Slow Stitching Tutorial | How to Do Slow Stitching for Beginners | Fabric Collage by Daniela Mellen

What is slow stitching? What do you need for slow stitching? How to do slow stitching? Find out all these answers in this slow stitching tutorial for beginners with mixed media artist, Daniela Mellen. This is an easy slow stitching technique of fabric collage for beginners.
#SlowStitching #FabricCollage #DanielaMellen
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Slow stitching is a process of sewing fabric pieces together in a way that is creative and soothing. The finished piece of a fabric collage isn't traditional like something a quilter or a seamstress would make, because the goal is in a specific result. But, instead, the process of creating is the main focus of slow stitching pieces.
All begin with the fabric collage, but unlike a paper collage, we don't use glue to attach the pieces together, instead, we sew them with deliberate stitches, and these stitches can be exact or precise, or whimsical, and unexpected, or even completely made up. These fabric collages are slowly stitched together not following a set pattern, instead, entire pieces follow prompts, or themes, sometimes from other textile artists, or they can be created without any direction.
The beauty of slow stitching is that if you have an interest in creating a fabric piece, anyone can. In this video, I'll show the absolute basics of slow stitching for beginners.
For starting the fabric collage with a simple, prompt, use three pieces of scraps. We start our piece with our base fabric, this can be any fabric you have cut to three by four inches in the size you want. The piece to have some body, so you can use a piece of quilt, or you can layer a piece of batting underneath your fabric to make it thicker, or you can use just two layers of fabric either commercial fabric something from a charm square, or even repurposed clothing. I'm going to start with a piece of quilted fabric, I find bits of pieces of fabric scraps, I prefer sewing with cotton fabrics, but feel free to try sewing with other materials even paper, or leather. The prompt is to choose three scraps of fabric, so I want to select ones that look good together, and I cut them to the size that I like. Sometimes I fray the edges for added texture and interest these scraps can be all different sizes, and that's up to you.
I design where I want them to go in the fabric collage. When I'm happy with the layout of the fabric collage, I pin them in place on my quilted fabric. To stitch them together, I'll show you a basic stitch, the stab stitch.
Start by threading your needle. You can use cotton thread quilting thread or embroidery floss. Each thread has its own thickness and color, so the selection is up to you. Just make sure the thread will fit inside the eye of the needle.
And, for further explanation, watch this video till the end, here is a simple slow stitching tutorial for beginners.
😚💓 Thank You So Much for Watching! 😚💓
If you enjoy the video, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE! 💓
#TextileArt #FabricArt #HandSewing #ArtCollage #MixedMedia #ArtJournal
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[@1daySomeday]

i cannot thank you enough for the details in the actual stitch part. i have been looking all over for this since so many demos of others on yt jumped over the stitch part and just went to the material to use. I am new to this craft so i also wanted to make something like this but i wanted to do a picture book but using more of stitches part and only some added fancy fabric patterns and designs. I wanted to know what stitches i need to learn to do this new project, or if there are specific terms for various of stitches so i can do research on tutorials. is it tapestry stitches or cross stitch that is needed to make things like flowers, mini cabins, and animals and so on? thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you in advance for any and all replies! :D

[@DanielaMellen]

All great questions. A good starting point is to search Embroidery Stitches. I have many videos on my channel. One video that may be particularly helpful is kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHnMn5uCf6qDmJo That shows my 3 "Go To" Stitches for stitching circles... @@1daySomeday

[@katherineott7105]

Out of all the video's I watched I enjoyed yours the most. You gave clear and easy instructions and I simply like your style. I hope to be able to learn more from you and get some projects going. Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial! ♥

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you, so much!😊

[@ArtsyLadyCrafter]

This is so beautifully simple! I like how you made the collage smaller than the backing fabric. This makes the design easy to work with by being able to hold it by the background. The excess can always be trimmed close to the collage when it's finished if needed. I love simple landscapes as well as this abstract design that you have made. You made this so easily doable that I have no excuse for not getting started. Thanks for this tute!

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you! 😊 Glad you have so many ideas ❤️

[@lgene7232]

Omg I have found my people....love this kind of creative energy. Thank you for sharing!

