Crathorne Bug - dots

Split stitch around the dot

Traditionally the needle is brought up through the previous stitch as it creates less bulk on the back of the work, but this scale is so small, it is possible to bring the needle up in front of the previous stitch and then take down through the stitch - up to you!

Keep the split stitch small as it is such a small area

Begin the satin stitch from the middle bringing the needle up outside of the split stitch, and down over the other side of the split stitch.  The direction of the satin stitch is parallel to that of the oversewing of the trailing on all four sides. 

Satin stitch is worked out from the middle on both sides 

Difficult shape to satin stitch as it is so small - so keep stitches compact and very close together.  
Keep the tension firm

All worked with DMC Col.3782 stranded cotton

Crathorne Bug - finishing trailing

Take core thread through to the back of the work at the end of the trailing

Fold core thread back on itself, and over sew ½ inch or 2cm, catching the backing fabric

Cut away the remaining thread

Crathorne Bug - continuing trailing, and corners

At the end of the line, take the core thread through to the back of the work.

Then bring the core thread up at the beginning of the next line, and continue trailing.

Close up

Corner - Take the core thread down through the fabric at the end of the line.

Then bring the the core thread up at the beginning of the next line at the corner, and continue trailing as before.

Trail over the trailing, at the corner to produce a crossed corner.

Crathorne Bug - trailing

starting trailing - pin is the starting point of the design

needle up

needle up close up

needle down

needle down close up

Trailing is a form of couching, where a core thread is oversewn completely using another thread in a needle.  Use DMC Col.3782 stranded cotton for the trailing, five strands of this colour for the core, and one strand for oversewing.

To give the trailing some tension, knot the core thread, and bring the thread up a good inch or so away from the starting point.  The starting point is the beginning of the design, or where the pin is placed to show YOU, where I started trailing - image 1.

Secure the single thread to the fabric, using a No. 9 or 10 crewel embroidery needle.  Then start trailing. 

Tips on trailing - 

• Make sure there is always some tension on the core thread.  I am right handed, so I use my left hand to hold the core thread, whilst I stitch with my right.  Whatever works for you!
• Bring the needle up on the design line, oversewing over the core thread, taking the needle back down on the design line.  Completely cover the core thread, encasing it.  No core thread should show.
• When I bring the needle up - I move the core thread to the side so I know I am bringing the needle up on the line.
• When I take the needle back into the fabric - I move the core thread in the opposite direction so I can see the design line.
• All the time, I am holding and keeping tension on the core thread.  This keeps the line of trailing very fine.
• Don't forget to keep good tension on the single couching thread too!
• Finally, ensure your working thread retains its sheen.  Finish and start a new thread if it looks worn as it travels through the fabric many times.

This technique looks great when worked well, but may take a little time requiring some practice.  My advice would be to take your time and not to rush it.

Next post will show you what to do when you come to the end of the first line of trailing. 

Apologies for not blogging sooner.  I mentioned in a previous post that I may have a slow start as I have an enormous amount of work and responsibility, but I hope to work on this over the festive period, when I am less in demand and hope complete it 'very soon' before my next term of teaching begins to take hold. 

Thanks for your patience if you have been waiting.