It's Jennifer Larson again, sharing some basic stitches I tend to use.
First: you can find basic stitch guides online if you google "embroidery stitches" or "needlework stitches." I find this one helpful (Sharon B's guide) and this one (Johanna's embroidery stitch diagrams). I won't draw stitch diagrams for you on this post, but I will describe the stitches I used on my pages; if you want to look up how to do it more precisely, click on one of these two links and search by the stitch name.
Generally, when stitching on paper, you do not want to holes to be too close together. I use 1/4 inch as a rule, though 1/8 inch can work (sorry for internationals about the measurements--I think this would be about a centimeter for you?). Any closer will probably shred the paper. I use my ruler or straight line hole templates (mosty from Stampin' Up!) to map out my straight line stitching.
1. Cross Stitch
I used cross stitches in two ways here: as a line under the title and in between scallops on the bottom border. If you happen to have border punches (of course you do!), adding cross stitches in them makes it super easy. I use the Stampin' Up! stitch template to measure the cross stitches, but a ruler will do as well.
2. Back Stitch
A back stitch is an outline. You can poke holes evenly apart and then stitch until the entire line is filled in. I use this stitch and the cross stitch the most because it is the most practical (and easiest!).
3. Running Stitch
This is similar to a back stitch, just with empty space. I use this to outline photo blocks a lot, or to make butterfly or bird trails.
4. Blanket Stitch
Blanket stitches are sort of half cross stitches, and they look cozy yet masculine. I like them on borders. I also backstitched a photo corner, one of my favorite things to do.
5. Algerian Eye
In my mind, Algerian Eyes are like glorified cross stitches: to make one, you make a cross stitch and a plus sign. I like them because they are sort of sparkly looking shape-wise, which fit this winter page well.
6. Lazy Daisy Stitch
(Please ignore my hair and the fact that I'm massively pregnant in this photo!)
Lasy Daisy stitches are basically a loop you pin down on the page: Put the needle through the hole, then go down the same hole, leaving a loop the size you want. Supposedly, you then just have to stitch down the tip of the loop to form a lovely leaf shape; in all honesty, for me this forms leaves that look like they belong on a pine tree instead of an elm, so I also pin down the sides to make it more of a traditional leaf shape.
7. French Knot
French Knots are made by stitcking the needle through the paper and looping the floss around the needle, then poking the needle through the loop, which will form a knot. For some reason, I found that French Knots take more looping for paper than for fabric. When I stitch on cloth, I loop twice; on paper, I do it at least 5 times. On this page, I dotted the "i" with a French Knot; the rest of the word I backstitched after handwriting the word "attitude."
These were some basic stitches; tomorrow I'll share how I use templates to add designs that are amazing looking!
