Embroidery Basic Embroidery 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of a 'split stitch' in embroidery?
- To repair a torn fabric thread
- To create a smooth line or outline by piercing through the previous stitch (Correct answer)
- To join two separate fabric pieces together
- To form a raised padded effect under satin stitch
Correct answer: To create a smooth line or outline by piercing through the previous stitch
The split stitch creates a smooth, rope-like line by bringing the needle up through the center of the previous stitch, splitting its threads.
Question 2: In US embroidery floss numbering, which brand established the most widely used color numbering system?
- Anchor
- DMC (Correct answer)
- Weeks Dye Works
- Cosmo
Correct answer: DMC
DMC established the most widely referenced color numbering system, and most embroidery patterns in the US list DMC color numbers.
Question 3: What is the difference between 'stranded cotton' and 'pearl cotton' (perle cotton)?
- Stranded cotton is thicker; pearl cotton can be separated into strands
- Stranded cotton has 6 divisible strands; pearl cotton is a single twisted non-divisible thread (Correct answer)
- Pearl cotton is dyed; stranded cotton is always white
- There is no difference; they are the same product
Correct answer: Stranded cotton has 6 divisible strands; pearl cotton is a single twisted non-divisible thread
Stranded cotton (embroidery floss) has 6 strands that can be separated, while pearl cotton is a single twisted thread with a slight sheen that cannot be split.
Question 4: Which stitch is best for stitching a crisp, defined outline around an embroidery motif?
- Running stitch
- Backstitch (Correct answer)
- Lazy daisy stitch
- Seed stitch
Correct answer: Backstitch
Backstitch creates a solid, unbroken line that looks similar to a machine stitch, making it ideal for outlining embroidery motifs.
Question 5: When should you use a stabilizer or interfacing behind your embroidery fabric?
- Only when using metallic thread
- When embroidering on stretchy, lightweight, or unstable fabrics (Correct answer)
- Whenever more than two strands of floss are used
- Only for machine embroidery, never hand embroidery
Correct answer: When embroidering on stretchy, lightweight, or unstable fabrics
Stabilizers support stretchy or lightweight fabrics that would otherwise distort under the tension of stitching.
Question 6: What is the 'lazy daisy' stitch also known as?
- Detached chain stitch (Correct answer)
- Blanket stitch
- Bullion stitch
- Fly stitch
Correct answer: Detached chain stitch
The lazy daisy stitch is the same as the detached chain stitch — a single loop anchored at its tip to form a petal shape.
Question 7: Why is it recommended to use a shorter thread length when working with metallic embroidery thread?
- Metallic thread is too expensive to use in long lengths
- Metallic thread frays and breaks easily with repeated pulls through fabric (Correct answer)
- Shorter lengths allow better color control with metallic shades
- Metallic thread tangles only at the end of long lengths
Correct answer: Metallic thread frays and breaks easily with repeated pulls through fabric
Metallic thread has a delicate core that frays, shreds, and snaps with the friction of being repeatedly pulled through fabric, so shorter lengths minimize wear.
Embroidery Basic Embroidery 5
What is the purpose of a 'split stitch' in embroidery?