Pumpkin Patch Pattern Tips
This is a collection of tips and random thoughts to help you along as you stitch The Pumpkin Patch Kit.
1- Get ready!
I've included two pieces of Kona cotton in your Kit. You have options! 1- Some people like to stitch through two pieces so that none of the threads or knot-tails from the back will "ghost" through and be seen (faintly) on the front. 2- Others may choose to use the second piece to hide the back after finishing the stitching. 3- Or perhaps you'd like to stitch the pattern twice!
2- Trace your pattern
My favorite way to transfer the pattern to the fabric is using a Frixion heat-erasable pen. These are commonly available and really are a nice addition to your stitching supplies.
Either cut the line-drawing from the pattern sheet or photocopy it and cut out around the circle. (Or you could print a copy from the download link above.) Tape it to the back of your fabric so it doesn't move around. Now hold your fabric-pattern sandwich up to a window and trace the line. Alternatively, use a flashlight or other light source behind the fabric.
TIP: I like to put the pattern on the fabric at a diagonal. In other words, put your fabric square in a diamond shape and then put the pattern in the center. The fabric's weft and warp give a subtle pattern to the background when put on the diagonal.
TIP: You could also copy/print the design onto a sheet of Stick-n-Stitch paper!
3- Hoop it up!
Pattern centered. Fabric nice and tight. You know what to do!
4- Start with the pumpkins
I used all 6 strands of orange, DMC 921, for the Bullion Knots. You might want to try a few practice Bullion Knots on a separate piece of fabric if you aren't familiar with them.
TIP: Try using the LONGEST needle you have!
Here's my attempt to explain Bullion Knots.
Here's a better explanation from Royal School of Needlework's Stitch Bank. There are many more examples on YouTube.
Begin in the center of the pumpkins. The first stitch should be a little short and the second stitch can nestle around it. The number of wraps you put around the needle will determine how long your Bullion Knot is and how much it curves. For all but the first stich, I recommend adding a few wraps so that the tube curves to form the roundness of the pumpkin. For the outer pumpkin stitches, I was using 12 wraps, but your count may vary.
TIP: Don't wrap the needle too tightly or you will struggle to get the needle through the tube of wraps.
Sue Spargo sells a specially designed Tulip Bullion Knot needle, FYI.
5- Top off with some stems
I used just two strands of DMC 839 for the stems. Use tiny, basic straight stitches to make the jaunty tops of the pumpkins. You can use the stem to help anchor any loose loops you might have on the orange stitches.
6- Fill in some grass
Again, just one or two strands of DMC 3345 to stitch in a few representative strands of grass. No need to follow my marks exactly. You're just adding a suggestion of grass or vines to fill out the Pumpkin Patch.
7- Clean up
Use a hair dryer to 'erase' all the remaining pen marks. Re-stretch or re-center your fabric in the hoop if you need to. If you haven't already used the second piece of fabric, you can add it behind your stitching at this step for an instantly clean back.
My favorite way to finish the back is to trim the fabric to a generous 1.5" all around the hoop and then use a running stitch near the outer edge to gather it all to the middle. There are MANY ways to finish the back. Do it your favorite way!
8- Frame it!
Framing your finished hoop is incredibly easy. The instructions are included on the paper wrapper with your frame, or here.
Thanks!
I hope you've enjoyed stitching your Pumpkin Patch and that you feel more confident with Bullion Knots now. As always, share photos by tagging #modernhoopla on Instagram.
