Stair Steps is an embroidery motif that is sure to have you looking at your crocheted fabric in a new light! By stitching horizontally and vertically, you will be able to add color, depth and dimension to your single (US term)/double (UK term) crochet!
This file contains directions to execute the Stair Steps motif, as well as a pattern for a simple coaster. I encourage you to make a coaster (a much more delightful word than swatch, don't you think?) to explore not only the embroidery technique, but also learn about how the drape of your crochet relates to the tension of your embroidery. Through practice, you will find your perfect combination of materials, hook size and tension. The coaster is also a wonderful way to learn about "crochet anatomy" and how I have structured the directions for the embroidery.
If you would like to make your embroidered crochet project look crisp - and even reversible, depending on which motifs you select - I encourage you to apply an i-cord. The i-cord becomes a tube through which you can weave your embroidery ends. I have recorded podcasts demonstrating how to apply an i-cord for my YouTube channel, Bloom Handmade Studio. The crocheted applied i-cord video can be found here. The knitted applied i-cord video can be found here. I include timestamps for all of my videos in the show notes for quick reference.
I am teaching classes on the technique of adding embroidery to crochet. In these classes, we will stitch four motifs (Chevron, Stair Steps, Bird's Eye and Wedding Rings) together. In addition, we dive deeply into topics like color possibilities, impact on drape, ideal placement and designs that are perfect canvases for this stitching. You can find my class schedule here. All four motifs listed above are included in the cost of the class.