Jamie Fingal: Stitching Stillness in Hand Embroidery

By Threaded Expressions Magazine

In August 2019, textile artist Jamie Fingal returned to the rhythmic quiet of hand embroidery — embracing its tactile joy and meditative pace. Her latest project, a stitched floral composition, served as a reminder that slow stitching can be a powerful counterpart to the fast-paced world of modern quilting.

The Process Behind the Pattern

Fingal began with Mistyfuse-prepped fabrics, incorporating selections from Liberty of London — prized for their intricate prints and soft, high-quality weave. These were fused to wool blended felt, her preferred base for hand embroidery due to its strength and the fact that it requires no edge finishing.

Her composition featured a cheerful vase bursting with stylized flowers, set against a backdrop of whimsical circles. Fingal’s use of bright colors and clean silhouettes gave the piece her trademark mix of playful and polished.

Thread, Texture, and Technique

Using size 8 perle cotton threads from Global Artisans, Fingal applied a range of stitches to bring the piece to life: chain stitch to outline, French knots for tactile pops, and fly stitch for organic accents. Each mark contributed to a growing narrative told entirely in thread.

The palette was bold but intentional, with contrasting hues that emphasized the floral elements and added depth without overwhelming the design.

The Joy of Slowing Down

In a world often driven by speed, Fingal’s hand embroidery practice became a form of artistic mindfulness. The quiet repetition of stitch after stitch not only enhanced her creative focus but offered a form of calm and reflection — something she’s long encouraged in her community of makers.

“There’s something deeply satisfying about working with your hands in this way,” she noted. “It’s intimate, joyful, and grounding.”

Explore More

To see the full project and more insights from Jamie Fingal’s studio, visit the original post:
Jamie Fingal Designs