Tutorial: How to get started slow stitching

THIS IS A VERY CHATTY VIDEO. I made this, by request, for my subscribers who were interested in what I have to say. If you don't like chatter, then this might not be for you.
Hello lovely humans! There are several "tutorial" type of videos out there on how to slow stitch or how to get started on a project, bust since several of my subscribers requested me to do one, I thought I'd go ahead and do it! So, here you go. If you want to give this a try but don't have a lot of supplies, I do have slow stitch kits in my etsy store, where I've gathered everything you need (except thread and baubles) to make your own slow stitch project. www.etsy.com/shop/Sparrowhawk... Take care, happy stitching, happy crafting, happy everything! (Also, I am aware that there was such a thing as "crazy patch" before Victorian times, but when I refer to Victorian CQ I specifically mean the time between 1870s-1920s when ladies pursued this past-time to show off their stitching skills.)
**And for some reason I kept calling the fan a heart. Sorry!

[@user-ee2yi2bh8z]

I needed some inspiration for my art, and I found your video!! I had said a prayer that God would let me get inspired to do my art again. Your work is beautiful ❤️

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Wonderful! I'm so happy I could help out. I hope you make something you love. xo

[@janb2162]

This type of embroidery is right up my alley! I love the fact you don't need instructions or rules..just let yourself go!!!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Me too! I think having crafts that have rigid rules really takes the fun out of it, and it also alienates some people. Accessible crafts helps people join in. Thanks for watching!! xo

[@annmariehayes5641]

Hi i come across this video today (13/05/2024 ) 3 yrs in the future, while searching for slow stitching, i love your sewing hope I can start this beautiful craft.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you! I'm really happy that people are still stumbling upon my older videos and finding inspiration. I hope you have fun with your stitching. xo

[@AnneMarieVoegeli]

Same here! I just came across this video in the same searching journey -- 6-3-2024 - and I love it!!!!

[@Canadian693]

TFS! I love to sew and embroider. My parents immigrated to Canada from Ukraine and my mother taught me how to sew and embroider, among other things. I have started some journal covers, which I am doing slow stitching on, great project to work, while watching tv. Also, need to start using my tons of fabrics! New subbie from Northern Alberta, Canada 🇨🇦.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Welcome! I love your YT name. CanadianUkiGal, that just sums it all up. :-) Ukrainian embroidery is gorgeous. So is their bead embroidery. I hope you find something of use on my channel and keep stitching. Thank you for watching. xo

[@donnaogorman4935]

Love our Canadian Background. My maternal grandparents came from Finland. My Mom knew how to do needlework but my Dear Grandmother day patiently teaching me from the time I was 5 years old. Precious times and beautiful memories. This work is what they taught in school in Finland. Very,very thankful because to this day I can't imagine sitting down and relaxing without a needle and thread in my hand. 😘From Toronto

[@junkjournalgirl]

Thank you for explaining Slow Stitching in an easy way :) I have done a hand-stitched 9-patch quilt and some Candlewicking, with my mum. She did the most amazing embroidery....... which I now have. I have done a practice sampler which was fun :) I am needing a break from journal-making and think this is going to be the change I need. Thank you :)

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you for watching, Kerri. I really hope you give this a try and have fun with it. Thank you for your kind words. xo

[@ginainfantino411]

Slow stitching is whatever you want it to be. I love it because precision is not the goal. Even when I began quilting, I loved the art of hand piecing and hand quilting. Sewing machines are handy at times, but hand stitching for me is relaxing. Sewing machines make me nervous. 😂. Your work is lovely.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Omg, Gina, sewing machines make me nervous, too! I use one when I make regular quilts, but all I can do with it is sew two pieces together! :-) While I might send some quilt tops out to a long armer to have quilted, I still hand quilt a lot of them. I adore all of the hand stitching: quilting, slow stitch, crazy quilting, EPP. I agree, it's totally relaxing. Thank you for commenting. Take care!! xo

[@rhondamarshall7039]

Looks a whole lot of fun, am going to have a go at this. Thank you for sharing.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for watching. Xoxo

[@sarahpugh749]

OMG! Just amazing! I can’t believe I didn’t know about this amazing, creative craft. Thank you for sharing.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You are so welcome, Sarah! I hope you enjoy making something! xo

[@funkeyjournals3674]

