Introduction: Backlit Embroidery

About: Teacher of Engineering & Technology, nerding around with a sewing machine, laser cutter and 3D printer...

This is a simple but effective way of decorating the outside of something, making it look like a shape has been backlit.

You will need:
A piece of felt
A pencil/chalk
Assorted colours of embroidery floss
An embroidery needle (large eye)

Start by outlining the shape on the felt. Simple shapes are easiest, but there's no reason why a complicated silouhette wouldn't work.

I like to work in multi-colour, so start by selecting the lightest colour in my range, and thread my needle with a length of that. Start from a point on the outline of the shape, and using long stitches, work away from the drawn edge. I like to vary the length of these stitches, so it looks a little less organised! If changing colours, work a section of the shape, and then change over. The length of section is up to you...

Make sure all ends are securely tied off, and trim close to the knot.

Done!