Embroidery Newsletter - StitchFun News

Embroidering on Silk

Have you thought of embroidering silk, but been intimidated by using a pricey fabric, or worried that a slinky silk would be hard to control? Relax. Silk dupioni has enough body that you can use a tear-away stabilizer. For slinkier silks, you should use a soft cut-away stabilizer such as Madeira poly mesh. To avoid hoop marks, hoop just the stabilizer, then affix the silk to the stabilizer using a light spray adhesive, pins, basting, or a sticky stabilizer.

Be sure to select an embroidery design that is appropriate to the weight of the silk. A large or dense design will weigh down a lightweight silk and could easily cause that portion of the garment to sag. For silk chiffon, only the lightest designs work well (i.e. small redwork flowers). A tear-away or water-soluble stabilizer will suffice with such designs, but if the silk is not washable, do not use a water-soluble stabilizer either underneath or as a topping.

The soft sheen of rayon thread is a nice complement to silk, or try cotton embroidery thread for a muted look. Use a sharp needle sized to match the weight of the fabric. If possible, test-stitch on a scrap of silk to be sure you will like the results.

Next issue: changing needles

from Mary Jane Allen of Perfect Little Stitches

Missed an issue of the StitchFun News? Check out the Archives Page.

StitchFun News
the daily embroidery newsletter published by
Perfect Little Stitches.

To subscribe to the StitchFun News,
enter your email address below:

The contents of this newsletter are copyrighted. StitchFun is not a mall and does not sell designs. Please contact the individual designer if you have questions about her designs or special offers.

Visit the StitchFun home page.


	The Tree of Life Dove coordinates with other Tree of Life designs found on different pages such as the Tree of Life and the Tree of Life Swan. Add it to the corner of a blanket, use on fine linens, or perhaps mirror image this design and add a monogram. It is found at the top of page 1.


	Floral Motif Collection This collection of beautiful appliqué designs for the 5x7 hoop will keep you thinking of warmer weather all through the winter. Shop now and save 25%.


A fanciful treat in children’s sewing and embellishing.... Kari Mecca’s one-of-a-kind projects and ideas range from fun and funky to sweet and sassy. Jane will add four yards of fabric to the book.... A nice gift/bundle for you or someone else who likes to sew.


	Santa Clause is Coming to Town Make this great Holiday decoration for your home or as a gift. Detailed photo instructions are included. Santa has a free standing moustache and a jolly little face.


Snuggle Bugs Made with fleece and flannel, this little bug is sure to be a hit with your little ones. No machine sewing required, assembly is quick and easy. The pictures shown are for the 5x7 hoop, the 4x4 is a little smaller and does not have feet, but is just as cute.


	Song of the Heart Birds, Flowers and Hearts all brought together to help you create a quilt for someone you love.


	Bookmarks in Cross Stitch These bookmarks are the cutest thing ever... They make a great little gift that says Merry Christmas, Thanks for Having us over, Happy Birthday or just plain "Thanks for being a wonderful friend."