Looks like a lot of fun! Your finished ones are beautiful. TFS❤️

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you! It is fun because there's just really not much stress involved. :-) thanks for watching. xo

[@donnamatoi5256]

Great explanation! I’m so looking forward to getting my kits! I used to do needlepoint and cross stitch and enjoyed it. Your story was very heartwarming about the fabrics. Thank you for sharing! ❤️

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much, Donna. They went in the mail today! Have fun when you get them!! Take care, xo

[@tammyadams7965]

Beautiful! I love this. I'm going to dye some fabric and lace with natural dyes and this will be perfect to use them in. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you! Your project sounds like it will be lovely! Thanks for watching. xo

[@lizwood5307]

Thank you, that helped clarify things for me. I’ve made a couple of attempts at slow stitching and fabric collage, but this gives me a better idea how to go about it.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You're welcome! So glad I could help out. xo

[@momamyx]

Wonderful explanation and beautiful work! I am so excited to give slow stitching a try.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! xx

[@carolynshanks2612]

Oh, Lauretta, I just received my kit from you! It is so beautiful! The fabrics and laces are just perfect and you have selected a great embroidery piece to accompany the greys. I look forward now to start putting together the loveliest pillow front! I will send you a photo when I’m done. It won’t be as beautiful as yours are, yet I’ll do my best. Thank you for providing these kits. It is an impetus to get me back to handwork. ❤️❤️❤️

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much, Carolyn! How sweet of you to let me know how much you loved the kit. I'm so happy. I'm a huge proponent of making things by hand, so I'm really happy if I've inspired even one person to make something. You must send me a photo when you're finished. If you follow me on Instagram you can either tag me there or even message me there. I can't wait to see it. Thanks again! - xoxoxo

[@rgporter1957]

Thank you so much for this very clear and easy to grasp tutorial for slow stitching! I've done a lot of research and came to your video first and I wasn't disappointed. I've done handcrafts, needlework, sewing, and quilting the better part of my life. I just got into junk journaling and wanted to combine my needlework skills with the paper craft. This is perfect for it! I'm anxious to get started. I have several of my great grandmothers handkerchiefs and a variety of family heirloom crocheted items that have all seen better days. I'm looking forward to including these items in my slow stitching projects. Thank you again and be well!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you, so much Robyn! I'm happy I was able to help out. I have since finished all six of these blocks and I used heirlooms on each one. I hope you have fun making your project. (Junk journals are so addictive. I just started making those about a year ago and I love making them!) Take care. xo

[@sharron_leette]

Thank you so much for the simple instructions on how to get started slow stitching. Sometimes that’s the hardest part of a project is knowing just how to start and you’ve explained it beautifully. Thank you again.🤗

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much, Sharron. I'm so glad I could help. Take care and thanks for watching! xo

[@jaynekeck7038]

Your blocks are beautiful. I love slow stitching so it doesn’t have to be perfect. So awesome

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you!

[@nancykintzel4261]

TFS! Great video and very helpful ideas on how to get started...just what I needed!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Oh good! I'm so happy it was helpful. I hope you make something you love! xo.

[@janetbransdon3742]

Thank you... I have a bunch of materials and trims but didn't know how to start. Now I have the confidence to start. 🤗

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You're welcome! Have fun with it!!

[@roniB262]

I love this. I have several incomplete cross stitch projects from over 20 years ago. I could add them to a slow stitch project!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you, Ronalda. Yes, you can add any number of UFOs or heirlooms. You will make a very special piece! Thank you for watching. xo

[@jillsiegler9218]

I have gotten taken by slow stitching, I love watching you videos... You have answered many questions for me!!!tfs

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

I'm so happy I've helped out, Jill! Thank you for watching. xo

[@evelynbrady3347]

Perfect tutorial I’ve been watching on f/book and couldn’t figure it out . Wasn’t sure of the name of craft so couldn’t look it up! Thanks I love it

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching. xo

[@susanbowden6550]

Really enjoyed your approach..its exactly the vibe I'm looking for ...I want to go to every vintage fair now to find myself some pretty bits ...

