| How to Embroider Posted: 21 Jan 2019 04:00 PM PST The art of sewing fancy stitches in fabric to create designs and pictures is as varied and fun today as it has been for centuries. You too can get started on your own journey into the world of thread and needle. Gather some special tools and materials to embroider. Then, learn a few basic embroidery stitches and decide what you want to embroider onto your fabric. Try embroidering something for yourself, to sell online, or as a gift for someone special! EditGathering Embroidery Tools and Materials - Opt for plain white cotton or linen as your embroidery fabric. A loose weavable fabric is a good choice for your first projects. Hold the fabric up in front of a light source to see if the grid lines are visible on the fabric and if you can see light coming through it. If so, the fabric will work well for embroidery.[1]
- You may embroider on any color of fabric, but lighter hues may make your stitches stand out more.
- Embroidery fabric is available in the embroidery section of your local craft supply store or online.
- You may also choose something from around your house to embroider for practice, such as a handkerchief, a cloth napkin, or a thin dish towel.
- Purchase a pattern and transfer the pattern to your fabric. You can purchase embroidery patterns in craft supply stores. Choose a beginner pattern if you are new to embroidery. Use the included transfer paper to imprint the outline of the design on your fabric.[2]
- Follow the pattern's instructions to transfer the design outline to your fabric.
- You can find free embroidery patterns online if you don't want to purchase one.
- Select multi-strand embroidery thread to adjust the thickness of your stitches. Multi-strand embroidery thread (also known as floss) comes in bundles of multiple strands. This will allow you to pull the strands apart and choose the thickness of your thread before you begin stitching. This may come in handy for different parts of your design.[3]
- For example, to create a thick border stitch in 1 part of your design, then don't remove any strands. However, to subtly outline a part of your design, use a single strand.
- Make sure to check your pattern for thread type and color recommendations.
- You can also use yarn if you will be embroidering on a knit or crocheted item, such as a sweater or scarf.
- Get an embroidery hoop to keep the fabric taut. Unstretched fabric will wrinkle and become difficult to work with as you create the stitches, so you will need an embroidery hoop.[4] An embroidery hoop has a nut and screw that tightens 2 hoops around your fabric. This is what keeps the fabric taut while you embroider.[5]
- Embroidery hoops come in several different sizes. Choose the size you will need for your project. In most cases, a smaller hoop such as a hoop will work best. This size hoop will be easier to hold than a larger hoop.
- Use an embroidery needle to ensure that the thread will fit through it. Embroidery needles have larger eyes than other types of needles, so it is easier to fit thicker strands of thread through the eye of the needle. Look in the craft supply section of your local craft supply store to find embroidery needles.[6]
- Make sure that you have a pair of sharp scissors on hand as well. You will need them to cut a length of thread each time you change colors or need to rethread your needle.[7]
EditChoosing Embroidery Stitches - Make a backstitch for straight lines. Insert a threaded needle through the back of your embroidery until the knot is up against the back of the fabric. Pull through until the thread is taut. Then, insert the needle through the front of the fabric about from where it came out. Bring the needle up through the back side of the fabric again about from where it came out on the back side. Then, insert the needle down through the fabric where the first stitch ends on the front side of the fabric.[8]
- To continue the stitch, stab up through the fabric a stitch length away from the end of the last stitch you completed, and then go back down through at the end of the last stitch.
- Make sure to pull the needle until the thread is taut after every stitch.
- The backstitch is a staple stitch for making straight lines in embroidery, so make sure to practice it.
- Try a split stitch to created bold lines. Insert the needle through on the back side of the fabric and pull it taut. Then, bring it down through the front of the fabric from where it came out. Bring it up again from where it came out and back down through the middle of the last stitch you made on the front side of the fabric.[9]
- To continue this stitch, stab up through the fabric half of a stitch length away from the end of the last stitch you made, and then insert the needle back down through the fabric at the midpoint of the last stitch.
- This stitch is similar to the backstitch. It will take a little longer to create a straight line with the split stitch, but the line will be thicker than it would be with a backstitch.
