Bluework Lessons

Bluework

This page is just to give a feel on how Bluework will look like.

Bluework and Redwork share the same history. Only that, Bluework came as a successor to Redwork when a new colorfast blue thread was available in the market. Later, a lot many other colors came into availability, and many other threads were experimented with. Contemporarily, Bluework has been done in many shades of blue in a single design. I have used anchor thread #0162 to work on the below-given design.

Here is a step-by-step procedure on how this design was completed in Bluework. Click on the stitch names to go to the lessons of each stitch.

I have traced the design to a white cotton fabric using carbon paper.

Back stitch:
I began by making the girl’s face, hands, and feet using this stitch.
Lazy daisy:
The flower pattern on the frock is done in lazy daisy. I also made the girl’s eyes and ribbons using this stitch.
French knot:
The best way to fill in dots or small circles is using french knots, which I did on the frock, at the centre of each flower pattern.
Outline stitch:
The outline stitch was used  for the frock, shawl, and hat as it would give a thicker easy flowing look.
Split stitch:
The split stitch looked good for the hair as it would give a thicker look. Two strands of the blue floss were taken and doubled, so that the ‘splitting’ is easy.
Running stitch:
The design on the shawl was apt for a running stitch.
Straight stitch:
I added finer details to the girl by making single straight stitches (single running stitch). I made its eyebrows, eyelashes and the stem pattern on the frock using straight stitches.
Stem stitch:
I used this stitch to do the flowers.
Our finished ‘dutch girl’ would look like this.Click on the image for a bigger version.

Note: This design helped me to incorporate all the stitches traditionally used in redwork and Bluework helping me to explain this lesson to you. Contemporarily, different kinds of straight stitches can be used to work these embroideries. This free design called ‘dutch girl’ has been borrowed from needlecrafter.com.


Next, learn more about Redwork and go to the lessons:

29 Responses

  1. b
    bhavika ahuja says:

    Hi this is bhavika here.I wanted 2 know where do u conduct your classes in pune. I just can’t get through u at all.I kindly request u 2 give some details for me 2 attend your classes the next time you conduct them.

  2. E
    Elvia says:

    Love your stitches,very helpful. Thanks

  3. V
    Veronica says:

    Hi Sarah, thank you for posting this darling bluework. I can’t wait to try it, and to go through all your stitch tutorial links! It’s been so long since I had time for embroidery, but I love it so. Thanks again, and God bless you! <3

  4. S
    Sijin says:

    Its too good of you Sarah sis!!!!

  5. R
    Rinoziya says:

    i love this website wow superb thax sis sarah.

  6. P
    Priyankamani says:

    Wonderful website and elaborate explanations… I have been searching to start learn embroidery n ur website just kick started it.

  7. T
    Tory says:

    So helpful! Thanks.

  8. E
    Emily says:

    Wow, Sarah. I’ve just recently started getting into embroidery and your collection of stitches is simply awe-inspiring. Your work is incredible!

  9. R
    Rekha says:

    Very Useful Website for the Beginner..

  10. M
    Meera says:

    Hai sarah. . .its fabulous..u r blessed with great talent.i love stiching.and doing some works by getting inspiration from u.i wanna be ur student.salute for u.

  11. N
    Nikki says:

    Hi Sarah! I just want tell that you’re very talented and god bless you for sharing your work with everyone. Well done and keep up with the good work!!

  12. h
    harshita says:

    i have some samples of blue works
    my e-mail is harshikarumuri@hotmail.com

  13. J
    Jane says:

    Beautiful work Sarah !

  14. A
    Asfiya Nadeem says:

    hello sarah.
    i made this doll it looked so cute!!!!
    please do upload more designs…please please!!!
    thank u.
    bye

    • sarah says:

      Dear Asfiya,

      I am so happy that you made the same doll and it came out well. Will try to upload more designs with time. In the meantime, you can check for more designs from the internet and continue with your interest. 🙂

  15. Radha says:

    Too Good Website!!!!!

    Am glad to have found it.

    Keep up the good work.

  16. n
    navya says:

    hi sarah,
    this web site is very useful to learn embroidery work..whr r u in kla? n’ malayalam poem oky nannaitund…

  17. S
    Shankari says:

    Hello Sarah,

    Very well done. Detailed step-by-step instructions you have given. Lovely, have bookmarked – for the stitch reference. This summer I went for embroidery classes but you are giving more clear, neat, easy to follow details. Very impressive. Keep it up!!

    Shankari

  18. v
    viji says:

    wow Nice and sinple. I like it
    viji

  19. r
    r says:

    wow this websites good .. i love it ….!!!!!! thanks for the help

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