself and, if you like, secure it with a thread of fabric glue.
Finishing touches
Combine strips of varied colors and prints in the same motif for a textile mosaic effect, or write names and phrases to personalize towels, pouches, and wall art. Simple geometric shapes (circles, mountains, hearts) are the best starting point.
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