- Create a running stitch for a dashed line. To do a running stitch, insert the threaded needle into the fabric on the back side until the knot is up against the back of the fabric. Then, insert the needle down through the fabric on the front side (depending on how wide you want the stitches to be) from where it came out. Bring the needle back through the fabric on the back side again to repeat the stitch.[10]
- Make sure to keep the stitches even.
- You will always be moving forward with a running stitch and the stitches should look like small dashes.
- Choose the stem stitch to outline items. Insert the threaded needle through the back side of the fabric, and then bring it through until the knot is up against the back. Bring the needle down and through the fabric again from where it came out to complete the first stitch. Insert the needle back up and through the fabric right next to the midway point of the first stitch. Do not insert the needle through the thread.[11]
- To continue the stitch, insert the needle back down through the fabric a stitch length away from where you brought it up. Then, bring the needle back up through the fabric beside the middle of this new stitch.
- Repeat to create more stitches.
- Try the chain stitch for a bold outline or filler. Bring the threaded needle through of the fabric until the knot is against the back of it. Then, insert the needle down through the front side of the fabric right next to where it came out, and immediately bring the pointed end of the needle back up on the front side of the embroidery again about away from where you inserted it. Make sure that the tail of the thread remains on the front side of the fabric, and then pull the needle to tighten this thread around your starting stitch.[12]
- This will form a chain shape around the base of the thread.
- Repeat to make more chain stitches in a row or as filler for a shape.
EditSelecting an Embroidery Design - Create a sampler if you want to practice different stitches. Before you get into creating complex designs with text, borders, and other advanced features, try outlining a simple shape and filling it in with different types of stitches. This type of project is also known as a sampler and it is a great way to practice different types of stitches. Choose any simple shape that you like and fill it in with the stitches of your choice![13]
- For example, create a heart and fill in the borders with rows of different stitches. Use a different color for each type of thread to differentiate them.
- Focus on a small, intricate object if you want to practice fine details. If you want to create an intricate image as part of your design, go with something small. This will allow you to focus on the design without becoming overwhelmed.[14]
- For example, you could try making a small teddy bear wearing a bow tie, a tree with lots of tiny leaves, or an intricate spider web.
- Use the design as the focal point for your embroidery and do something simple to embellish it, such as by embroidering a bee and then adding a single dashed line behind it to show the bee's flight path.
- Embroider a large floral design if you want to try making flowers. Flowers are popular items to embroider onto fabric, and doing a single large flower is a great option if you are a beginner. Use a pattern to transfer the image of a flower onto your fabric, or draw the flower onto the fabric freehand using a pen or pencil. Then, fill in the design with the stitches of your choice.[15]
- Use a variety of stitches to fill in the flowers.
- Switch your thread color for different parts of the flower, such as green for the stem and purple for the petals.
- Stitch simple letters onto items if you want to personalize them. Embroidered letters can be simple or complex. If you are just getting started with embroidery, opt for a letters that are made up of straight stitches, such as backstitches or split stitches. Try adding initials or a name to an item to personalize it or spell out a short message next to a design.[16]
- For example, embroider your initials onto a shirt or scarf to personalize it.
- If you have embroidered the image of a heart on a piece of fabric, then spell out the word "love" above it.
- There are many different types of embroidery stitches. After you master some of the basic stitches, try more advanced stitches.
- Purchasing a small embroidery kit can be a good introduction. It saves you the trouble of designing, choosing colors, and choosing thread.
- Start with something small that can be completed quickly for your first project.
EditThings You'll Need - Fabric
- Embroidery thread
- Embroidery hoop
- Embroidery needle
- Scissors
- Pattern
- Transfer paper
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Get Newborns to Sleep Posted: 21 Jan 2019 08:00 AM PST Caring for a newborn is hard work, especially if you are having trouble getting your newborn to sleep and you are not getting enough sleep as a result. You may be wondering how to get your newborn to sleep in a more regular or predictable pattern. Fortunately, there are things you can do to ensure your baby's comfort, safety, and readiness for sleep. EditSeeing to Your Baby's Needs - Change your baby's diaper and put comfortable pajamas on them. If your baby has a wet diaper, then it will be hard for them to relax. Likewise, an uncomfortable outfit will also make it harder for your baby to sleep. Change your baby's diaper and put on their pajamas before you put them down for bedtime or a nap.[1]
- A lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirt and a muslin sleep sack are good options for warmer weather, while a pair of fleece sleeper pajamas or a pair of long-sleeve cotton pajamas with a fleece sleep sack are good options for colder months.
