The New Embroidery: Simple Geometry, Beautiful Stitches (DVD + Streaming)

Designer Natalie Chanin, founder of Alabama Chanin and author of “The Geometry of Hand-Sewing” (Abrams, 2017), shares her ingenious method for achieving even, consistent stitching every time. Using Natalie’s signature grid system, learn to embroider a wide range of stitches from the most basic to complex. Then, practice your stitches on two projects: a stitch-sampler scarf and a stitch sample reference binder that you can refer back to as your embroidery journey continues.

NOTE: If you’d like to purchase only the DVD for this class, you may do so through this link. (Please note, any class PDF materials are not on the DVD itself. You must have streaming access to download those materials associated with the class.)

Getting Started & The Grid System (25:58)
Begin class with Natalie’s review of stitching basics as well as the tools and supplies you’ll need to get started. Discover how her signature grid system will help you make beautiful stitches, even if you’re a beginner!

Square & Diamond Grids (33:29)
Start with a simple straight stitch as you learn to use the square and diamond stitching grids included in the class materials. Then move on to more complex stitches using multiple row grids. Natalie even shows you how to make shapes using fill stitches.

Rectangle Grids (19:27)
Rectangle grids are essentially compacted square grids. In this lesson, Natalie walks you through three stitches: the herringbone, coral, and snail trail. You’ll see how easy it is to manipulate your grids by making simple adjustments, opening up even more possibilities.

Double Triangle & Isolated Grids (22:34)
Using the double triangle grid, Natalie demystifies the Cretan stitch, a valuable, versatile stitch especially good for stretch fabrics. Afterwards, find out how to use isolated grids to create eyelets and detached stitches, including the seed stitch and French knot.

Decorative Effects (16:20)
Start adding decorative effects! Find out how to add beads and sequins to any stitch, as well as an extra layer of texture and color with lacing: threading a second thread through a base layer of stitches.

Projects & Design Inspiration (19:52)
End class by looking at a couple of projects to practice your stitches. Follow along as Natalie guides you to create a stitch-sampler scarf and a reference binder of stitch samples that you can refer back to as you continue your embroidery journey.

Natalie Chanin

Based in Florence, Alabama, Natalie “Alabama” Chanin is the founder and creative director of the popular lifestyle company Alabama Chanin and The School of Making, its educational counterpart. Natalie strives for complete sustainability at every stage of the manufacturing process. In 2013, she won the CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge, an award that celebrates great American designers working in sustainable fashion. Natalie has a degree in Environmental Design with a focus on industrial and craft-based textiles from North Carolina State University.

How will I receive my DVD class?
Your DVD will be shipped in the mail using the address you provide at checkout. Your purchase also includes access to a streaming version of the class and downloadable PDF class materials. After your purchase, you can find your streaming class and your PDF class materials by logging into your Craftsy account using the user name and password you established.

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Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” area, select the “Classes” content. On this page, you’ll see all classes you’ve purchased from Craftsy. Simply select the desired class from your content list, and you’ll be presented with your selected class page. From the class page you can easily view, download or print the companion class materials, which are in the “Bonus Materials” tab on the class page. You can log in any time, and download or print the companion materials as many times as you like. Companion class materials are not shipped in the mail with your DVD, and must be accessed on Craftsy.com.

How do I stream my class on Craftsy.com?
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Do I have to purchase a Craftsy Membership to get my class?
No, you do not. Every DVD purchased on Craftsy.com includes both the physical DVD in the mail and unlimited on-demand streaming access at Craftsy.com. These benefits are yours with or without a Craftsy membership.

Are DVDs included in a Craftsy Membership?
No, they are not. DVDs can only be purchased on an individual basis and are not included in Craftsy memberships. For non-members, DVDs are a flexible way to purchase only the classes you love best. For members, DVDs are a great choice to build an at-home library you can keep forever and enjoy any time, with or without Internet access.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do ship most physical products, including DVDs, to several International destinations. In addition to the USA and Canada, we ship to Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and most Western European countries. If you live outside these countries, you can still purchase digital items including memberships, individual streaming classes, and pattern downloads.

Do your DVDs work on international players?
Yes, our DVDs should be compatible with any DVD player in use today. All our videos have been created with all current Region Codes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8). If you have trouble viewing a DVD purchased from Craftsy.com, please contact Customer Service.

What is your return policy?
We want to be sure you’re satisfied. If you have trouble playing your DVD, if the content is not correctly presented on the DVD, or you are dissatisfied with the content of your class, we will work with you. Contact Craftsy customer service via email or phone. Upon your request, and upon your return of the DVD to us, we will refund your purchase price or send you another DVD to replace a damaged or incorrect DVD, whichever is your preference. If you do receive a full refund, your streaming video class will also be removed from your Craftsy account, so on-demand video access will no longer be available to you.