One of the most interesting aspects of embroidery, be it embroidery on wool or on canvas, is the possibility of filling shapes by progressing from one color to another gradually and organically. Knowing how to blend colors is an important skill to ensure a successful embroidery, and to do so it’s useful to know some tricks that will take everything to another level. And here is where I come in!

During this workshop I will explain how to switch from one color to another by creating a smooth and beautiful gradient. We will study together how to draw your template in order to include in it all the important details to be properly guided along your embroidery. We will work the basic stitches for this kind of embroidery (satin stitch, split stitch, short and long stitch, straight stitch) and see how they can be combined and used. We will first try filling in some shapes using two or more colors.

Finally, we will study my Maia Poncho pattern that I will include for you in my handouts and that you will be able to knit and embroider with all the techniques you’ll lean with me during this class! This is a super fun class, join me!

If you want to know more about Dario's embroideries to have an idea of what you can do with this technique, check him out on Instagram @rosso.cardinale.

Knit a swatch at least 24x24 cm (9.5x9.5 inches) in stockinette stitch using any DK-weight yarn. Try to knit the swatch slightly tighter than normal; it will hold the embroidery better. If you have it, bring any other piece of wool or swatch you have at home just for try the first stitches.

• Yarn: any kind of fingering-weight yarn or mohair yarn you have in your stash. Any color will do, but bring more than one as you will need it for the color transition, and it's best if the colors contrast with the swatch
• Knitted swatch: appox. 24x24 cm / 10x10" (it needs to fit in the hoop) knitted in DK yarn
• Wash-away water-soluble embroidery stabilizer (easily available on Amazon; one brand is New Brothread Wash Away Embroidery)
• Embroidery hoop (approx. 22cm/9" diameter)
• Scissors
• Marker to trace the drawing
• Downloaded and printed template that you will find in the syllabus (available in the Event Hub the week of the event)
• Sharp needles for wool (make sure that the wool you are using passes through the eye)