- Newborns will have 2 to 3 wet diapers per day for the first few days, and then 5 to 6 wet diapers per day after that.[2]
- Nurse or bottle-feed your baby. Your baby may have trouble falling asleep if they are hungry, so make sure to feed your baby before you put them down for a nap or bedtime. Also, keep in mind that newborns typically will not sleep through the night because they need to eat so frequently.[3]
- Newborns need to eat often, about once every 2 to 3 hours. A newborn may only take in of breast milk or formula per feeding in their first few days, but this amount will gradually increase and they will be drinking between per feeding by around 2 weeks.[4]
- Breast-fed babies need to feed about 8 to 12 times per day, or about every 2 to 3 hours.
- Bottle-fed babies need to feed about once every 3 to 4 hours.
- Check your baby's skin temperature to determine if they are too hot or too cold. It is important to avoid over-dressing or over-bundling your baby, but your baby may also be underdressed. Touch your baby's bare skin under their clothes, such as on their back. Your baby's skin should feel warm, but not hot or cool to the touch.[5]
- If your baby is sweaty or their skin feels hot, then they are likely overdressed.
- If your baby's skin feels cold, then they are likely too cold and need another layer or a warmer pair of pajamas.
- Hold, cuddle, and rock your baby to calm them if they are fussy. If your baby is crying despite making sure they are comfortable enough for sleep, they may be seeking comfort and affection from you. Pick up your baby, and then stand or sit and rock your baby.[6]
- Keep in mind that you cannot "spoil" a newborn with too much love and affection! Holding your baby often may actually make them less fussy overall.
- Swaddle your newborn to help them feel more secure. Lay a swaddling blanket on a sturdy, flat surface so that it looks like a diamond. Fold the top corner of the diamond down and place your baby on the blanket with their head on the folded part. Bring 1 side of the blanket across your baby's body and tuck it under their armpit. Wrap the bottom end of the blanket up to your baby's other armpit and tuck it in. Wrap the remaining end of the blanket across your baby's arms and body and tuck it in.[7]
- The blanket should be snug around your baby's body, but not tight. Your baby's face and neck should be visible.
- You can also purchase special swaddle wraps with Velcro flaps to make swaddling your baby quick and easy.
- Lay your baby down on their back in a bassinet or crib with only a fitted sheet. Do not use bulky bedding, pillows, or bumpers in your baby's bed. Keep stuffed animals and any other bulky items out of the bassinet or crib as well. These pose a hazard to your baby since they can lead to suffocation.[8]
- Remember that the crib or bassinet is the safest place for your baby! Always put your baby in their crib or bassinet to sleep.
- Lay your baby on their back to sleep. Never place your newborn on their stomach or side because this increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)!
- Don't let your newborn cry for more than a minute. If they are not settling down, then they likely need something. Pick up your baby, soothe them, check their diaper, and feed them if they are still hungry. Then, try putting your baby back in bed once they seem drowsy and ready to fall asleep again.
EditHelping Your Baby Establish Good Sleep Habits - Watch for signs that your baby is sleepy. The best time to put your baby down for a nap or for bed is when they are showing signs that they are sleepy. This will make it more likely that your baby will fall asleep. Some common signs of sleepiness in newborns include:[9]
- Fussing
- Rubbing their eyes
- Pulling at their ears
- Keep the lights bright during the day and dim at night. Open up the curtains and blinds in the morning to let in natural daylight and turn on extra lights as needed. This will signal to your baby that it is daytime. Then, around bedtime and naptimes, close curtains and blinds and dim the lights to signal to your baby that it is time for sleeping.[10]
- Avoid other stimulating activities when it is time for your baby to sleep as well, such as playing or talking. These activities will cause your baby to wake up and make it harder to get them sleeping.
