Materials you’ll need:
- Embroidery hoop
- Embroidery fabric (pre-washed and ironed)
- Embroidery thread or floss
- Embroidery needle
- Scissors
- Pencil or water-soluble fabric marker
Step 1: Prepare your materials
Start by setting up your embroidery hoop with the fabric tightly stretched across it. Ensure that the fabric is taut and smooth to facilitate easier stitching. Thread your needle with the desired embroidery thread color, and you are ready to begin.
Step 2: Create the first stitch
Decide where you want to start your festoon stitch. Bring the threaded needle up from the back of the fabric to the front at your chosen starting point. Leave a small tail of thread at the back to secure it later.
Next, make a small vertical stitch downward at about a 45-degree angle. This stitch will serve as the bottom line for your festoon stitch.
Step 3: Form the loops
Bring the needle up from the back at the end of the previous stitch, just above the bottom line. Position the needle to the right and slightly above the bottom line, creating a small loop. Hold the loop’s shape with your thumb as you bring the needle back down into the fabric right next to the bottom line.
Re-emerge from the back of the fabric at the starting point of the loop you just made and repeat the process to create another loop right next to the first one. Continue forming loops, making sure they are evenly spaced and aligned until you reach the desired length.
Step 4: Secure the stitch
Once you have completed the desired number of loops, secure your festoon stitch. Take your needle to the back of the fabric and make a small stitch to anchor the loops in place. Tie a knot with the tail left at the beginning to secure the thread, and trim off any excess thread carefully.
Step 5: Finishing touches
Step back and admire your festoon stitch! Take this opportunity to smooth out any uneven loops or adjust the tension if needed. If you are including multiple festoon stitches in your design, repeat the steps accordingly to create consistency throughout your embroidery.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt is not flawless. With time and patience, you will master the festoon stitch and unlock endless creative possibilities.
Now that you know how to make a festoon stitch, have fun experimenting with different colors, thread thicknesses, and sizes to create stunning and intricate designs. Happy embroidering!