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much, Susan. Have fun!! Xoxoxo

[@bjuracek21]

Great video !!!!! I want to start slow stitching and from this video, I now see a way I can utilize my Great Grandma's threadbare "moo moo" . Thank you for a great tutorial!!!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Wonderful! I hope you have fun and I'm happy this tutorial helped out. Thanks for watching! xo

[@margaretWestminster]

I just found you and really didnt know about slow stitching but you have really got my attention. I love these beautiful ones with lovely shiny buttons the idea making it into a book is great. You have done a wonderful job and thank you for showing these.❤❤❤

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You are very welcome! And thank you for watching. xo

[@coreybartkuscole444]

This is just the video to get me going! Thanks so much!❤️🌷🐓

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You're welcome, Corey! Thank you for stopping by. :-)

[@yvonnestaniforth8045]

I have never sewn by hand except for replacing a button and very terrible hems lol but I love this concept and it is so apt for junk journaling with its freedom of not measuring and nothing having to be perfect that it has a definite appeal to me. You explain it so well. A group I am involved with is doing a beginners journal in October so I thought I would check out a few KZbin Channels to see what I will be in for. 15:46 Thank you so much for not overwhelming me and for making me feel that I can do this. 💖

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much and you're very welcome! I hope you enjoy your time stitching. Have fun!! xo

[@teenyarosenbaum3287]

Thank you! I'm new to this idea and wanting to learn. Love your tutorial ❤️ 💕 with the basics and explanation 😊

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching. Xo

[@Freespiritarts]

Best slow stitch explanation I have seen. Thanks!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you very much! And thanks for watching. I hope you give it a try. xo

[@sharonparks8144]

Beautiful - I love your work❤️

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much! And thanks for watching! xo

[@lizryan6289]

I love slow stitch. It calms the mind.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

I think so, too. Thanks for watching. xo

[@susannaeasdale1162]

Great video Lauretta, you explain it very well your blocks are looking really lovely. Hugs Susanna xx 😊❤🧵

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you, Susanna. I love passing on info to help others, but I always get so nervous doing it! lol. Don't know why. Take care! xoxo

[@lenscraftylife]

Thanks for the explanation. I didn't know the differences. Looks lovely. Hugs.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You are so welcome! xo

[@ellenkass9410]

I am so excited. Have been wondering what to do with the piles of fabric and scraps left by my late sister. Thank you. 🏜👩‍🦳🌻💖

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You are so welcome! Take care! xo

[@marenjeworowski9859]

Great video, fantastic instruction, and examples that are easy to understand. I just subscribed. I am new to slowstitching but can't wait to get started. I feel so inspired after watching your video! ❤

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much! I'm happy I could help. Just remember, slow stitching is a very forgiving art form. There are no rules. Have fun!! xo

[@margaretjohnston8055]

Beautiful project....I am looking forward to see your joining process. I just came from MI Cottage Crafts and she listed the participants in the latest soul stitching exchange and I decided to have a look at the list of the artists who were participating. I am grateful for her thoughtfulness and excited and happy to have found you. I have subscribed. TFS

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Oh, thank you so much, Margaret! Yes, Jeanette is an absolute sweetheart. I've been watching her for years. I hope you find something useful here on my channel. Take care! xx

[@FinallyCrafting]

Thanks for sharing with us :) I want to try some of this, so relaxing and fun to do without any rules. :)

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Yes! It's nice to really push yourself and your skill set on some projects, but it is also very "zen" and soothing to just let go and do something with no rules. I totally agree. Thanks for watching, Wenke. Hope you're doing well! xx

[@luzmercado1599]

I enjoyed your video. Very clear explanation. Thank you for sharing!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you for watching. I'm glad you found it useful! xo

[@Doripignataro]

Bellisimos todos!! Recién veo este vídeo..muchas gracias !!❤❤❤

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Gracias!

[@globalhikingcr]

Great work! Thank you for sharing 🌺

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you! And thanks for watching. :-)

[@soniasnotes1777]

Love 💖 this piece of art

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

So kind of you to say. Thank you, Sonia!