- Put your baby in their crib or bassinet when they are sleepy but awake. Don't wait too long to put your baby in bed if they are showing signs that they are sleepy. Change your baby's diaper, feed your baby, and then put them into their crib or bassinet while they are sleepy, but still awake. This will give your baby a chance to fall asleep on their own.[11]
- Allow your baby to nap as needed during the day. Newborns sleep for up to 19 hours per day. Trying to keep your baby awake for longer stretches will not help them to sleep for longer stretches at night. In fact, it is likely to make them fussier and make it harder for them to fall asleep. Instead, allow your newborn to nap as often as they want during the day.[12]
EditCreating a Simple Bedtime Routine - Dim the lights in your baby's bedroom. Start your baby's bedtime routine by dimming the lights in the room where your baby sleeps, whether this is in a crib or bassinet in your bedroom or in your baby's nursery. Close the door, turn on a nightlight or dim lamp, close the curtain or blinds, and shut off any bright lights.[13]
- Let other members of your household know that you will be putting your baby to bed or down for a nap so that they do not interrupt you.
- Read your baby a book. Getting into the habit of reading your baby a bedtime story is a great way to signal that it is time for sleep. Choose a bedtime classic, such as Goodnight Moon, and read it to your baby while you hold them. Repeat this every night before you put them in bed or before a nap.[14]
- Even though your baby may not yet understand what you are saying, the sound of your voice will be soothing to them.
- Sing a song or play some soothing music for your baby. Singing to your baby or playing them some soothing music is another great way to help them settle in for the night or a nap. Try singing your baby a simple lullaby, such as "Rock-a-Bye Baby" or "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."[15]
- You can play music for your baby using a musical mobile suspended from their crib or bassinet, or you can find lullaby music on Youtube that you can play for your baby. Just turn off the screen on your phone, or face your baby away from the screen on a TV or laptop so that the images do not distract them.
- Place your baby in bed and give them a kiss. After you lay your baby on their back in their bassinet, give them a kiss. Then, as long as your baby seems comfortable, quietly leave the room and stay nearby to listen. Your baby may drift off to sleep quickly, or they may cry for a few minutes before falling asleep.[16]
- If you will be out of earshot of your baby, place a baby monitor in the room. Use the monitor to listen for your baby while you are in another part of the house. If your baby starts to cry or fuss, check on them and attend to their needs.
- Never place your baby in bed with you as this increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Help Reduce Racism Posted: 21 Jan 2019 12:00 AM PST Racism is a touchy subject for many of us. Most people have experienced it, talked about it, or at least thought about it. However, people often feel powerless when it comes to reducing racism. Luckily,there are many things you can do to help reduce racism in your personal life and in your community. - Speak up if you see racism in action. If you hear someone use racial slurs, make a racial joke, or mistreat people because of their race, step in say something.[1]You might be afraid of someone who is openly hostile, but think about how the other person feels. If you are afraid for your or the other person's safety, feel free to get an authority figure, such as the police, or an adult if you are a child or teenager.
- If the person sees nothing wrong with what was said, ask the person not to say racist or bigoted remarks around you anymore. Tell the person that you will no longer hang around them if they continue to act this way.
- For example, if someone says "All _____ are criminals," ask the person, "Why do you say that?" or "Where do those beliefs come from?"[2]
- Try saying, "That was an inappropriate thing to say." or "How would you feel if someone said something like that about you?"
- If you miss the opportunity to say something or chicken out, do not beat yourself up about it. Promise yourself that you will speak up the next chance you get.
- Address the behavior or the comment instead of the person. Do not resort to name calling or tell someone, "You're a racist." This will only offend them and make them angry.[3]
- Support and attend events that celebrate different cultures. Most cities have cultural festivals and events. These events are a great place to learn about different cultures and interact with people from that culture.[4] Invite your friends and family to go with you as well. Educating yourself and others is a way to have a more positive attitude towards people from different backgrounds.[5]
- Events are often held in accordance with larger celebrations such as Black History Month, Asian-Pacific Heritage American Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, etc.
- Organize a vigil or protest. Protests and demonstrations are powerful ways to combat racism in your community. These can be coordinated in response to events that happen around you. For example, if someone puts racial graffiti on a building, you could get together with some people to paint over the graffiti. If a hate group such as the Ku Klux Klan is coming to town, create a petition to stop them from coming.[6]
- Even if you are not able to organize something yourself, just the act of speaking up and introducing the idea is helpful.
