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Finishing Touches

Marylee Klinkhammer

I have always believed that the finishing touches are sometimes the most important part of a design. When you place delicate stitches that firmly gather fabric threads together, you are creating a beautiful work of art that will help secure the edges against damage.

The handkerchief used in "Rosebuds" design was purchased, and, at first glance, the delicate finishing on the handkerchief edge seemed beyond my skills (and my eyes). But when I looked closely, I realized that it only looks difficult because of the thread count of the Linen. It is a Four-Sided Stitch and a simple Hemstitch! The Hemstitch and other finishing techniques are methods that I would like to share with you.

Let's start with the most basic technique. On the dresser scarf, we used a simple fringed edge. This can create a dramatic effect with very little effort. Stay stitch around the edges of the fabric and remove the outer threads. By fraying the edges in this manner, you create a whisper-soft edge for your design.

For a more finished look, use the Nun's Stitch, which is a open-sided square stitch that can be trimmed closely. It consists of two horizontal stitches and two vertical stitches and is a easy stitch. If trimming close to your stitching is too scary, pull and remove the thread closest to the stitches and then cut along that line.

The basic Hemstitch is more math than anything else. Count in from the fabric edge 12 threads, remove the next two threads. This creates a space for your stitches. Working from the wrong side of your fabric, crease and fold at four threads, and again at four threads. Your last fold should bring the edge of the hem to the open area. Take a small vertical stitch just to the right of the edge, being sure to catch the folded hem and then pass your needle under three threads and return to take a second stitch.

Use these techniques to break free from the doldrums of frequently framing and release your stitching to the finishing world.