Get the new Great British Sewing Bee book worth £30 when you subscribe to Simply Sewing magazine
Season 12 of The Great British Sewing Bee has come to an end and what a season it has been! Read to find out who won and their experience on the show.
Satin stitch is an extremely useful technique to have in your stitching repertoire, as it’s a simple way to create blocks of colour! In this tutorial we’ll show you how to make sweet little satin stitch flowers, as well as how to embroider pockets so you can give that old t-shirt a new lease of life!
Notes
You will need to download and print the free satin stitch flowers embroidered pocket pattern template.
Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance.
You will need
- T-shirt
-
Fabric
25x25cm
(10x10in) -
Lining fabric
16x11cm
(63/8×43/8in) -
DMC stranded cotton
(in a selection of colours) - Tapestry needle
- Matching thread
- Basic sewing kit
Method
How to embroider Satin Stitch Flowers
1
Bring the needle up through the fabric at one side of the area you are filling. Insert the needle back through the other side of the area.
2
Step two Bring the needle back up on the first side of the area, then insert the needle on the other side. Repeat this to fill the area, always coming up on the first side and going down on the opposite side.
Transfering the design
1
Mark a rectangle centrally on the main fabric measuring 11cm (43/8in) wide and 12cm (43/4in) deep.
2
Trace the floral template from the pattern sheet
3
Place the main fabric on top so that the traced template lies within the marked outline. We have placed ours a little way in from the left bottom corner.
4
Trace around the outlines of the floral template.
Stitching the design
1
Embroider the floral design following the traced lines using three strands of stranded cotton throughout.
2
Start by stitching the petals and leaves in satin stitch.
3
When these are finished, work the outlines of the flower centres in backstitch.
4
Fill the flower centres with French knots then work a few more outside the flowers.
Making the pocket
1
Press your stitched fabric then trim it along the marked rectangular outline.
2
Place the main and lining fabrics right sides (RS) facing and sew together along the top edge. Open out and press.
3
Fold the sewn piece in half with RS facing, lining up the side and bottom edges.
4
Sew together down the side and across the bottom but leaving a 5cm (2in) gap for turning. Trim the corners to reduce bulk.
5
Turn RS out, making sure the seam allowance is folded in at the opening, and press.
Attaching the pocket
1
Pin the pocket to your T-shirt in your desired position – this is easier to do when you are wearing it.
2
Topstitch the pocket in place down the sides and across the bottom.
3
Finish by working a line of running stitch on top of the topstitching using three strands of stranded cotton to decorate.
