Stitch The Sketch 2: “Aladdin’s Lamp”
In this episode – (Stitch the Sketch 2) – I thread sketch Aladdin’s lamp. I love the shape of the lamp. The truth is I love all curvy pots, vases and just about any container that has elegant curves, extraordinary spouts, handles, and mouths. So it’s really no wonder I chose to sketch Aladdin’s lamp or should I say – pot?
As always, I started off by sketching the pot in my sketchbook. Below you’ll find a copy of my pencil sketch.
This sketch is bigger than the size of fabric on which I wanted to thread sketch, so I couldn’t do a simple trace onto fabric. I drew another pot directly on fabric. Then I went ahead to thread stitch it.
Here it is stitched on fabric: Stitch the Sketch 2- Aladdin’s lamp.
FRONT
BACK
Watch the video to see the entire creative process. Scroll down after the video to see the highlights of the process and tips and techniques you can use to create your own thread sketch on fabric.
VIDEO
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Tips, Techniques, and Tools
- Stitch slowly so you can stay within your outlines – I set my speed to medium, a little slower than when I’m thread shading.
- Thread sketching is like sketching on paper without an eraser, go slowly when necessary because you don’t want to be taking out stitches when you make a mistake.
- Stitch over lines you want to highlight or you want to draw the viewer’s attention to.
- If you don’t have an outline to follow, create edges by repeatedly starting/stopping in the same place when shading
- Cover entire surface with lightly spaced stitches then if you want darker shading make another pass. This prevents drawing on the side of heavily stitched/shaded area.
- Reduce neck strain by keeping your “eye on the needle” rather than straining to look around to the other side of the needle to see where you’re going. I do this by working towards my destination not away from it. Switch your work around to reposition your work to make it easier for you to see where you’re going.
- Resize your sketch using photo editing software or go to a copy center, so you can simply trace onto fabric.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this episode of Stitch the Sketch 2. I’d love to hear your comments, your questions, and suggestions.
Best,
Watch all the Thread Sketching Videos and Learn the Thread Sketching Tips & Techniques.
Dear Clara,
I may be jumping the gun as I have not seen any but the first two of your Stitch the Sketch videos. But I am wondering how you stabilize your fabric. Do you use batting or interfacing between the two layers of fabric? Do you find one type of thread works better than others?
Not a problem Lynn. I’m so glad you asked. I do use a stabilizer – Pellon 910, sometimes I use Pellon 911, which is lighter than 910 and is fusible as well. For all the other tools which help me to thread sketch with ease, read the tips and tools section at the bottom of episode 3.
Thank you for such a fast response. I am just starting thread sketching. I made preliminary drawings which at first I thought of piecing and quilting but then thought using thread to create a sketch on textiles would be best considering the nature of the sketches. So I looked on YouTube at several tutorials but really like yours best. Thanks for sharing your expertise. I will check out episode 3.
You’re most welcome Lynn. Let me know how you make out. I’ll love to see what you create. I hope you’ll share when you’re done with it. All the best. Remember, not to feel shy to reach out if you need help.
Clara.
Will do but it may be a couple of weeks before I get to it. I am in the middle of several quilts I absolutely must finish.
Lynn
I’ll wait. I look forward to seeing your completed piece.
Warmest regards,
Clara.
Love your needle sketching. I have done some but at the moment am actually taking drawing classes to improve the drawing.
Cindy, that’s a great way to describe what I do – “needle sketching”. Never thought of it that way but come to think of it now, it’s an apt description. I’m going to be using that expression now. Hope your drawing classes go well. Remember you don’t need to be excellent at drawing before you start “needle sketching”. Practice both alongside each other. One will inform the other. All the best.
Clara.
Hi Clara. Enjoy using the word, not sure where I got it from but if you love it use it. (Smiley Face). I am sure both drawing on paper and fabric should help. Look forward to looking at some more of your wonderful work.
Cindy
You bet, Cindy