Across the oceans all the way to Europe, I endeavor to sketch an English breakfast scene in Episode 3.
In this episode, the importance of your thread sketching kit becomes very obvious. In the previous episode, I’d mentioned that I was using a heavy weight stabilizer which wasn’t working that well. Guess what, in episode 3, I dialed down the weight of the stabilizer to a lighter weight and it turned out really great.
So that goes to show that your thread sketching kit has a lot to do with the results you get. Although the saying goes that “a bad workman quarrels with his tools”, it must be said that a good workman can be frustrated by bad tools.
So I’ve decided to share what’s in my thread sketching kit with you so you don’t get frustrated with your own thread sketching projects. First here are some photos.
Here’s the original sketchbook drawing:
Here’s the front of the thread sketching.
Here’s the back of the thread sketching.
Watch the video of how I sketch the “English Breakfast Scene”. After that, scroll down to read what’s in my personal thread sketching kit for your own successful thread sketching.
VIDEO
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Tips, Tools, and Techniques
Inside Clara’s Thread Sketching Kit
I hope you enjoyed the video. And now here’s what’s in my thread sketching kit.
- Light weight stabilizer: I use Pellon 910, I also use some different types of medium weight embroidery stabilizer. You can use two layers of light weight stabilizer if need be.
- Sewing Machine Needles: Universal 80/20, 90/14; Topstitch 90/14
- Threads: I use light weight polyester threads (40 weight) because I like the sheen of polyester as opposed to cotton. Also, lightweight means I can build up thread in areas where I want dark shading as well as light shading.
- Bobbin Threads: I use the same thread in my bobbin as on top
- I use a plastic mat on my machine bed to help me easily move my fabric around. I initially had the Supreme Slider for a while but when it got worn out, I tried a different one. And I love this new one I got fromSewSlip. It’s a little bit bigger 12”x 18” compared to the Queen size Supreme Slider- 11 1/2 x 17 and it’s thinner; which makes it sit seamlessly on my machine bed.
- Quilting Gloves: I have a couple from Fons and Porter and from Machingers to help me control the fabric and keep a firm grip. I love Machingers the best but its the most difficult to keep clean.
- Batting: Thin batting- I use 100% cotton or polyester felt
I think I’ve laid out all the contents of my thread sketching kit. If I missed anything, please feel free to draw my attention to it. Ask questions, make comments and start a discussion. I’ll be delighted to answer your questions. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Warmest Regards,
Watch all the Thread Sketching Videos and Learn the Thread Sketching Tips & Techniques.
GREAT !!! Love the composition and the experimentation, here!!!
Thank you, thank you! I appreciate your compliments.
Hi, I’m going to view all your videos because you are teaching something I really want to learn. Love your work (first seen on Textile Art). I was just wondering – how do you trace onto fabric? I can understand if you simply draw on fabric, like you did in your last picture – but I don’t understand how you get from tracing paper onto the fabric.
Wonderful to have you here, Shauna. There are a few options for tracing. I should write a post on that sometime soon.
I use a light box to trace. You could also tape your drawing to a brightly lit window so you can easily trace with the light coming through the window.
I hope that helps. I’m going to write a blog post on tracing onto fabrics just for you Shauna.
Would never have thought that one up. Thank you. I’m assuming this would only work with lighter materials. I’ve just begun to get into embroidery – and am drawn to machine stitched drawing right now. Look forward to your video.
Would never have thought that one up. Thank you. I’ve just begun to get into embroidery – and am drawn to machine stitched drawing right now. Look forward to your video.
You’re most welcome, Shauna. Yes this technique works for lighter fabrics. Look out this week for my article on “Tracing Onto Fabric”. If you’re signed up to my mailing list you’ll automatically receive it in your inbox. Otherwise you’ll have to check back here. I hope you enjoy embroidery. Challenge yourself to push the envelope with whatever you do and you’ll be doing some extraordinary stuff. Looking forward to hearing about your progress.
I just love this and am now up to number 3. All sketched out ready to sew .. 🙂 Thank you so much Clara. xx
Way to go Andrea!!!
Time to update this list with the new gloves I suggested to you! The Atlas garden gloves seem to work great for me for FMQ and I noticed much later on in this series that you were using them. How do you like them now? Love your blog/sites!
I use the monitor screen of my studio computer to trace onto fabric! Work great for thinner/ lighter fabrics!
Yes Joan, that should also work. I’ve used my iPad to trace on different occasions. It’s the same concept behind a light box.