In this episode of Stitch the Sketch, I decided to continue with the flower theme. So I drew another flower. It’s similar in looks to a cherry blossom but I won’t necessarily call it that. I took some artistic liberties and added my own nuances to the flower.
This time, I decided to not only use threads but to draw the sketch using both thread and a fabric collage. So in the tips and tricks section below, I’ll be sharing my own techniques for creating a fused fabric collage. As always, I start with a pencil sketch and here it is shown below.
And then here is the stitched drawing on a fabric collage
Here’s the reverse side of the work:
Here’s the video that goes into detail showing how I created this piece.
Tips, Techniques, and Tools
Fused Fabric Collage
- Trace the outline of your flower onto paper, making sure you have closed shapes for each of the shapes you intend to cut out.
- Use heat to apply fusible web to the back of all the fabrics you intend to use for cutting out the shapes of your fused fabric collage. (I find that applying fusible web to the fabric before cutting, is easier than cutting out the shapes first and then applying fusible webbing to the small shapes.
- Trace onto fabric, the closed shapes you drew on paper and cut out your fabric collage pieces.
- Layer up your cut out fabric shapes, starting with the largest shape on the bottom and then arranging the smaller shapes on top of it. (Use your paper tracing as a guide for arranging your shapes)
- When you’re done arranging your fabric collage pieces, iron to fuse them together
- Avoid putting a light value fabric on top of a darker value fabric, because you’ll have a shadow of the dark fabric showing through the light value fabric (unless that’s the look you want to achieve)
- After you have completed your fused fabric collage and put together your sandwich, you then go to the sewing machine and start stitching.
- Stitch the collage pieces close to the edges to ensure your fused fabric collage is securely held in place and secondly, to minimize frayed fabric edges. Taking your time to stitch the outlines before you start shading ensures that you don’t have to work an obstacle course when you get to shading. (watch video to see me demo this)
- You don’t need to go crazy stitching an obstacle course when you’re thread sketching. But whenever you have the opportunity to thread sketch close to the edge of a collage piece, take advantage to ensure you’ve stitched the edges of your fused fabric collage pieces secured.
Question:
How do you do your fused fabric collages, if you use this technique? Anything different? If you don’t use this technique, what is the reason? Are you interested in trying out the fused fabric collage technique? Start a discussion in the comments section below. Can’t wait to hear from you.
Warmest Regards,
Watch all the Stitch the Sketch Videos and read about the techniques.
Beautiful, love all your work
Thanks Gloria. I LOVE your work too.
What beautiful stitching! I too enjoy the thread work. It looks like the flower is three dimensional like a bowl but I can’t tell for sure from the image I see here. It is just beautiful. Inspires me to go turn on my machine. What type of sewing machine are you using for this?
Thanks Paula. One of my aims when stitching is to bring the subject alive by making it look three dimensional. I do this my using multiple values of the same color thread. I talk a lot about it in my videos. It’s not a bowl, the flower is stitched on a flat surface.
I am thinking that it would be fun to use a light batting in each piece and then quilt them individually before sewing the pieces together. I do not like to use machines (too many moving parts) so I would hand sew it all. I can see the finished piece on the back of a sofa or chair.
Bettina, you sound like you’re very talented with hand sewing. I admire you. I’m not as comfortable with hand stitching, my comfort lies with the machine. Maybe one day I’ll also become as comfortable as you sewing with your hands 🙂