[@DanielaMellen]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@CricketGirrl]

This was so helpful! Thank you very much! ❤

[@DanielaMellen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@whogaf]

Just as a few other people commented, i love how clear your instructions and voice are. It's nice to not have to rewatch a video a million times just to understand one thing. Looking forward to bingeing on your videos!

[@DanielaMellen]

Glad it was helpful! And thank you for your very kind words!

[@hotthreadssd]

New subbie here. My motto is “no scrap left behind”. 💕🎨💕

[@DanielaMellen]

Couldn't agree more!

[@evelynmitchell7758]

My sentments are common with the other posters. I enjoyed your precise, clear instructions, was very refreshing. Now I know what slow stitching is, was getting confused. I like that it doesn't matter what or how you do the sewing. I embroider a little but most of my stitches are made up because I can't be bothered finding out how to do it properly, I know a few basics and embellish them. I presume that's how embroidery got all the varieties anyway. Ah I am going to have fun in front of the telly. Thanks.

[@DanielaMellen]

Glad it was helpful! And yes, I bet you are correct! All the stitches are variations of someone's creative thinking!

[@juststartingover2735]

Im rewatching this and noticed your nail polish matches your color scheme😁

[@DanielaMellen]

Luck of the draw!

[@DeidresStuff]

This makes the most sense of any tutorial I've watched so far.

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you.

[@pennymiller225]

Recently discovered your channel. Really enjoying your teaching style. This is the best and clearest explanation of slow stitching I have ever heard. X

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you for your kind words! I hope you enjoy the slow stitching as much as I do!

[@sinaburdick202]

❤

[@janetchun4476]

Thank you so much! Your instruction is the clearest I have found.

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you! I hope you found it helpful.

[@beachandbluesky1]

Love the measured way you speak while teaching. And lovely work. Subscribed.

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you so much. Welcome to the Channel.

[@paivicajan8083]

Like other's said before me, you're speaking so clearly that you are pleasure to listen.

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you for your kind words. Very much appreciated.

[@susansisk829]

Daniela, I couldn’t get started…thank you so much for this video!

[@DanielaMellen]

You're welcome and that's so great that you're starting now!

[@MsEri20]

Finally a video I understand!!

[@DanielaMellen]

So glad you found it helpful.

[@jasminestreet2418]

EXCELLENT TUTORIAL

[@DanielaMellen]

Many thanks!

[@craftygrannyt]

So excited to watch slow stitch video. Thank you

[@DanielaMellen]

Thanks! I hope you enjoy it.

[@Elle-zt2pe]

Thank you for such a wonderful tutorial! I'm new to slow stitching & hope to make fabric junk journals & mixed media art.

[@DanielaMellen]

You are so welcome! Welcome. I find both to be very rewarding.

[@sarwatfatima9686]

Thank you 😊 💓 ☺ 💗

[@laniej1]

Love this explanation of slow stitching!

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you! 😊

[@juanitaespinoza6619]

Thank you.

[@CherylsCreativeWorld33]

What a brilliant video. Thank you! I found out all I needed! You’re an excellent teacher!

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you so much.

[@christinegbeautiful]

I just now discovered slow stitching in your video. This is exactly what I was missing in my life. This is a gamechanger for me. Thank you!

[@DanielaMellen]

Welcome! It’s wonderfully addictive!

[@gailrubin9029]

This is perfect for me ! Love this

[@DanielaMellen]

Fantastic!

[@sinaburdick202]

Thank you, I recently found out about slow stitching! Most of the tutorials went on and on about color and texture placement instead of a basic idea how to begin! I love to do little projects while watching TV, especially when it's cold outside! This is perfect, thank you again!

[@DanielaMellen]

You are so welcome! I, too, enjoy little projects that I can work on like you mentioned. Thanks for commenting.

[@kaymaudsley2439]

Your instructions are so clear I can remember what to do when I turn your instruction off. So glad I found you. From a very sunny UK this morning.

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you! Welcome!

[@novafalcosmith]

❤❤❤ thank you

[@DanielaMellen]

You're welcome!