[@Cabinlady4]

This explanation was great and really helped. So thank you.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you. I'm so happy I could help out. Take care! xo

[@gracemaxwell6157]

Great project! Thanks for sharing your ideas?♥️🤗

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you! And thank you for watching. xo

[@mallybl]

keen to have a go, i have done lots of crazy patch with embellishments and started som boro stitching

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

That's awesome! Slow stitching is really rewarding if you love to work with your hands. And it's so forgiving that you won't get frustrated with yourself. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for watching and commenting. xo

[@lucyfanning7496]

Lovely, great tutorial, thank you.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You’re welcome 😊 Take care. xo

[@sunflowerkiss60]

Your work is just beautiful!! I'm so jealous. Haha

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Aww, thank you. And thanks for watching. xo

[@celueders]

I would love to see the remaining block.you have done exceptional work. Please let us see as you continue on this. It would be a beautiful quilt

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

I will put videos of the blocks up just as soon as I finish them! Thank you for watching, take care! xo

[@tinadoro9218]

Wonderful!🌹

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you! xo

[@karenspeedy4812]

Thank you, this video is a big help for a beginner like me

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You're very welcome! xoxo

[@fayneilly833]

Love this tutorial thank you for sharing.🙏

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You're welcome, Faye. Thank you for watching! xo

[@shabbymoniquebrocante4923]

Thank you so much for this video. I will create a slow stiching project. Hugs xxx

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Oh Monique, that is awesome! And I know because it's you, it will have fabulous little details to it. Tfw! xo

[@shabbymoniquebrocante4923]

@@sparrowhawkerdesigns i have already started

[@ShatteredRippleBooks]

My Mum gave me these dry wipes they are like baby wipes. So dried out baby wipes will work too. I use them as a stabilizer when I'm not planning on washing the item. They work great!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much for the tip! I will have to try that. I use baby wipes in my mixed media all the time, so it's not like I don't have any to try it with. Great idea! xo

[@ShatteredRippleBooks]

You're welcome

[@tinasmith3265]

Great Video thank you

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much.

[@KattyWamp]

Now I understand what slow stitching is a bit better!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Glad I could be of help! xo

[@ceciliaflanagan9590]

Hi...I'm watching your video today 20/3/22...a year later and it is also a long weekend here in South Africa...thanks I'm inspired to go off and get stuck into my crazy quilting...

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you, Cecilia! I'm glad it inspired you and I hope that you make something you love. Take care. xo

[@sis9622]

Beautiful

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much! xo

[@sis9622]

You are very welcome

[@MimisCraftyShoppe]

Thank you so much Lauretta I think I might can do this better than the crazy quilting even though I still want to make one block 😉😊.......

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You can do it! You seriously have a fabulous sense of design and style. Your aesthetic is wonderful, so I can't imagine that you wouldn't be able to conquer either kind of stitching. XOXO

[@MimisCraftyShoppe]

Sparrowhawker Designs / Lauretta Allen thanks 😊 if I set my mind to learn something most of the time I can, except for adobe photoshop and tatting way to tedious for me😂

[@carollevesque9554]

I freakin love this

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Well, thank you so much! xo :-)

[@JudyPinchback]

The idea of Shashiko is.....the beauty is in the imperfections.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

I love that.

[@GwendolynsDabbledoosies]

Prrretty! You are a very inspirational person with a big fan.... heart! I mean heart! Yeah, I read your description and good thing cause here I was thinking heart...? 🤔 Made me giggle 😁 Have a good day! ❤️

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

I know, right?! I get so tongue-tied and nervous when I do these videos. It's not like it's even live television. :-) Thanks for watching!

[@GwendolynsDabbledoosies]

I understand your nervousness but know you are doing great. And I’m pretty sure that with time you’ll loose some of that nervousness so look forward to that. You’ll probably still call hearts fans or fans hearts but that is perfectly alright. Remember it only gets weird if you start calling a heart a raincloud 😉❤️

[@pamketron]

I just watched Rachel open her gift from you. Simply Stunning! Such beautiful fabrics and stitches. New subscriber to your channel. Can’t wait to watch your videos.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much, and welcome to my channel! Take care, xo

[@lynnyvonnestwo]

Thank You Lauretta For This Video, I Have A Lot Of My Mums Clothes I Would Like To Do Something With, This Would Be Great For Using Them On, And Lot’s Of Scarves She Loved Them, One Day I Will Make Something TYFS Hugs Lynn Satay Safe XX

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You're welcome, Lynn. It's very satisfying to use the little things that are just collecting in places. I hope you give it a try! Tfw. xx

[@charlottehetherington8720]

Really good explanation thank you

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you, Charlotte! I hope it helped you. xo

[@SonjaFriskes]

Hi Lauretta, how are you? You explain this so well. I have watched other crafters and they are nice , but not as clear as you are. Tfs Hugs xxx Sonja

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Oh, thank you, Sonja! I'm always so nervous when I do these things. :-) I'm happy you found it useful. Good to hear from you. Take care. xx

[@donnaheard4185]

BEAUTIFUL! New subscriber! TFS!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you, Donna! I hope you find inspiration on my channel. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. xo

[@donnaheard4185]

@@sparrowhawkerdesigns Thank you so much! I am really enjoying your work and your videos!

