大象传媒

Practical stitches

A grey fleece blanket with a blanket stitch around the edge
Image caption,
The blanket stitch creates a strong fabric join.

Stitching can be a useful way of joining fabrics together to make a product.

Stitches can have a practical function. This means that they have a useful purpose.

For example, strong stitches like the backstitch can be used to join two hems of fabric.

The blanket stitch can also be practical, as it strengthens the join between two edges of fabric.

A grey fleece blanket with a blanket stitch around the edge
Image caption,
The blanket stitch creates a strong fabric join.
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Decorative stitches

A cross stitched pink heart with different coloured thread and scissors lay around
Image caption,
A cross stitch pattern has been used to make a heart design.

Stitches can also be used to decorate products to make them look appealing.

Lots of different patterns, bright colours and designs can be used.

Two popular decorative stitches are the cross stitch and the chain stitch.

As well as being practical, the blanket stitch can also be decorative because it is used to decorate the border around the edge of the fabric.

A cross stitched pink heart with different coloured thread and scissors lay around
Image caption,
A cross stitch pattern has been used to make a heart design.
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Video: Can stitches be practical and decorative?

Join Mia, Caiden and Emma to learn more about how stitches can be practical and decorative.

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Cross stitch

The cross stitch is used to create cross shapes in order to decorate a product.

It can also be used to make a line, or seam, of stitches.

When sewing, always be careful of your fingers because needles are sharp.

Follow the steps below to create your own cross stitch.

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 5, a row of cross stitches on some green fabric, How to make a cross stitch Cross stitches can help to add special details to a product.
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Chain stitch

The chain stitch is used to create continuous, decorative lines.

These stitches can look nice when sewn along the edge of a product or the hem of a piece of clothing.

You can follow these steps to create your own line of chain stitches.

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 7, a row of orange chain stitches on some green fabric, How to make a chain stitch A chain stitch can be used to add a colourful pattern to the edge of a hem.
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Activity: Cross stitch or chain stitch?

Can you tell the difference between a cross stitch and a chain stitch? Have a go at this activity to find out!

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How is embroidery different to appliqu茅?

Embroidery and appliqu茅 can both be used to create decorative stitching, but there are some differences between the two.

You can see the differences between embroidery and appliqu茅 below.

Image gallerySkip image gallerySlide 1 of 2, Pink and red flowers embroidered onto denim fabric, Embroidery Embroidery is where stitches are sewn directly onto the fabric product to create a picture or a pattern.
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Key words

PracticalStitching for a purpose to join pieces of fabric together or to strengthen a fabric join.
DecorativeStitching a design to make something look appealing, often in patterns of bright colours.
EmbroideryDecorative stitches sewn directly onto the product in different shapes, colours and patterns.
础辫辫濒颈辩耻茅Decorative stitches sewn onto a separate piece of fabric, which is then attached onto the product using stitches or glue.
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Quiz: Practical or decorative?

Put your knowledge of practical and decorative stitches to the test.

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