[@lakshmivs7596]

Beautiful video. Well explained. Didn't know about this kind of art. Thanks for sharing

[@DanielaMellen]

So nice of you to comment. ❤️

[@smadang01]

My best part of your video is "it is completly up to you" 😍😍😍4:51

[@DanielaMellen]

thanks!

[@katyraeh]

Super tutorial!

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@lindahelfer8176]

Thank you for your introduction into slow stitching. I enjoy needlecrafts and this is a new one for me. I made a small collage like your example and enjoyed the repetitive stitching and found it very relaxing. Thanks for sharing.

[@DanielaMellen]

I bet you have lots of techniques from your needlecrafts that you can use!

[@susanspisak65]

Too fun!!!

[@DanielaMellen]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@janetbransdon3742]

I am loving this new craft... thank you. SUBSCRIBED. 🥰

[@DanielaMellen]

Welcome! Thank you!

[@lynallan2937]

Wonderful tutorial; so clear and concise with great suggestions. Your instructions and project ideas are definitely inspiring me to give this a try!

[@DanielaMellen]

So glad to hear this! Thanks for commenting.

[@brendabryant60]

I'm a hand quilter , always working so hard to keep my stitching perfect. This is going to be fun, relaxing for me to take a break 😊. Not to mention the boxes of scraps I have accumulated 😊.

[@DanielaMellen]

It is very addicting! ❤️

[@AbigailGracex8]

Great tutorial! I think I found a new hobby! Thank you

[@DanielaMellen]

Awesome! Thank you! It's addicting!

[@carolvenables3970]

You have inspired me x

[@DanielaMellen]

I’m so glad to hear that!

[@lpaltageek]

OMG I am into 1:24 of your tutorial and I am hooked. After searching a couple of hours, yours if the first step by step tutorial I have found on how to do slow stitching. I can do this! 84 and never too old to learn. I have just learned to print on fabric ...just thinking! P.S. Thank you for sharing.

[@DanielaMellen]

Glad I could help! Thank you for your kind words.

[@kellymulvany8345]

Great video. I have used beads but instead of threading which never works I glue them with fabric glue. Make sure it’s fabric glue so the beads will stick.

[@DanielaMellen]

Good tip if you don't want to sew the beads, but want to include them.

[@missiali]

Wonderful instructions….

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you.

[@SaffronHammer]

That is exactly the same process for hand sewing a traditional quilt in that it is slow and peaceful and the process is the joy. As for the improvisation part, check out the fabulous Gee's Bend Quilts!

[@DanielaMellen]

I will! Thanks for the suggestion. There’s nothing new about the process, only the way we give ourselves permission to explore and engage with the medium.

[@bealtainecottage]

Wonderful idea for relaxing stitching! Thank you 🙏

[@DanielaMellen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@glowilk5377]

Tip from a hand quilter - After you do the thread thru loop Stick needle thru fabric ( snagging the fabric, batting ) come up a short distance away. Then clip. Thread is buried and won’t be seen again.

[@DanielaMellen]

Good tip.

[@glowilk5377]

Passed and re-passed from the Amish ladies. 😎

[@estherchandy6292]

Just ... Thank you. Such a gentle voice . Using words like "stab" 😂 Just joking. Love your video

[@DanielaMellen]

hahaha. That's very funny. Thank you ❤

[@juststartingover2735]

This is so interesting! I have not seen slow stitching before and your tutorial is perfect for me! Question: why do you use such a small piece (3”x4”)? Can you use larger or was this just a beginner sample size. Thank you! I am now subscribing!

[@DanielaMellen]

Welcome! You can use any size you'd like! The beauty of slow stitching is that everything is an inspiration and you choose all the parameters! You choose the size, colors, stitches, etc. I tend to demonstrate small techniques, that I hope will inspire you to try them and then modify them to suit your needs. Thanks for your comment!

[@kbez331]

Super cute! Any suggestions for how to utilize the finished product?

[@DanielaMellen]

Here's a video kzbin.info/www/bejne/oorNn36KadJsnqc And, I put all these ideas to use in the Stitch the Season Fabric Book Workshop in December!