[@Ammiel7]

Ive done a few pieces of Japanese sashiko, a vest and some cushions its so relaxing,but at least there is a printed line lol Im not handling messed up stitching, and Ive only done I square 🇦🇺🌺❤️

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

I'm so happy that you've decided to give this a try! It's loads of fun and very forgiving. Thank you for watching, Ammiel. Take care. xo

[@joelange5795]

Good tutorial.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thanks!

[@susanbucklin3204]

Just seeing this now, I love your blocks! Do you have a video of the finished project?

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you! Here's a link to the video where I show you how I attach the back and you will get a view of the whole thing finished. Thank you for watching, Susan! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4qYcpZqdriiqpI

[@marybarratt2649]

It may be slow stitching but you are mighty fast completing your blocks lol. Lovely results though. Very effective. A pretty pastime. TFS x

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you, Mary! xo

[@maryhill3582]

I am so excited to start this craft! I have made a few quilt tops, but have never got them quilted. My question to you is have you made a bed quilt out of these beauties. I would love to see one. I can’t find anyone who has done that. Mainly they make journals to display their stitches and designs and other small crafts. This work is too beautiful not to display everyday.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

I have not made a full-size quilt but I have made several wall-hangings. Here is a link to the wall-hanging I made with these blocks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4qYcpZqdriiqpIsi=1_oQHf5aKjPvGjkB Also, here's a link to another wall hanging that I did. (I made kits for this one and they are no longer available but you can at least get an idea of what it looked like when it was finished.)kzbin.info/www/bejne/aojUfaOwjLyZqqMsi=zwVME60JfVyGaCjk Thank you very much for watching! And I hope you enjoy your stitching. xo

[@clnason]

I love this! I can't wait to try one. Thank you so much for showing us how to start! I think I have to binge watch your channel! :)

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much! I hope you find something of value in all the videos. Take care. xo

[@badwolf54]

Looks like crazy quilting to me.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

It is very similar! I also crazy quilt, and in crazy quilting you don't ordinarily leave your edges raw. You sew them under, and usually (but not always) the patchwork is done in more angles. In addition to that, CQ really focuses on having perfect, fancy, stitches, whereas slow stitching is more primitive. Thank you for watching!

[@lindabrown2868]

I love your work, how are you going to join the blocks once they are done.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you, Linda. I will probably put a backing fabric on each block, but you honestly don't have to if it's just going to hang on a wall. I haven't decided if I'm going to join them just like regular quilt blocks, right sides facing and then just stitch them together, or if I'm going to go for something more rustic and maybe just whip stitch them together and have the seam show in the front. We'll see! But, yes, the basics of joining them would be just to put them right sides together and sew them. Thank you for watching and for commenting! xx

[@rebeccamills2744]

I'm very interested in making a wall panel. I have some old treasures I would like to use. What size of squares do you use?

[@austinwilloughby3439]

Are those 10 x 10 blocks! Beautiful videos! Thanks so much!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you! Yes, these are 10x10.

[@freeee35]

Thank you 😊

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You're welcome 😊

[@vaniawhitfield6486]

Love it

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you!

[@YvetteQuale]

Thanks for sharing your great tutorial with us all. I love that you shared the basics, but left it simple so that viewers feel confident to try it. When I give this a try I'll share with you my finished creation. :)

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you so much, Yvette. I was hoping to take some of the intimidation out of the process! And I would love to see your finished creation. The homepage on my KZbin channel has 3 icons in the corner for email, instagram and etsy. You can reach me at any of those places. Thank you so much! xo

[@beverlyfratoni9523]

I’m anxious to try this, it’s so pretty! My question is this…I know you said you hand baste the various small fabrics down onto the batting, then add all your others things with embroidery, but what about the edges of each small piece of fabric, do you machine stitch them together or do you just leave the edges as they were cut?

