Practising the net darning insert for the leaf motif

18-20 October:  

I completed the net darning some time ago.  The time has come to get on with inserting it into a full-scale sample on my practice piece.  Tracy suggested some points to remember:  Organdie can be used as the support on the back of the work but this must be on the same grain as the linen top fabric.  The net darning itself can be at an angle if this fits in with the overall design.  This is good news at the leaf sections are at different angles on the left and right side of my design.

The shape outline should already be on the linen from the tack and tear, but check this absolutely accurate.  Use a fine thread (e.g. a double thread of 160 lace thread), and a small running stitch for the outline of the shape to be filled on the top layer (the linen), this must be absolutely accurately placed.  This will be used as the guide line for the outline trailing later.

Line up the grain of the organdie to the linen, cut a rectangle of organdie that is at least 1cm bigger all round than the shape to be filled.  

Keeping the net flat, place this right side up on the organdie at the desired angle.  Tack into position.  Place this on the back of the linen so the net is the filling in the sandwich -  make absolutely sure the net is in the right place – you won’t be able to see it from the front while stitching.  Tack the three layers together neatly so they don’t move.  Hold the fabric up to the light to check the net is exactly where it should be. 

Another thing I learned after completing the sample  - I should have looked more closely at this stage - I would have seen that the tacking was going to get caught in the stitching... 

Split stitch the outline from the top securing the sandwich together.  Using the chosen threads (e.g. two strands of coton a broder no 16, as the core, and one to wrap), very neatly use trailing around the shape on top of the split stitch.

When trailing is complete, very, very carefully snip at the linen layer close to the trailing to reveal the net stitching below.  Use a pair of lace makers scissors with a ball point on the blades – this should help reduce the possibility of accidentally cutting the net ….

Oops another little diversion and purchase…  have just bought a pair of napping/applique scissors – they have arrived, but they look rather big for delicate work!

The result:   I managed to do the net insert.  See the image of sample.

Overall, I am happy the effect, but the execution needs some improvement.  There are some things I would do differently:

Do not use a coloured tacking thread – IT IS going to get caught up in the stitching and be a nightmare to remove – use a fine white lace cotton thread.

Split stitch and pad the area for satin stitch DO NOT Complete satin stitch until the linen is cut away.

I used two rows of trailing – 2 threads of coton a broder no.16  on the inner row, 3 core on the outer.   Only do the outer row of trailing before snipping away the top layer of linen.  When the linen is cut away, then do the inner row of trailing and the padded satin stitch, this should help mask any stray linen threads at the edges. 

My next lesson is 27 October – I must have some progress on my actual piece of work.

Having used the net darning for my sample I need to complete another piece on the silk net for my actual work.