Embroidery has been around since ancient times. It can be used to decorate things, towels, canvases, etc. Today, there are many techniques that you can work with from scratch. This article tells you how to embroider a butterfly with your own hands.
Which technique is better to choose?
When working with beads or cross stitch, the cell on the canvas is completely sewn with beads or stitches. For this reason, the patterns for these techniques are similar to pixel drawings and sometimes it is difficult for beginners to understand them. It is advisable to purchase a ready-made base with a pattern to simplify the work. Beginners are recommended to start doing a cross stitch pattern.
The most important difference in bead embroidery or cross stitch will be the material itself. For the cross stitch technique, you need to have several balls of yarn of different colors and shades - floss is mainly used for this.
To work with beads, you only need one ball of the most common, but dense threads. You can take any color. But for beginners, it will be unusual to work with beads, as they often get lost and scatter. You need to be able to focus on small details and have good eyesight.
Also, the cross-stitch and beading techniques differ in the way of embroidery. On the canvas, you need to constantly change the color of the threads, which corresponds to the pattern. And when working with beads, the thread remains the same, only the shade of the beads changes. The image gradually grows from top to bottom, and is not embroidered from pieces diverging in all directions - so there is no need to constantly change the yarn.
In the satin stitch technique, you need to use very high-quality silk threads; you cannot make mistakes, since it will be quite difficult to rip the pattern.
Before choosing which technique is best to work with, you need to study your skills and needs.
Please note! For beginners who also have poor eyesight, the cross stitch technique is perfect. You can use a special canvas with large cells, then there will be no problems in the work. When embroidering with beads, you need concentration and vision to string beads on a needle, so you need to wear glasses and work in daylight.
Also, when working with beads, you won't be able to use a hoop for the canvas. Because the finished drawing will get in the way, and the frame will start to squeeze it.
Based on the above, experienced craftsmen recommend starting needlework in the cross-stitch technique, then it is allowed to proceed to paintings with beads, and already with good experience to take up the satin stitch technique. Below all three techniques of work are described in detail, so you can choose the most suitable for yourself.
Features of satin stitch embroidery
What you will need to make a butterfly in satin stitch:
- canvas with small holes;
- high-density silk threads (blue, black, brown), it is recommended to choose any colors;
- needles;
- hoop.
Satin stitch butterfly embroidery looks very voluminous, so there is no need to add extra flowers or background. The only downside to this technique is that you need to buy expensive threads and prevent them from breaking during embroidery. To embroider a butterfly with satin stitch yourself, it is recommended to buy a ready-made kit.
Schemes
Butterfly embroidery with satin stitch, step-by-step execution of the picture:
- First, you need to overlock the edges of the base, as they may fray;
- then you need to transfer the drawing to the canvas. To do this, you need to use carbon paper. But you need to do these steps carefully, since carbon paper does not wash off the fabric. After transferring, you need to check the contours, they should match the diagram;
- Now you need to stretch the canvas tightly on the hoop and secure it. For beginners, you can choose small painting sizes, for example 25×25;
- If you need to apply leaves to a painting, it is advisable to use a stem stitch. This stitch looks like a twisted lace;
- Now you need to start filling the body of the insect, for this you can use the satin stitch in the attachment.
Please note! For the first paintings, it is recommended to choose simple and uncomplicated designs, trying to avoid geometric shapes and small colored details.
If desired, you can make a monochrome butterfly painting with full stitching; for this, use only white and black threads.
Features of cross stitch butterfly embroidery
You will need:
- light canvas 30x30 cm;
- threads of the desired color;
- needles and manicure scissors;
- hoop;
- sewing machine.
Schemes
Cross stitch butterfly step by step:
- first of all, it is necessary to process the main fabric (canvas) on the machine, this is done so that the edges of the painting do not crumble during work or washing;
- transfer the insect design to the center of the canvas using a fabric marker;
- secure the canvas in the hoop. Then thread the yarn into the needle and make a knot;
- use the reverse stitch technique;
- start embroidering the space with crosses, moving from the center to the sides.
In order for the painting to be done correctly, you need to choose the right threads for the canvas size. It is recommended to make voluminous petals or small flowers in the background. Upon completion of the work, the painting can be placed under glass or sprayed with colorless varnish so that dust does not accumulate on it.
Features of bead embroidery
Materials and tools for butterfly embroidery:
- about four shades of beads as desired;
- beads with faceted edges, gold and silver, various sizes;
- metallic sequins;
- interlining;
- needle and awl.
You can involve your child in the work, but make sure the area is well lit so as not to damage their eyesight.
Schemes
Butterfly embroidered with beads step by step:
- You can draw the diagram yourself, if you don’t have artistic skills, you can use ready-made ones from the Internet;
- sew beads and some sequins into the middle of the insect’s body;
- then the sequins can be trimmed with green or dark green, creating a gradient between the beads;
- The next row will be done in beige.
- Next, you need to trim the contours of the wings with a beige shade and fill their space with brown;
- in each corner of the wings you can add one large bead or pearl. Here you need to turn on your imagination and choose the right color for the edges of the wings;
- To decorate the lower wings you will need a large bead and an awl. Use it to break the bead in half;
- As a result, two small cabochons are formed. They are trimmed with beads of the same colors as the upper edges.
Crafts made of beads look very luxurious, they can be presented as a gift to a loved one. Embroidery with beads cannot be washed in a washing machine even at minimum speed. Because if the threads are weak, the beads will start to fall off or their color will simply wash out, and they will be transparent.
With the help of beads you can make triptych paintings. These modular images began to gain popularity several years ago. They serve as an excellent decoration for a living room or a children's room.
Beads are also often used to make beaded brooches in the form of insects, flowers or leaves.
It is worth emphasizing that with any technique you need to choose only high-quality threads. Because if the thread breaks during work, you will have to redo at least the entire line. For small canvas, you need to take the smallest needle, otherwise there will be holes from the punctures. In monochrome paintings, only black or cinnamon canvas is used as a basis.
In conclusion, it should be noted that any handicraft calms the nerves. Embroidery in any technique will help develop fine motor skills of the fingers and concentration. In a few months of hard work, you can become a professional from a beginner.
