There are many easy ways to finish your folk embroidery project. One of the great things about folk embroidery is that it's meant to be used and enjoyed in your daily life. In these how to videos, I'll show you how to cross stitch, backstitch, stitch classic embroidery surface stitches, stitch a drawn thread hem, and sew your folk embroidery into a cushion cover, wall hanging, or drawstring back. And, if you want to add folk embroidery to garments, check out my Folk Flourish video.
If you're brand-new to folk embroidery or surface embroidery and have purchased an Avlea Folk Embroidery kit, start first with the Unwinding Floss Hank video and then watch the How to Cross Stitch video (for folk embroidery kits) or How to Stitch Surface Embroidery Stitches videos.
Unwinding floss hank
How to cross stitch
How to stitch surface embroidery stitches
Once you've finished stitching your folk embroidery, there are many wonderful ways you can finish it, from using a Drawn Thread Hem for a table mat, table square, or table runner, to sewing your folk embroidery into a cushion cover to infuse your living space with cozy charm, or sewing your folk embroidery into a wall hanging to bring the beauty of traditional textile art to your walls. If you want to make table runners and mats, or table squares and basket covers, I recommend learning the Drawn Thread Hem technique as it allows you to beautifully and securely finish your embroidery.
How to stitch a drawn thread hem
Cushions are a common way to enjoy folk embroidery in many folk embroidery traditions around the world. In fact, in Greek folk embroidery tradition, the number and complexity of a family's cushion collection denoted their status! I use an easy envelope back method that will have you turning your folk embroidery into a cushion in less than two hours. You can use one of my Cushion Back Kits or the fabric of your choice. If you would like a quick overview of the technique, watch the How to Make a Cushion Cover Short Video. When you're ready to sew your own, watch the How to Sew a Folk Embroidery into a Cushion Cover video.
How to make a cushion cover short video
How to sew a folk embroidery into a cushion cover
Want more options for finishing your folk embroidery? Here are more options for using your folk embroidery in your daily life!
How to Folk Flourish a shirt--this is a technique I developed to add folk embroidery to garments and household objects. Using my Folk Flourish fabric, you lay the fabric over the garment or item you want to embroider, stitch your design, and then remove the threads of the Folk Flourish fabric. If you've worked with waste canvas before, it's the same technique, just much easier with the softer Folk Flourish fabric.
How to Make a Wall Hanging--when I visit Greece, I love to see the wide variety of charming wall hangings that adorn so many homes. It's a simple and fast way to turn your folk embroidery into art! I especially love wall hangings because you get to experience the texture of the fabric, rather than have it behind glass. Plus, this technique is much more affordable than costly framing. Great for gifting!
How to Sew a Drawstring Bag--I learned this interesting lined bag technique on a trip to Greece and have been using it ever since. It's much easier than other lining techniques I've used over the years, and it creates side seams with a little extra structure and texture.
How to make a wallhanging
