The Learning Zone

The last installment of the Zine Library Workshop Series was the Embroidery on Paper Workshop, held February 28 and March 1. Like bookbinding, embroidery on paper has a long history in the arts and crafts. Embroidery on paper is a technique that involves weaving fine threads through pin pricked holes on card or paper.

Marta Chudolinska, the Learning Zone Librarian stitched her way through the workshop, providing step-by-step instructions including an intro to a library of embroidery stitches that would dazzle any D.I.Y. project.

Students learned 11 handy stitches—running stitch, back stitch, cross stitch, French knot stitch, satin stitch, split stitch, blanket stitch, fly stitch, cable knot stitch, double feather stitch and the whip stitch in order to create outlines, borders, decorations and fillings with their designs.

To get you started, here are two great embroidery titles from Marta’s thumbs up list: Reader’s Digest Complete Book of Embroidery by Melinda Cross and Artfully embroidered: motifs and patterns for bags and more by Naoko Shimoda.

The Zine Library Workshop Series: Hardcover Bookbinding, Linocut Printing and Embroidery on Paper, was a fun hands-on experience—discovering new techniques, tools and materials that can be applied to your next zine or D.I.Y. project.

Embroidery on Paper gallery: