Stitching Out an Embroidered Background
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
In order to create an entirely embroidered background, you first must select the base
material to stitch the design onto. Wilson has, through his own artistic practices, found
twill to be the most substantial for holding up to high stitch counts, while still providing a
professional look and clean finish. Many of the stitched backgrounds will offer two versions
of the digitized file: one for using wool thread, which has less density in the stitches due
to the thicker thread weight of the wool; and a second version which is digitized for rayon
threads with standard density, and can be used with most embroidery threads. The wool
will create a softer, textured look when stitched, and is Wilson's preferred thread choice
for these designs.
With so many stitches, hooping the proper stabilizer becomes a vital step in the beginning
stages of creating your background. Through trial and error, Wilson's studio work has
helped to determine that the best finished results come from a double layer of no show
mesh cutaway stabilizer. By using two pieces rather than just one, the design is provided
a more stable base. The natural tendency for embroidery to pull in or warp within a
design is minimized by the extra stabilizer layer, and ensuring that the base material you
opt for has an interfacing or backing that will compensate for any pull. Fortunately, the
Stahls' Poly-TWILL™ commonly used in Stephen Wilson's studio offers the durability
and professional finish needed for his embroidered works, and would be an excellent base
material to order or have on hand in the creation of these backgrounds, as well as the
tapestry designs.
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