A teeny dragonfly, ideal for using up those thread ends and practicing leaf tallies.
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| Print at A4 |
Version 1
The simplest way is to start with two pairs around the first head pin, add a pair at each side at the pins. Cloth stitch to the pin where a tally joins. Put aside these 4 pairs for now.
*Add two pairs at the outside pin of the right hand tally. Work the tally to the pin where the other pairs are waiting. Using each pair as a single bobbin, cloth stitch the tally pairs through the body pairs including the worker (see diagram). Place pin and work the second tally. Close the tally with an overhand knot. Leave 4 inches and cut off the bobbins. *
Repeat * to * for the second pair of wings.
Continue to work the body, throwing out 2 pairs near the end so you are left with just 2 pairs at the pin. Use both pairs as single bobbins, tie an overhand and underhand knot. Cut these threads leaving quarter inch for the claspers.
After removing from the pillow. Take each pair at the end of the tallies in turn and thread a narrow needle. Carefully follow the center vein in the tally and draw the thread through from the tip to the center or so. Trim the excess thread.
More information on Lesleyslace.blogspot.com/
A selection of sizes are shown above, suitable for different size threads. I used Egyptian machine sewing cotton thread, which works at about 28 wraps per centimeter, to make the 2.5cm dragonfly, but will enjoy experimenting with irridescent and glitter threads.
Version 2
Join two pairs at the body where it meets the first wing. Tally out to the RH outer wing pin, plait back to the body pin and cross the tally pairs as shown in the diagram. Tally out to the LH outer wing pin, work the pin and return using a plait as before. Follow the diagram to get to the lower wing body pin and tally out, pin, plait back, repeat as for the upper pair. This avoids the need to sew the ends in after removing from the pillow.
