Mirror Work Designs, also known as Sheesha work, is a lovely fabric surface decorating technique in which miniature mirrors of various shapes and sizes are glued to the fabric and embroidered work is done around them. The gleam of the mirrors (or the thin metal discs used instead) can give the fabric and items manufactured with them a stunning opulent aspect. If you’re wondering what to construct with the mirror-embellished fabric, the possibilities are endless: bags, purses, skirts, cushion covers, curtains, and even shoes can benefit from mirror work embroidery.
- Mirror anchoring stitch
This is mostly used to secure the mirror to the fabric, but it can also be used to create a gorgeous embroidered design around your plain tiny mirror on its own.
The method –
- Make four straight stitches along the four sides. To make the mirror more secure, add two extra stitches across the corners of the first four stitches. You must guarantee that the threads you make do not finish up along the mirror’s edges, or the stitches will slip from the mirror’s edges.
- For the straight stitches to secure the mirror, you’ll need to start almost in the centre of the mirror.
- The fear that the sutures along the mirror’s face would make it look unattractive. Don’t be concerned! Other stitches will move them away from the mirror surface in the future.
- Begin making blanket stitches by inserting the needle under the stitches. Because these stitches will be done over and around the framing stitches performed at the start, you will gradually see that the mirror will clear. The thread at the edge would be the only thing left.
- Some people prefer to cover the mirror with a store-bought mirror frame and then add beautiful stitching around it.
- The mirror with Basque stitch
The method –
- Start making a frame for the mirror.
- Mark a circle around the mirror, so that uniform stitching can be done around the mirror.
- Alternatively one can use a ready-made frame for the mirror as well.
- Make the decorative basque stitch around the mirror along the mark you have made.
The Basque stitch
The Basque stitch is an excellent hand embroidery stitch for producing lines, curves, flowers, and borders. The Basque stitch is a reversed combination of the twisted chain stitch and the buttonhole stitch. Twisted daisy border stitch is another name for it. Basque stitch was traditionally done with a red thread on a green backdrop or a white thread on a blue-green backdrop.
- The mirror with lazy daisy stitch
- Make a mirror frame out of thread. Make a circle around your mirror and use lazy daisy stitches to stitch around it.
- After completing the flower stitch, glue the mirror in place and add the frame on top, stitching in place with little stitches using the same coloured thread.
The Lazy Daisy stitch
Detached chain stitch is another name for it. This is frequently used to create miniature flower patterns and petal motifs. It is made out of a single chain loop rather than a continuous design. One of the most simple stitches is the lazy daisy. This stitch isn’t just for petals and leaves; it can also be used for more sophisticated designs.
- Mirror with Threaded running stitch
Make looping threads around the mirror to create this mirror work design. Make flower petals by embroidering thread through these circles.
The Threaded Running Stitch
To make this stitch, first make a row of sunbathing stitch. Without penetrating the fabric, weave loose loops under the running stitches with the same or contrasting colour thread.
Threaded stitches, also known as laced stitches, are a type of stitch that includes a foundation stitch as well as a second thread.
Without entering the ground material or going back on itself, the second thread is woven through the foundation stitch (contrary to the comparable interlaced stitches). The foundation stitch is usually applied first, in a long line, and then the secondary thread is worked.