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Stitch the Sketch #1: Sketching A Fist

January 7, 2016 by Clara Nartey 8 Comments

Sketching a Fist

To kick off the “Stitch the Sketch” series, in this episode, I sketch a simple hand that’s curled into a fist.

Shading on fabric by varying distance between stitches
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Here are images of the front and back of the completed work.

 

Stitch the Sketch Episode 1: Sketching a Fist
“A Fist” – FRONT

 

Stitch the Sketch Episode 1; Sketching a Fist
“A Fist” – BACK

And below is the video showing how I go about stitching “Sketching a Fist” that you see  in the images above.

VIDEO

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Tips, Techniques, and Tools

Varying Distance Between Stitch Lines for Effective Shading

  • To simulate the look of a pencil sketch on fabric, use a light-colored fabric (white or ivory will work) and dark colored thread
  • If you’re not comfortable showing off the stitches on the back of your work, match the color of your backing fabric with the color of your bobbin thread.
  • Shading involves moving your work back and forth in the area you want to shade
  • Shading different values with thread sketching:
    • For dark value shading – stitch lines close to each other
    • For light value shading – stitch lines at a distance from each other – show more space between stitch lines

I’d love to hear your comments and answer your questions.

Warmest Regards,

Clara's Signature

 

 

Watch all the Thread Sketching  Videos and Learn the Thread Sketching Tips & Techniques.

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Comments

  1. Beth Berman says

    January 8, 2016 at 5:37 am

    What a great video and your sparkling personality really shows through!!

    Reply
  2. Clara says

    January 8, 2016 at 8:02 am

    Aww Beth, that means so much to me. Thank you, thank you.

    Reply
  3. Janis says

    January 8, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    Nice job Clara! What did you sketch the first sketch on the fabric with? Does it remain as part of the drawing?

    Reply
  4. Clara says

    January 8, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    Thanks Janis. I used a pencil to trace the sketch onto fabric because this is just a sample. However for serious work, you can trace your design on water soluble stabilizer, lay the stabilize on top of your work and stitch through. You’ll then soak your work in water to wash the stabilizer away. Alternatively, you can use an air erasable pen.

    Reply
  5. Aretha says

    January 8, 2016 at 11:37 pm

    Really nice and well depicted. Can’t wait for the rest of the series!

    Reply
  6. Clara Nartey says

    January 9, 2016 at 8:31 am

    Thanks Aretha. I can’t figure out what to thread sketch next, lol. But I’ll surely work on something for another video next week.

    Reply
  7. Diane Mularz says

    July 27, 2016 at 6:24 am

    I am curious about the machine you are using and what layers you use in your thread painting. Beautiful work.

    Reply
  8. Clara Nartey says

    July 27, 2016 at 7:22 am

    Diane, I use a Juki 2010 Q and my tools and supplies are listed in the “Tips and Tools” section of the blog post below. Scroll down to the bottom of the post to read all about what I use. I use 4 layers – top, batting, stabilizer and backing. http://claranartey.com/stitch-the-sketch-3-english-breakfast/

    I hope that helps. Feel free to ask follow up questions.
    Best,
    Clara.

    Reply

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