“Stitch our Stories” Instructions
“Stitch our Stories” kit from the Boulder Public Library workshops.
Full instructions for the “Stitch our Stories kits can be downloaded here.
Instructions:
Materials and Tools:
Video description available here.
Included in this kit:
-Kit Instructions
-How to cross stitch sheet
-COVID Impact worksheets
-My COVID story sheet
-Graph paper
-Thread
DMC: Black #310 White #B5200 Red #321 Orange #741 Yellow #444 Green #909 Blue #995 Purple #553 Pink #956
-Needle & Threader
-pencil
Tools you need (not included in kit):
-Scissors
Optional (not included in kit):
-Thimble
-Markers, colored pencils, or highlighters
-White out
-Paper
-Water soluble fabric marker
Project Instructions:
This project involves 4 steps. Instructional videos are available here.
If you already know how to cross stitch and/or how to design a stitch pattern, that’s awesome! Feel free to move on to the next step in the process. Also, if it makes more sense to you to do the steps in a different order, that’s totally fine!
1- Learn how to cross stitch.
a- Watch the “How to cross stitch” video, or refer to the “How to cross stitch” sheet in your kit.
b- Practice each step using the materials provided in your kit.
2- Learn how to design a pattern for cross stitch.
a- Watch the “How to design a pattern for cross stitch” video, or sketch out a design on the included graph paper. (Each
square is one stitch)
3- Reflect on your experiences during the pandemic.
a- Watch the “Our COVID Stories” video to guide you through the ‘COVID Impact’ and ‘Reflection’ worksheets in your kit, or
simply fill out the worksheets in your kit.
4- Design and stitch a pattern that shares your pandemic experience in Boulder.
a- Watch the “Our COVID Stories” video, or simply follow the worksheet instructions to create a design based on your
reflections.
b- Fill out your pattern on the included graph paper, or sketch directly on your fabric. I recommend using a water or heat
erasable fabric marker or pencil, but you can use a regular pencil, too, if you mark lightly. For your pattern, you can stick
to the colors of thread included in your kit, or purchase other colors at any craft store. I highly recommend looking for a
Creative Reuse Center. They always have a LOT of embroidery thread on hand, and this will save you money and help
you establish environmentally friendly making practices.
c- Transfer your pattern to your fabric using a water-erasable fabric marker or pencil, or you can use a regular pencil if you
draw lightly.
d- Get stitching! If you would like to embellish your piece with sequins, beads, or other materials, feel free to do so! Please
make sure it doesn’t get too heavy, or so bulky that it cannot be hung on a wall. Additional materials should remain as
flat as possible, and within your fabric square.
When you have completed your piece, fill out the “My COVID story” sheet. Place both in the plastic bag and return to your organization. If you are willing to contribute your worksheet to the project archive, please include them (or a photocopy) when you return your work. You may remain anonymous, or include your name and contact info.