Whitework and Cutouts

Over the years, I've seen many embroidered pieces with fabric cut out.  Although, I found it beautiful, I was always too frightened to try it, I didn't have the confidence that the whole piece wouldn't just fall apart.

Last year, I had a go at hardanger, so when I saw this project using embroidery incorporating cut outs, I thought it was time to give it a go.

I was well in my comfort zone for the satin stitch bodies, leaves and antennae, but soon it was onto cutting the fabric.

 First up, were the little holes.  These were my favourites.  First a line of running stitches go around where the hole is to be, cut a hole, and then use over cast stitch to finish the edging.

The larger holes on the butterfly wing were worked using the same principle, but used blanket stitch edging rather than over cast stitch. The fabric in this case is cut away after the blanket stitch is worked. I need a little more practise on the corners but it's worked.

The scalloped edge is done in blanket stitch, then the fabric is cut close to the stitching.

As a first attempt, I am really happy with how this has turned out so I shall look forward to getting this finished into something useful