Sewing Letters Using using only Needle and Thread?

Question

Hello, I am trying to make a pillow for my friend. Its going to be her birthday soon. I already have the pillow made, except I haven't dyed the color and stuffed it. (I know, dye it, then sew.)

But I am wondering how would I sew letters and such using only a needle and thread. I don't have a sewing machine. I wanted to put her name and other things on it. Can anyone tell me how to do this? Also, do you think it will look good if I get the lettering right, or should I just get some patches?

It might be a little much, but I don't want a scronny single thread outline of the letter. Perhaps an outline outside of the letter too? If it isn't too hard to complete, but I'm determined.

I have somewhat of an idea, but need a little help.

Answer 1

What you're talking about is basic embroidery and the satin stitch. Go to a craft/sewing store and pick up some thread. DMC makes a whole rainbow of colors and then some.

Work an outline of the letter--regular sewing thread is OK just make sure its the color of the letter. This makes it easier to work the satin stitch in. What you also might do is to write the letters in permanent wide markers--just make sure the ink is permanent and will not run. Best way to test is to mark up a piece of cloth (same type you're using) and run it through the machine.

You'll also need to buy an embroidery hoop.

I'm sure you r library will have some basic emb. books as well as about.com--they have loads and loads of basic instructions for just about any kind of craft.

I think your idea is wonderful--so thoughtful!!

Answer 2

Embroidery first, then assemble the pillow top.

Draw the design on tissue paper and then stitch through the paper and the fabric and tear the paper away afterward.

For details, use back-stitch. It won't look as "choppy" as stem-stitch or outline-stitch by an inexperienced stitcher.

If you're brave, fill in areas with French knots or chain stitch using a coarser thread, like a purl cotton instead of cotton floss or sewing thread.

If your French knots want to dangle, on the reverse side of the fabric catch the thread that *began* the knot with the working thread. Don't just tug the working thread tighter. It's the first half of the stitch that would be too loose. Or do fake French knots.

Answer 3

its best to get some wonder under, the type you dont sew through, and iron fabric to it, then cut out the letters from stencils then you take the fabric and trace the letters on, and cut out, peel off the paper backing and iorn them to the pillow, before stuffing but after dying. no stitches at all.

Answer 4

You can get a 10 yard spool of ribbon for under a dollar, lay the ribbon on the pillow shaping and curling the letters of your friends name in cursive, tacking the ribbon with tiny stitches to keep it in place.
You can do the same with yarn, bulky yarn or that new fluffy or eyelash yarn if you have any left over trim use it.
You can iron on wonder under or sitich witchery to fabric, cut out letters then iron them on and tack with stitching
If you cut out letters in felt and stitch them to the pillow, before you get to the end of the letter, stuff the letters to make them puffy, then stitch shut.
You can dye the pillow, then paint on the letters with fabric paint ort if you write the friend's name in wax before you dye it, then boil off the wax after, you will have done a resist dye of her name.

Answer 5

i made a banner once, and cut out the letters in a block fashion. they were gold and i used a maroon thread to sew them on with. it turned out great.

my mom used to embroider names and whatnot on things, it is time consuming but you can probably learn some easy stitches on www.craftown.com/instruction/embroidery.htm

i think homemade gifts are the most special, kudos for you for being so thoughtful. =)

peace,
lily

Answer 6

If you want letters that are cut from fabric and sewn on, you can applique them. Cut your letters a little bigger than you need, and turn under the edges as you go, so they won't fray.