Hey HKC fans, it’s Elsie here! I’m excited to be sharing my first blog post for Hip Kit today, especially because I’m using the gorgeous August 2017 Main Kit.

Today we’re focusing on stitching on your pages, and if you know me and my style you’ll know that I love stitching! Not only do I find stitching a really relaxing and calming thing to do, but I love how it can really make your layout and embellishments your own. Let me talk you through how I incorporated stitching onto this layout…

So, there are two main ways to use stitching on your pages: hand-stitching and machine stitching, and I used both on this page. But let’s talk through the quicker of the two first!

I usually use machine stitching to create subtle texture and to help define my papers. I used it to join the yellow bunting pennants on the top of my page, which not only holds the pieces together, but it also adds texture and gives the illusion of string holding the bunting up.

I also used it on the woodgrain strips at the bottom of the page. Whilst most of this is covered up, it helps separate and define the edges that you can see. And because I used white thread for both of these it’s quite subtle and not overpowering, but it would definitely be fun to experiment with different colours of thread!

Hand-stitching on the other hand is less subtle and does take a little longer to do, but I think the results are so worth it. One of the main focuses on this page is the exclusive Carousel cut file designed by Kim Watson. I cut it from the Maggie Holmes ‘Starbright’ paper and stitched around the cut file with some matching thread. I’ll be the first to admit that this was quite a fiddly piece to stitch, but I love how it turned out.

But if you fancy something quicker to hand-stitch, stitching on some die-cut embellishments is so easy. I used coordinating threads to stitch on some of the ephemera from the Maggie Holmes Carousel pack we got in the kit. I didn’t stitch around a lot of the die-cut, just on a few bits and pieces.

I used colour coordinating thread on each piece, which I find helps not make the stitching too distracting. But I love how hand-stitching makes these embellishments ‘my own’, as stitching like this is very rarely mass-produced. I think it makes these cute little die-cut pieces even more special and helps bring the homespun and whimsical vibe I love to create on my pages.

Thanks for stopping by today, and I hope you’re inspired to try your hand at stitching on your projects! And as I’m writing this, my September kits have just landed on my doorstep so I’m off to fangirl about those!!