Description of the technique of soutache embroidery on clothing

Women have always been involved in needlework. Today, there are various types of embroidery. One of them is soutache embroidery, which captivates with its sophistication and elegance.

What is soutache embroidery

Soutache embroidery is the creation of patterns on fabric using thin threads and cords. It can be used not only to decorate wardrobe items, but also to create exquisite jewelry. Such products are more reminiscent of jewelry made from stones, gems, and precious metals than embroidery. Of course, beads and gems are used in handicrafts, but the main secret is in the soutache cord.

The finishing cord soutache is several thick threads braided with thinner threads. Viscose, silk, polyester and cotton are used for such purposes. Thanks to a special braiding technique, the finishing soutache tape is flat and the desired pattern is easily laid out. Thanks to its glossy surface, the product looks like jewelry. And a wide color palette allows you to create jewelry for any occasion and outfit.

A little history of soutache technique

Soutache embroidery first appeared in France in the 14th century. With its help, craftsmen decorated expensive, exquisite outfits. Embroidery fragments were also sold separately, and women decorated their outfits with them themselves. Later, thanks to Peter the Great, the soutache technique was introduced in Russia to decorate theatrical men's costumes. The embroidery technique included precious stones and gems. Modern designers have revived the fashion for soutache embroidery these days. With its help, products acquire sophistication and elegance.

Features of the technology and tips for beginners

The technique of soutache embroidery requires perseverance, patience and attentiveness from the craftswoman. The final pattern must be kept in mind at all times. The cord may unravel during work, so it is better to burn its ends with fire or treat them with glue. This should be done only before starting embroidery, so as not to damage the product. It is recommended to use a durable material for the lining, such as felt or tweed. To make sure that the cord fastenings are not visible, use a thin monofilament or threads in the same tone. The embroidery technique is quite simple: the soutache cord is laid out along the designated contour and secured with small stitches. For additional information, you can watch master classes from experienced craftsmen.

Necessary materials and tools

To create soutache embroidery you cannot do without the following tools:

• Thin but strong needles for fastening soutache curls;
• Sharp scissors;
• Hoop for volumetric works;
• Thimble;
• Translucent monofilament or threads in the same color as the cord;
• Coat, durable fabric for lining;
• PVA glue or a lighter to treat the ends of the cord.

The success of the work largely depends on the quality of the tools. Therefore, you should make sure that the scissors with needles are sharp. Beginners should start working with cotton or polyester cords. Later, you can use silk threads. To make the work easier, it is better to choose a continuous pattern.

Soutache embroidery: volumetric patterns

The soutache technique is used to decorate clothes, shoes, hats and bags. Stones, beads, seed beads or gems are used to create three-dimensional patterns.

Soutache embroidery on clothes with your own hands

To decorate clothes using soutache, you need a ready-made scheme or pattern. It is important to draw a clear arrangement of lines. You can use different cords: thin and voluminous, flat and round. Ready-made soutache tape is sold in specialized stores. Then the pattern is made according to the developed scheme.

Embroidery on clothes is done according to the pattern with oblique stitches, taking into account strict adherence to the pattern. But it is important to remember that the slope of the stitch and the turn must necessarily match. The soutache cord must fit tightly to the fabric of the product. At the end of the work, it is brought to the inside, where it is then unbraided and fixed with several stitches. The pattern of soutache embroidery on clothes can be either individual or borrowed from Internet resources.

How to Make a Bracelet with Soutache Embroidery - Master Class

To make a bracelet using the soutache technique, you first need to take a regular bracelet. Then it should be covered with leather or felt. The desired pattern should first be marked on the material. To create a bracelet, you will need a decorative stone, soutache cords, felt, scissors, thin threads and sharp needles. From the felt, you need to cut out a circle the size of which corresponds to the stone and glue them together.

After this, two soutache cords are sewn to the base, preferably in contrasting colors. Then the edges of the ribbons should be folded in different directions and beads of a suitable color should be sewn under them in a circle. The next row is made using two beads. The ends of the cord are secured and fixed from the back side. Next, an element is created from three multi-colored ribbons, with the inner element of the pattern remaining the lightest tone. The resulting element is sewn to the fabric base, and then to the bracelet itself.

Patterns for beaded purses and handbags

When creating handbags and purses, large beads are best suited as a base. The main element can be woven from them in a cloth. Then, around the top row, a belt made of soutache ribbon is created. The materials should be secured together with a fishing line or monofilament, hiding the ends in the holes of the beads. Large beads and individual soutache patterns can be used as decorations.

Weaving rosary beads from soutache: diagram

To make a rosary, you need to take a double soutache ribbon of different colors. You will also need beads that will separate dozens of knots. To create a rosary with 50 knots, take a soutache 5.5 meters long. Fold the thread in half, then cut. Then again in half and tie a loop. To weave a rosary from soutache, the scheme is quite simple.

Usually, knots are woven on the left hand. After every 10 knots, a wooden bead is threaded through. In this way, both ends of the soutache ribbon are braided. The finished beads are woven at the bottom, forming a knot of four threads. After this, a cross and a tassel are attached. The cross can be woven from the remaining threads, or you can buy a ready-made one in specialized stores.

Soutache chest

Using the soutache technique, you can decorate various interior items. Thus, an ordinary jewelry box will become an original and exquisite soutache chest. To make it, you first need to take a thick fabric, onto which you should transfer the dimensions of the box, taking into account the seam allowances. After that, using soutache ribbons, beads and stones, you can create the desired pattern. The pattern needs to be transferred to the fabric, and then using thin needles, fix the soutache laid out on the fabric. By connecting the seams, you will get an unusual "cover" for the box, which will make it unusual and unique.

Crown

To create a brooch in the form of a crown, you need soutache tape, beads and beads. Using this pattern, you can make a soutache crown of any size. First, take two soutache cords of equal length and sew them together in the middle. Then, sew a bead in the same place and connect the edges of the soutache at its base. Next, sew beads at the base of the bead. For these purposes, use gold beads and gold soutache.

After this, a rhinestone ribbon is sewn around the circumference of the bead, which is also covered with soutache. Two more similar elements are made separately, only slightly smaller in size and taking into account the mirror reflection. The resulting elements should externally form a crown pattern. They are connected to each other with a monofilament and a thin needle. The brooch is attached to a base - felt or leather.

Decorating clothes

With the help of soutache embroidery, you can simply and at the same time originally decorate a product. To do this, soutache is laid out on the surface in a random direction and secured with a thin thread from the inside. The pattern can be complemented with all sorts of beads and stones. For convenience, you can use a hoop.

Soutache embroidery is an exquisite and refined type of needlework. With its help, you can create things of extraordinary beauty, as well as transform old ones. You only need to have the necessary tools and basic experience.