- Always start by contacting your friends, family, classmates, neighbors, etc. You can also contact local law enforcement about your concerns or about what you are interested in doing.
- Lobby and fight for nondiscriminatory laws. Racism happens at both the individual level and at the institutional level. Local and federal legislation can promote racism. Educating others and reforming yourself is more important, but the government does make a difference. Look for laws that promote equal salaries, equal opportunity, and punishment for people who discriminate in housing or employment.[7] Write your elected officials, newspapers, or contact community organizers about the policies.
- Get involved with a local, national, or international organizations. Many organizations are dedicated to working towards these issues. Joining or supporting one of these organizations is another method you can use. You may meet like-minded people or get useful updates. You can volunteer at the organization or donate your time and/or money to their cause.
- America Healing maintains a list of organizations that work on racial equity issues.[8]
- Learn about your community. Having a good understanding of your community will help you identify the best approaches for reducing racism. Read through your local newspaper, magazine, or websites to get some background information. What groups of people live in your community? Do these groups live and work together? Are neighborhoods segregated? Have there been any incidents of racism between different groups?[9]
EditAddressing Your Personal Feelings about Race - Know your own conscious or unconscious feelings. Every person has stereotypes and biases about people from other races.Think about what stereotypes (i.e. exaggerated belief, image, or distorted truth about a person or group) you may have and ways you may be discriminating (i.e. treating people unequally). You must understand your feelings before you can address them.[10]
- Take the Project Implicit Hidden Bias Tests[11] to uncover any bias you may have. You may feel defensive or upset when you read your results. Just take a deep breath and remember that you can change your attitudes and beliefs.
- Think about the racism you have seen, experienced, and/or contributed to.
- Educate yourself. Read as much as you can about race relations, white privilege, and ways to reduce racism. Read books, listen to music, and watch movies about other cultures as well. Learn about the history of the culture and current happenings. Listen to other people talk about their experiences with racism.
- Talk to people within your racial group about your attitudes and beliefs before you have cross-cultural conversations. There are conferences and alliances that allow you to work out your own feelings before you begin the work.
- Educating yourself is the best way to change your attitudes and beliefs.
- Acknowledge differences among communities of color. People are grouped into large racial and ethnic groups such as White, Indian, Black, Latino, etc., but there are differences within each group. For example, do not assume that all Black people have the same culture. Black can include people from Jamaica, North Carolina, and Nigeria. Each of those areas has a different culture. Ask people questions about where they grew up, what holidays they celebrate, what kind of foods do they like to eat, etc.[12]
- Celebrate differences instead of being colorblind. It may seem like a good idea to pretend everyone is the same color, but you will miss out on how differences are natural and good.[13] Value diversity instead of ignoring it. Race is often linked to cultural differences (e.g. language, holidays, clothing, etc.) that influence how a person experiences the world. If you are colorblind, you are not acknowledging these differences.
- Ignoring a person's race could be offensive to that person. A person may feel like you are ignoring an important aspect of who they are.
- Make friends with people from different races. Working with, going to school with, and having close relationships with people from different races helps reduce racism. These one-on-one relationships can help correct any misinformation and stereotypes you have about different groups of people.[14]
- Put forth an effort to meet people from different races. Join a club,sports team, or organization where you can meet people.
- Write down your stereotypes and biases. Pick groups that you have generalizations about and write down your opinions about each of these groups. Be completely honest with yourself as you write. Once you have everything written down, write down where these ideas came from. Did they come from your parents? Did you have a personal experience? You may not even know where the ideas came from.[15]
- Share your findings with someone from your same racial group if you feel comfortable. This way you will be free to discuss your feelings without offending anyone else.
- Be kind to yourself. Every person has racist thoughts. Accept that this is normal, and it is a good thing that it bothers you. It will be uncomfortable to think about and talk about racism. Instead of being sad or feeling ashamed, put your energy into changing yourself and learning as much as you can.
- Do not get upset if you find that you are unconsciously racist. This has to do with your culture and education and does not make you a bad person.
- Be patient. Some people are very uneducated about racism and they will not be easy to sway.
- You do not have to fight racism on your own. Find like-minded people to help you.
- It could be dangerous to get involved if someone is actually being attacked. Stay on the sidelines and call the police.
EditSources and Citations
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