What are they?

The stitch file worksheets are printable template pages which are designed by me to build into a hand embroiderer's resource file. The worksheets are part stitch dictionary, part inspiration, part storage format, part stimulus to explore new stitches, part lesson and part organisation method. 

I am steadily releasing modules of worksheets to share the stitches and their varieties I have collected over 30 years.

Each worksheet features:

 The first thing people will notice is that the worksheets have the stitch name running down the side of the page. 

I have placed the name of the stitch down the side, so when looking for a stitch you can simply flick along the edge of the pages. If you have ever looked through a large full binder file, and had to open each page to see the title of the page you will know it is annoying particularly if the file is heavy. The stitch name running down the side of the page solves this problem. 

The worksheets are named by stitch and by stitch family so people can file by stitch or by stitch family name. The choice is yours. 

A small picture of each stitch in the top right hand corner of each worksheet.

How many times can you remember what a stitch looks like but have forgotten the name? These little icons aim to solve that problem as you can flick through the pictures in the top right hand corner and recognise the stitch you are looking for.  

Illustrated step by step directions:

Each stitch has illustrated directions on how to work the stitch.

On the same page, is a space for you to attach a sample, add notes and a record of fabric, thread and needle used. 

Lots of Eye Candy!

Each stitch file has samples of the sttich used in differnt ways. These images are otherwise known as stitchers eye candy and it aims at getting you thinking about what is possible with that sttich. 

This is  a teaser as it is one of the samples I have worked for the stitch worksheets.

Space for extra Samples

Each stitch file has the options for pages that have two or three areas for extra samples. People can choose which fits the size of their sample best and print the page that suits them and thier rersource file.

Space for further notes

Also the worksheets have a section to store photos and note the source of who stitched it. Many of us make up our own ‘inspiration’ file of images found online. So that you dont forget to record where you saw it and whose work it is this section enables people to track the sources of your inspiration. Once again there are different pages options to print out what you need.  

A Grid to sketch out further ideas

Finally there is a grid page as place to sketch out ideas or make further notes.

Choice is the Key

People can print out the pages they want and not use the pages they dont. They can attach their samples and either use a hole punch or keep them in plastic envelopes.

The Modular Format 

The stitch worksheets are offered as a series of reasonably priced modules. This means that people do not have to commit to a huge amount of money, or feel to daunted to start their own sample file. For many the idea of stitching samples for the whole amount would send them running for the hills. 

Anyone who has done the TAST (Take a Stitch Tuesday) challenge or even been part of TAST will know that it is the bit by bit process that can be steadily built on that produces results.

The modular nature of the worksheets can leverage the psychology behind learning something in a series of small manageable chuncks and produce a positive enhancement to learning hand embroidery.

The combination of the eye candy, a place for people to store their own experiments, to store photos and maker further notes means as they build they become is a valuable resource file and become more valuable the more you build. A bit like life, the more you put in the more you will get out of it.      

By releasing them in modules if someone tires, wants a break, or if life gets too busy,  they have not lost a lot of money or have a huge unfinished thing to feel guilty about. If people need to take a break they can as they can just buy the next module when they want to and join back in.

Free Test Worksheets Modules 1-4 are free!

You can test the worksheets work a few samples and see if this process suits you.

Please note: There are two versions one is A4 size and the other is US letter size. 

These files are in PDF format and you will need Adobe reader to view them. The PDF reader is free from Adobe you can get it from here 

Download A4 Module 1

Download US letter Module 1

Download A4 module 2

Download US letter module 2

Download A4 module 3

Download US letter module 3

Download A4 module 4

Download US Letter module 4

Module 5

In Module 5 contains worksheets for 17 stitches. Normally a module would contain between 12-15 stitches but this time around I have a few extra. Look upon the extra stitches as a bonus. 

Stitches included in Module 5 are: 

• Algerian
• Algerian Border
• Arrow stitch horizontal
• Arrow stitch vertical
• Barred Chain
• Basque Stitch
• Chained Cross stitch  
• Closed Feather (or Turkaman stitch) 
• Cross stitch
• Crossed Buttonhole
• Square eyelet
• Threaded Arrow stitch version 1
• Threaded Arrow stitch version 2
• Tied herringbone (3 simple varieties on one worksheet) 
• Whipped spoke stitch
• Whipped Wheel 
• Woven Cross stitch

Special Important stuff please read before you buy. 

When you click buy you will be taken to Pay Pal. I only accept Pay Pal.

When I receive your order I will email a link to where you can collect your file.

Please make sure your pay pal address is correct as I will email your Pay Pal email address.

Make sure my email is not blocked by your spam filter (sharon dot boggon at gmail dot com) 

Each file is between 7 and 10 megs. These files are in PDF format and you will need Adobe reader to view them. The PDF reader is free from Adobe you can get it from here 

I am in Australia, so we have a time difference and am sometimes asleep when the others are awake. But if you do not hear from me within 24-48 hours something has gone wrong, check your spam box and make sure you haven’t tossed me out, and don’t hesitate to contact me. There is a contact tab on the top bar of this page.  

Since this is a digital product there can be no refund. Test the freebies before you buy and that way you will not be disappointed.

Stitch Module 5 is priced at $10 

Module 6

In this module I covered stitches that are old favourites plus introduced some interesting varieties. I also introduce the start of some of the beaded embroidery stitches which I think many of the crazy quilters will enjoy. I am sure people will find the worksheets in Module 6 a useful addition to their resource file.

Stitches in Module 6

• Alternating barred chain
• Alternating buttonhole 
• Alternating Cretan
• Alternating feather version 1 
• Beaded Alternating feather 
• Beaded Cretan
• Beaded double threaded stacked back stitch
• Beaded double Pekinese
• Buttonhole wheel 
• Chained Pekinese
• Diminishing Pekinese
• Double Pekinese
• Double threaded back stitch 
• Double threaded stacked back stitch 
• Pekinese stitch 
• Shaped Double threaded back stitch 
• Threaded back stitch 

Module 6 of Sharon B's Worksheets Priced at $10

Other stuff or an FAQ

How have I attached my samples to my worksheets?

I have used Mistyfuse. Mistyfuse is an iron on fusable webbing with an adhesive that will be better in the long tern than double sided tape. (Note the Mistyfuse folks help sponsor Stitchin Fingers but long before I had anything to do with them I wrote this review)  

I simply followed the instructions and it worked fine. My only advice is to turn off the steam function as many bubble jet printers are not waterproof and steam can make your paper buckle.

I placed the sample on the page and touched it gently with the iron to position it and then I turned the page and  gently ironed from the back so I was not pressing the front of the embroidery.

Is there a stitch along?

Stitchin fingers has a stitch along group called stitch junkies. The stitch along is a join in as you can, and as life dictates activity with no strict deadlines. There are no strict guidelines or dates to meet in the stitch along. People do not have to work fresh samples as it is OK to incorporate past samples. If you are busy and want to swing in and out of the stitch along as life dictates that is fine. I aim to keep it a guilt free activity. 

There is also a Stitch Junkies Flickr group where people are sharing pictures of their samples and worksheets.