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

So that is what separates this type of slow stitching from say, a crazy quilt. You don't stitch the pieces together or hide the edges. Where you baste the fabric down is where they stay and you just leave the edges raw and then stitch on top. You can keep adding layers, like a rectangle on top of a larger square, with a fussy cut flower on top of the rectangle. This kind of stitching is stress free because nothing has to match and there are no rules and it's easy. I hope you give it a try and hope you like it! Thanks for watching! xo

[@caroldurst1855]

Thank you

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

You're welcome! Tfw. :-)

[@marycress1611]

I love this and I want to try but what do you do with the end result? Do you frame them?

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

I get asked this question a lot. So, there are lots of things you can do with a slow stitch project. These particular blocks I will stitch together and make a wall hanging out of it, just like you'd hang a small quilt on the wall. However, especially if the blocks are smaller, you can make a fabric book, you can make pins out of them if they're really small and wear them like a brooch. You can make pillow shams, needlebooks, pin cushions, even small coverlets (for decoration only) on a crib, or the end of a guest bed. Also, as long as you backed it, you could use it as the front of a tote bag. If you cut them in triangles, you could make a banner! If you did want to frame them behind glass, just make sure the glass isn't actually touching the block. I hope that helped! Thanks for watching! xo

[@PaperKitty99]

Beautiful 😍New subbie 🌸.TFS

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you! And welcome! Take care, xo

[@barbhayes5613]

What weight of batting did you use? I've not seen this method before, but I can see where it would give your pieces so much dimension! Thank you for sharing!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

I'm not really sure there is a "weight" listed on the batting packages. I just use scraps leftover from my quilting projects, so it is either 100% cotton batting or it's an 80/20 mix of cotton and polyester. I hope that helps! Thank you for watching.

[@marlagriffith3144]

I am starting to slow stitch, but I notice no one uses an embroidery hoop. Did you baste it rather than use a hoop? It seems counterintuitive to me not to use a hoop as I have always used one to embroider in the past. You do lovely work. Thank you.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Hoops are not usually used in slow stitching or crazy quilting for various reasons. The hoops tend to leave marks on the fabric and since non-cotton fabrics are often used in CQ (or a combo) it can be difficult to iron them out. I suppose it also depends on how much you embellish your slow stitching, as well. Sequins, beads, buttons and various fibers like burlap don't take too well to being bent in a hoop. Also the wear and tear on the fibers of some of the very old fabrics and laces, would do quite a bit of damage. I used a hoop as a child and a teenager but now I've gotten so used to not using one that I don't even use a hoop when I just do regular embroidery. The only time I use a hoop at all anymore is when I'm trying to demonstrate a stitch to somebody else. I hope this helped and thank you for watching! xo

[@februaryangel1]

TYFS 👩‍❤️‍👩💜👸🏽

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

xoxoxo

[@robertakahn3814]

Hi, not sure if I missed it, what size are the blocks? Beautiful!!!

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

These are 9x9, but you can make them in any size you want. Thank you so much for watching, Roberta. Take care. xo

[@darleneblakely7726]

Ah! I call that a Crazy Quilt block.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

It is similar except the edges on all the pieces in a slow stitch block are raw, instead of turned under like in most crazy quilts. (I have videos up of my crazy quilts, too.) Thanks for watching!

[@winningnumbers]

Do you remove the baste stitch at the end? Thanks for a reply

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Yes, I do.

[@gaildonofrio9090]

What needles do you use. I’m having a hard time with needles.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

The needle depends on what I'm doing on the block and what thread I'm using. I just use embroidery needles for most of it ranging in size from a 3-9. I use milliner's needles for any stitch that needs to be wrapped around the needle because you want the needle as uniformly straight as you can get it, whereas embroidery needles tend to get wider up by the eye. I use beading needles when applying beads. If I use silk ribbon, then I use a tapestry needle. What do you mean when you say you're having a hard time with your needles? Maybe I can help if I understand better what difficulties you're having. Thanks for watching!! xo

[@jammaarts1585]

QUESTION: I don’t know if I missed it (if I did I’m so sorry) but what is the size of your blocks?

