Embroidery Basics: Whip Stitch

The whip stitch is one of the easiest stitch to learn and the most common first step for beginners -even kids can pick up on this one! There are two ways to use the whip stitch. The first one described is used to connect two layers of fabric -like when making a small pillow or softie. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. To begin, place your needle and knotted thread in between the two pieces of fabric (felt is used here because it doesn't fray) and up through the top layer of felt at point one. 

2. Take your needle behind both layers of felt and sew through at point two. You will notice that the needle is at an angle, this gives the stitches the diagonal slant.
3. Again bring your needle behind both layers of felt and sew through at point three.
4. & 5. Continue stitching until finished aiming for consistency in spacing and length of stitches.
6. You can also use the whip stitch to attach pieces side by side -just flatten the felt when done. It's like a stitch trick!

And here is a handy diagram:

Here we start at the right side of the fabric and move to the left. Constantly whipping the needle at an angle up from the front the the back. Up from one and back around through two.

The second way to use the whip stitch is when attaching an applique or a shape to a piece of clothing or artwork. All the stitches are the same -but the angle of the needle is straight up and down. Here you will notice a piece of felt (my applique) on a linen backdrop.

1. Bring your needle and thread behind your applique and background and up at point one.
2. Go back down at point two right where your applique meets the background. You'll want to keep your needle nice and straight.
3. Come back up at point three.
4. Go back down at point 4.
5. Remember to keep your stitches evenly spaced -this will make for a beautiful applique!
6. Keep on going, practice makes perfect!

Again we start at the left and move to the right (but you can do what works for your project) coming up at one and back down at 2. This is one of my favorite stitches -it makes my projects come together quickly!

More embroidery basics by Benzie: 
Backstich

Embroidery Floss

What's that you say? Felt... and embroidery floss? Yes! Benzie now has the most recommended floss in the world -DMC and in every color of our Benzie rainbow. We have searched and scoured for the best hue to coordinate with our shades of wool blend felt making stitching and embroidery projects come together seamlessly.

Our felt collections are a favorite and now there are floss groups to match. These two are my favorite but there are more in the shop. You can also choose floss by its DMC number or by our felt color (it's a whole lot easier to say a name, don't you think?). There may be some hue and shade difference between felt and floss -but you'll find that it coordinates quite well. Welcome to Benzie's newest rainbow!

How to cut felt

It's really quite easy to cut shapes and patterns out of felt -much more precise than pinning, far less fuzzy then transfer pens and cleaner than chalk! And this is by far the most fun! The key is freezer paper (which can be purchased in a roll at your super market or in sheets at your craft store) and a sharp scissors.

This is what you'll need:
-freezer paper
-pattern
-felt
-iron
-pencil
-scissors


1. First trace your pattern onto the matte side of the freezer paper.


2. Iron your freezer paper (wax side down) to your felt. The wax helps to adhere the paper to the felt.

3. Cut out your shapes. I find small scissors helpful when maneuvering around tight corners and sharp tips lend itself to clean and precise cuts.

4. Peel paper off. If you find the paper difficult to peel away from the felt -ease up on the heat or reverse the pattern when tracing. You can also reuse your freezer paper -just re-iron and cut. Perfect!

Guest Curator: Noia Land

I am so excited to introduce you to Paloma Rocha -pattern designer and creative behind Noia Land. Have you ever seen more adorable creatures? Long legged beauties, woodland friends, garlands -and even brooch patterns! (I'm a total sucker for anything I can pin on my blouse.) And what about Marie Antoinette? Beautiful! 

Noia Land has also included an extra special bonus for anyone who purchases her felt collection -a free pdf to make this adorable owl garland! All her patterns uses well designed graphics to help you sew your own doll or animal -and you can use Benzie's felt to get started. Noia Land chose these soft colors of Lilac, Periwinkle, Sky, Icicle, Swan, Peacock, Rose, Cantaloupe, Peach and Pink.



All of these patterns are available for download in Noia Land's shop. Noia Land's curated collection is available at Benzie.

Printable Number Bingo

Any game that involves felt-fetti must be a good one -and pair that with some numbers and you and the kids have got a little math party!

This number bingo works your little one's brain; the preprinted cards include numbers 0-20. Or want to narrow it down to the tricky ones? We also included blank bingo sheets -we suggest laminating them and using a dry erase marker to fill in the blanks. The playing cards span number 0-31. How's that for smart? Here's your felt-fetti and here is your printable pdf -just print off on card stock, trim and play!

Benzie Felt Scrap Bags

You asked for you -and now we have it! Bags of scraps! These remnants are a perfect way to try out Benzie's felt on a budget or to use for your craft experiments. Our scraps come from bolt ends, seconds or leftovers from our crafternoons.

Each bundle weighs 8 ounces and comes in a cute muslin bag overflowing with remnants. These scraps come in a variety of colors -all in Benzie's felt rainbow. You can find yours in the felt shop.

We're celebrating!

We're celebrating our 3rd anniversary -and want to thank you for being a part of Benzie. You are all so very talented and creative -making Benzie's felt look it's finest. We wouldn't be the same without you and want to say thanks. For one week (until March 5) -use the code FELTLIKEAPARTY3 to get 10% off your order at our felt shop. And as always -happy crafting to you!

Image from Olive and Cocoa.