Exploring Thread Sketching As A Design Element
Quick Links: Thread Sketching Videos page and Thread Sketching Tips & Techniques page.
Welcome to Stitch the Sketch Creative Series, where you’ll learn how to sketch on fabric using your sewing machine and thread.
The Challenge
In this series, I’m challenging myself to start thread sketching different designs on fabric using my sewing machine and thread for 52 weeks. I’ll be creating one video each week for the entire year of 2016.
Background
I’ve been creating textile art for years and I notice that in most of my work, I hardly use thread. The main material I’ve used is cotton fabric. When I use thread, it’s only to fasten things together or as a decoration. This year, I’m embarking on a creative challenge to use thread in more ways than I’ve done before. Particularly, I want to extend my sketchbook practice from the pages of the book onto fabric. I’ll be creating more line art by using continuous machine stitching. I’ll be exploring stitch as a design element in my creations.
When you first start out, thread sketching can be very daunting. There are countless stories about the disasters associated with learning to free motion quilt and the do’s and don’s associated with it. The mere thought of you seizing control away from the sewing machine and into your own hands- is sure to give you nightmares. I totally understand. I’ve been there before and now I’m here, thread sketching quite effortlessly. The amazing part of all of this is I taught myself to do it. If I can do it, you can too.
The Premise
In these series, I’m exploring how to use thread sketching to create original designs, not just a decoration or enhancement to an already created design. I’ll be working from sketchbook to fabric. The premise is that, if I can sketch it on paper, then, I should be able to do the same on fabric using thread sketching.
The Promise
I promise to create videos every week, showing the techniques I use in thread sketching my designs onto fabric. I’ll also write up an article for each video. The articles will highlight different parts of the video to show you what you can do to improve your own thread sketching and some of the pitfalls to avoid. This is sure to be a very interesting journey.
Invitation
I’d love for you to join me in exploring thread sketching – using stitch as an example of line art rather than just using it as a tool for holding things together. Challenges help us grow, so come take the challenge with me. I’m self-taught and challenges helped me along the way.
If I can make it easier for you to learn, I’m very happy to do so. To watch the videos go to my Thread Sketching Videos page and to read the tips and highlights of each episode, go to the Thread Sketching Tips & Techniques page. There’s a wealth of information there.
Best,
