Lesson 7.2
Aari Sequin Embroidery: Snake Filling Technique
In this lesson, you will practise the snake method of sequin filling using Indian Aari embroidery. Working from the front of the fabric, you will embroider one row downwards, then turn and work the next row upwards. Unlike the fish scale exercise, this method alternates the direction of each row to create a continuous filling.
Materials to Prepare
Embroidery frame with your traced square pattern
Lunéville hook
Embroidery thread
Loose sequins
Soft pad for holding the sequins
Scissors
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Work with loose sequins from the front using the Aari technique.
Begin filling at an upper corner of a square.
Follow the guideline with a straight row of sequins.
Use a short securing stitch when changing direction.
Place each new row close to the previous one.
Fill a square with alternating downward and upward rows.
Your Practice
Keep the front of the fabric facing you and place your sequin pad within easy reach. Make a starting lock at an upper corner of the second square, then embroider the first row of sequins down to the lower border.
Make a short securing stitch to turn, then embroider the next row upwards, placing the sequins as close to the previous row as possible.
Continue back and forth across the square, alternating the direction at each turn. Keep the rows straight and closely spaced as you build the filling.