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

This particular project, the blocks are 8x8 inches. The crazy quilt blocks that I'm doing right now are 12x12. Hope that helped. xo

[@triciat342]

What size piece of batting do you use as your ' canvas'.. just curious as the size you cause here looks kinda perfect ? Thanks for taking time to share this.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

The batting on this project in inches is 9 and 1/2 by 9 and 1/2. I did not embroidery all the way to the edge, so when I sew them together they will end up about 9 and 1/4. Since I'll whipstitch them together instead of using a machine, I probably won't even use the full quarter inch allowance. I do have one piece where I got the tatting pretty close to the bottom edge, so I'll probably leave that on a bottom row so as not to lose it. Does that make sense? I hope that's what you're asking. If I didn't answer your question, let me know. Thanks for watching! Take care, L

[@triciat342]

Thank you for the quick response...exactly the answer I needed... loving yours and Roxy Creations Collabs..kinda thrilling watching how you spin magic from bits n pieces... awesome at times...

[@roxanne7147]

Can you use old cut up bed sheets as a base and slow stitch on that?

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Yes! It wont be as stable as it is with felt or batting, but that's okay! It'll work. :-) xoxo

[@roxanne7147]

@@sparrowhawkerdesigns thank you for your prompt reply. I am going to try it and thanks for your well explained video

[@rhondaforde8070]

I love your work very much my name is Rhonda Australia thank you

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you, Rhonda. Welcome to my channel. xo

[@rhondaforde8070]

Sparrowhawker Designs / Lauretta Allen thank you I just love your work keep it coming

[@cesilindaoliveira1213]

I love your work! Sorry my ignorance, but you frame it or to do with these beauties?

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you Cesilinda! These particular blocks I made into a wall hanging. You could also make pillows, or bible covers or journal covers. And you absolutely can just frame them and hang them if that's what you want. Here's a link to a video where I show all six blocks finished. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXTFiYt9lNh8gJo and here is a link to the video where I show them all sewn together and how to put a backing on them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4qYcpZqdriiqpI Thank you so much for watching!! xo

[@cesilindaoliveira1213]

@@sparrowhawkerdesigns Thnaks for your answer! 😘

[@nancydwyer3850]

What did you paint the stamped fabric with?

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

I have a few different mediums that I use and it's been so long since I made this that I'm not sure which one I used. It's possible, since it's never going to be washed that I just used an acrylic paint. However, I also have fabric paints that I use. And permanent markers. It could have been any of the above. There are several different brands of fabric paint, I use both Jacquard and the Folk Art fabric paint. Hope this helped! xo

[@karensmith355]

how big do you make the batting/ base. Dimensions

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

I usually make the batting, or whatever the base is slightly smaller. Not a whole lot, maybe 1/8 - 1/4 of an inch. Just enough that if I wanted to sew the blocks together, there won't be too much bulk in the seam. (For this particular project, I think they were 10 inch blocks, so probably 9 3/4.) Thanks for watching! xo

[@marlenewilson7696]

Hi. I'm just learning slow stitch,and I'm creating my own things. I'm in the USA also. I live in Ohio. Have you any tips or places I might order lace and dollies. Thanks for the video.

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you for watching! I buy all of my laces, trims, doilies, dresser scarves etc from places like Goodwill, Salvation Army, antique stores, flea markets. estate sales, antique malls etc. Occasionally I will buy trims from bridal shops, sewing supply stores, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's. If you cannot get out to these types of stores, you might try Ebay or Etsy, Amazon and the online versions of JoAnn and Hobby Lobby. Hope that helped! xo

[@marlenewilson7696]

@@sparrowhawkerdesigns thanks I shop at those places when I get a chance. And I will check out the other suggestions you had mentioned. Thanks so much Love slow stitch

[@rachelm7525]

Hi. So, for those of us in the UK, do you happen to know what we would call batting? Is that like flannelette, or what? I can't tell! 😊

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

I believe you all call it wadding. But you can also use felt, flannel or even a little thicker cotton.

[@rachelm7525]

@@sparrowhawkerdesigns thank-you! 🙂

[@nazzarenacasadei6926]

Bellissima idealmente! ❤ Come vanno poi rilegati a libro, o a diario, questi capolavori? Grazie 🙋‍♀️❤

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Grazie per aver guardato. Ho messo questi blocchi in un muro. Ma sì, potresti inserirli in un libro di texture o in un libro di tessuti. Potresti anche ricavarne dei cuscini. Spero che questo abbia aiutato. Mi ci è voluto un minuto per capire che era italiano. Sto usando Google Translate quindi spero che tu possa capire questa risposta.

[@user-pj6db7es1b]

Love ut

[@sparrowhawkerdesigns]

Thank you! xo