[@winningnumbers]

One thing you didn't talk about (or I missed it??) is how many strands of floss did you use? Thanks for a reply

[@DanielaMellen]

The number of strands to use, or thickenss of perle is a very interesting topic. I have a video on that kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqCupWmXZ7eWf8k

[@Lanmn]

I just discovered a new hobby today never knew that something called slow stitching existed it seems fun and relaxing but I have a question at the end what do you do with these little pieces of fabric that you slow stitched?

[@DanielaMellen]

Good question. Many people enjoy the activity, just for the pleasure of creating something, finding a meditation in the process of pulling thread through fabric. Others make their work functional, by using in pillows or banners. I created a video showing some examples. Here's a video on some uses. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oorNn36KadJsnqc

[@vickieking1934]

Hi, So is it sort of like embroidery stitches but you use thread?❤

[@DanielaMellen]

Very much like embroidery. I use many embroidery stitches, embroidery floss, perle cotton thread to make my pieces. The main point is that there are no set rules, precise stitches, or formats that you must follow- unless that is your style.

[@juststartingover2735]

Daniela… i have not been able to find any guidance anywhere about my issue….i need suggestions on how to sort the misc fabric i have purchased for slow stitching projects. I have some prepackaged 8x8 pieces, and fat quarters (18x21) that have various patterns, themes, etc. Does it matter if all sizes are in one pile? Should I sort by dominant pattern or color or ? I tend to overthink everything and I love organized materials. Help?! Obviously I need slow stitching to help me relax😂 Love your videos!

[@DanielaMellen]

Thanks so much. This is a great question. There is a LOT of variations on storing fabric - maybe some other commenters can help with their methods, too. First off, I store all my fabric in transparent bins, so that I can see quickly the general theme. That being said - I have my holiday themed fabric sorted separately, by holiday. For example, I'll have a single bin for Christmas, one for Halloween, etc. I keep another bin for Specialty fabrics: upholstery, velvet, leather, satins. And for my regular fabrics, I prefer to sort by size and then by color. - I sort by keeping all my solid fat quarters together in a clear bin sorted by color (as I tend to look for a solid color to use in a specific piece of work) Then, I keep my larger pieces of fabric sorted by color family. If it's a printed fabric, I'll choose the dominant color and put it with those. It's not a perfect system, but it works for me.

[@juststartingover2735]

Perfect! Thank you! As I build up my fabric collection this will really help. On a recent vacation we visited a couple antique stores and I was able to pick up some old ribbon, lace, items to use as “add ons” as I call them. A good washing got the dust out of them and now stored away. Makes vacation activity even more fun now!

[@annscanlon8877]

Hello Daniela. I haven't received the prompt for September's book page. 😢

[@DanielaMellen]

Hi Ann, It's up in the Community Tab www.youtube.com/@DanielaMellen/community The video comes out on Friday.... The prompt for September is Personal Artifact. Hope this helps.

[@melenaglez]

Could you put the subtitles in spanish, please??

[@DanielaMellen]

I'm working on it.

[@MandM-Fish60]

I recently found your videos. While I'm enjoying the teaching, the music is too loud and distracting from the teaching.

[@DanielaMellen]

Thank you. I have heard similar comments and stopped using music in the videos.

[@mycatduncan7559]

Slow talking more like it

[@differenttakethanmost]

😂

[@VictoriaRoss-uw6kr]

Have you seen a Russian woman made a bag out of fabric bits? She doesn't keep popping her face on a screen she gets on with her work. Your work needs a lot of upgrading compared to her's

[@DanielaMellen]

Oh, I could learn a lot from a lot of people. Sounds like you found a channel you like. Enjoy,

[@Lisargarza]

Can you leave a link for the Russian seamstress? Sounds interesting.

[@Farmervalley]

Your video is great!! Very informative tutorial for a beginner like me ​@@DanielaMellen

[@dwhite3937]

Slow stitching explained with extremely slow talking. It was a great video, watched at 1.75x playback speed. 🥱

[@cindytassin7638]

@lespatouillesdelucie regarde ça devrais te plaire .❤