1. cutwork
cutwork
cutwork

2. Cutwork
This is a technique of stitching together pieces of fabric using a free machine embroidery foot and embroidery hoop.
The size and shape of the fabric pieces is optional. Light or medium weight fabrics are usually the best to use, you can also use ribbons or netting.
The style of the stitch can also vary from straight, zig zag, circles and curves etc.
This techniques is a good way to re-cycle fabrics and also to make original one-off designs
Free hand embroidery/quilting foot

3. How to:
cutwork
Find a backcloth and place in an embroidery hoop. This can be re-cycled fabric.
Select the fabric scraps, ribbons, netting etc .Think about the colours that blend well together or if you would like one contrasting colour.

4. How to:
cutwork
Cut the selected material into small pieces using your embroidery hoop to hold them.
Take your time and be care when using the scissors.

5. How to:
cutwork
Scatter the cut fabric pieces around the embroidery hoop. Use different sizes and shapes if you want or keep them the same size.

6. Repeat the process using different colours
Repeat the process using different colours. Here we have used four but you may want to use a few more or less depending on the complexity of your cut work.

7. Place a sheet of carefully cut organza or a very sheer fabric that complements your design over the fabrics.
How to:
cutwork

8. Place the embroidery frame over all fabric to hold all the fabric pieces together. (The organza, materials and backing fabric.)
How to:
cutwork

9. Place the embroidery frame into the machine.
How to:
cutwork
Place the embroidery frame into the machine.
You will need to attach a free hand embroidery foot/ quilting foot onto the machine to allow you to freely sew onto the fabric.
The stitching will hold all of the small pieces of fabric together.
Take your time and be care when using the sewing machine.

10. How to:
cutwork
Move the frame around freely, embroidering all over the fabric. Keep your hands on the embroidery hoop as shown below.
Take your time and care when using the sewing machine.

11. How to:
cutwork
As you move the frame around you are creating patterns with the stitching below. Here are some other examples of what you could do.
Photo missing here
Take your time and be care when using the sewing machine.

12. How to:
cutwork
You can use two colours of stitching to add to the overall look of the cut work to either compliment or contrast with the colours you already have in your work.
Take your time and be care when using the sewing machine.

13. How to:
cutwork
Once you have finished you can take off your embroidery hoop to reveal you design.

14. Remove the embroidery hoops and you have your final designed.
How to:
cutwork

15. Look at the four designs opposite , which do you prefer and why?
Think about the colours of your threads and fabrics you are going to use.

16. How to: recap
cutwork
Take your time and be care when using the scissors.
Instructions
1. Find a backcloth and place in an embroidery hoop.
2. Cut up the fabric/ribbon/net to selected shape/size.
3. Place a sheer fabric on top of the cut fabric or leave without.
5. You may use one to three thread colours.
4. Machine stitch using a free machine embroidery foot – select embroidery style.
Take your time and be care when using the sewing machine.