The New Embroidery: Simple Geometry, Beautiful Stitches DVD

Designer Natalie Chanin, founder of Alabama Chanin and author of “The Geometry of Hand-Sewing” (Abrams, 2017), shares her ingenious method for achieving even, consistent stitching every time. Using Natalie’s signature grid system, learn to embroider a wide range of stitches from the most basic to complex. Then, practice your stitches on two projects: a stitch-sampler scarf and a stitch sample reference binder that you can refer back to as your embroidery journey continues.

NOTE: Any PDF materials associated with this class are not provided with the DVD-only purchase. You must have streaming access to download those materials. To purchase the combination DVD + Streaming form of this class, click here.

Getting Started & The Grid System (25:58)
Begin class with Natalie’s review of stitching basics as well as the tools and supplies you’ll need to get started. Discover how her signature grid system will help you make beautiful stitches, even if you’re a beginner!

Square & Diamond Grids (33:29)
Start with a simple straight stitch as you learn to use the square and diamond stitching grids included in the class materials. Then move on to more complex stitches using multiple row grids. Natalie even shows you how to make shapes using fill stitches.

Rectangle Grids (19:27)
Rectangle grids are essentially compacted square grids. In this lesson, Natalie walks you through three stitches: the herringbone, coral, and snail trail. You’ll see how easy it is to manipulate your grids by making simple adjustments, opening up even more possibilities.

Double Triangle & Isolated Grids (22:34)
Using the double triangle grid, Natalie demystifies the Cretan stitch, a valuable, versatile stitch especially good for stretch fabrics. Afterwards, find out how to use isolated grids to create eyelets and detached stitches, including the seed stitch and French knot.

Decorative Effects (16:20)
Start adding decorative effects! Find out how to add beads and sequins to any stitch, as well as an extra layer of texture and color with lacing: threading a second thread through a base layer of stitches.

Projects & Design Inspiration (19:52)
End class by looking at a couple of projects to practice your stitches. Follow along as Natalie guides you to create a stitch-sampler scarf and a reference binder of stitch samples that you can refer back to as you continue your embroidery journey.

Natalie Chanin

Based in Florence, Alabama, Natalie “Alabama” Chanin is the founder and creative director of the popular lifestyle company Alabama Chanin and The School of Making, its educational counterpart. Natalie strives for complete sustainability at every stage of the manufacturing process. In 2013, she won the CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge, an award that celebrates great American designers working in sustainable fashion. Natalie has a degree in Environmental Design with a focus on industrial and craft-based textiles from North Carolina State University.

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Your class DVD will be shipped in the mail using the address you provide at checkout. You will not have streaming access to this class in your Craftsy Account unless you purchase(d) it separately. If you’d like to own this class in BOTH on-demand streaming form and DVD, we recommend you purchase that combination item on Craftsy.com.

Will the companion materials come with my DVD class?
Any downloadable class PDF materials are not included on the DVD, so you will not have access to those materials. While the video instruction on your DVD is complete, you must have streaming access to download the PDF materials associated with the class. You can purchase streaming access or a combination DVD + Streaming access on Craftsy.com.

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