Loading Stitches

Loading Stitches are the most commonly used stitches for thread work in aari embroidery.

Satin Filling or Loading stitch

Satin filling is one of the most used stitch for filling a design using thread work or it can also be used around the neck for simple thread work lovers. The concept of pulling and becoming a knot which was introduced in stem stitch is used for satin filling stitch.

To learn stem stitch check the link

Draw two parallel lines. Start with a lock chain from the bottom line and then put a long chain touching the top line.

Next pull that long chain towards the bottom line till it forms a knot.

Once the knot is formed on the bottom line adjust the length of the chain and put a lock chain in the bottom line next to the lock formed.

Again put a long chain touching the top line.

Similarly pull that long chain towards the bottom line till it forms a knot and put a lock chain close to it.

Continue the same process to complete the satin filling stitch.

Make sure the lines are slightly slanting and not straight. While pulling the thread handle the needle softly and do not pull it so hard as the thread may get cut off or the needle may break. All the lock chain should be in the same bottom line and also the top lines should be even. Don’t pull the thread much as the holes near the top line would be visible and also the cloth may shrink. Also make sure to maintain the same thickness till the end of the stitch. The complete look of the stitch is below.

Double Filling or Short and Long Stitch

This is used as an alternate for thread loading when you find the satin filling stitch difficult. As the same says it is just the long and short chains which is easier for the beginners to fill a design with thread work.

Draw two parallel lines and complete the lines with chain stitch.

Once the chain stitch is completed start with a long chain as shown in picture.

The long chain should be above the bottom line. Next put a lock chain or the short chain below the bottom line as shown in picture.

Next put a long chain from bottom to top line. The long chain should be below the top line as shown in picture below.

Continue the same process of long chain and short chain. Always the long chain should be inside the lines and the short chain should be outside the lines.

The difficulties which you face in satin filling stitch like the holes becoming big in the top line and cloth shrinking, not able to pull the thread to form the knot, all that is avoided in this short and long stitch. The final look of the stitch is below.

Try both the stitches in zari and pratice well for atleast 10cm. Beginners practise 2-3 lines. The more you practise the more you get the speed and finishing.

For video explaination in Tamil check below

https://youtu.be/g7VX3oyKynU

For video explaination in English check below