Embellishing Handknits

14 February 2024
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Collage of embellished knits.

Hand embellishment techniques, especially embroidery stitches, can be a fun way to make a simple knit garment special and totally unique. They can be used in a variety of ways to add whimsical elements to projects, to highlight knitted-in patterning or, for a more sophisticated look, worked as tone-on-tone texture.

Applications extend beyond knitted garments too; they are the perfect way to add features and character to toys, household textiles, accessories, and more.

In this first part of a two-part series we will explore both the uses of hand embellishments and how to work several techniques. Using the information in the tutorials you will be able to try them out for yourself to decorate the hand-warmers that will be featured in Part Two.

All photos and illustrations credit Fiona Ellis.

Copyright © Fiona Ellis except as indicated.

About Fiona Ellis

Fiona Ellis learned to knit from her Grandmother at a very early age. She went onto to study Fashion at DeMontfort University (Leicester UK) where she specialized in knitwear design. She has been designing professionally since graduating in 1993. Her original designs have been sold to major fashion houses in New York, London & Paris for mass-market production and have been widely published through premier knitting magazines and in yarn pattern booklets for many yarn companies. She is the author of the books Inspired Cable Knits, Knitspiration Journal and Inspired Fair Isle Knits & is also an instructor at Craftsy. You can find out what she is currently doing at www.fionaellisonline.com.

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