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Working with Marlis Kuusala's beautiful Air-Brushed fabric, I
just had to have an embellishment to go along with this wonderful
print. You can see this Air
Brushed Kimono Jacket in the Gallery.
Here's how I decorated the band...
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YOU'LL NEED:
Clear packing tape
Water soluble marker or chalk pencil
Decorative thread
Beads
First I made a "stencil template" of my dragonfly. This would assure me that all my dragonflies would be the same size.
Take dragonfly design below and photocopy on to heavy paper or cardstock.
Cover with clear packing tape (both sides of paper should be covered for longest lasting stencil).
Cut out the "wings" only from the stencil, using an exacto knife. You can use scissors but your edges may not be as smooth.
With a water soluble marker or chalk pencil, use the "stencil" to trace your dragonfly on to your garment (yes, you will only have a bunch of "wings" at this point). Move the dragon fly around, have it flying in different directions, etc.
Now, go back and draw the head and body free hand. Don't be alarmed! This is easy if you just look at the drawing and make the same squiggly line.
Each "body" will be a little bit different. This makes every dragonfly unique. Make a few on scrap fabric to practice the "stitching".
Stitching
Using a decorative thread (such as rayon, variegated metallic, or anything that will show up on your fabric) stitch the outline of the dragonfly following the arrows below.
With a straight stitch (normal stitch length for sewing), start at the "head" stitch the zig-zag then go right in to the upper left wing, around to the upper right wing, down to the lower left wing, across to the lower right wing and down the "body" all in one continuous line.
It helps to make a few "practice" dragonflies to get the feel for the stitching.
NOTE: At the beginning and end of the dragonfly stitch, turn your stitch length to zero and take a few stitches. This will lock in the thread and keep your dragonfly from "flying away".
Once you've completed the dragonfly stitching, remove the tracing line with a dampened cloth (water soluble markers) or a soft toothbrush (chalk pencils).
HEY! WHO TURNED OUT THE LIGHTS?
Now you need to give your dragonfly "eyes". If necessary you can go back with your marker and put two little dots over the "head".
I like to use small glass beads for the eyes. They shine and are distinctly "dragon-like". You may want to use French Knots instead.
Sew beads (or french knots) just above the head.
At this point you are done.
You may want to "jazz" up a few of your dragonflies with some decorative stitching in the "wings". Or maybe some additional beading. The choice is yours!
Happy Flying!