Creative ladies have decorated gingham fabric with hand stitching for ages and it was especially popular in the 1950's when I was a child. I remember watching my grandma stitch aprons, turning the plain checked fabric into lacey works of art! She made her everyday aprons into something special, but I'm sure she never dreamt I would one day display them as treasured heirlooms.

Now, more than 30 years after her death, her aprons continue to inspire me. I have used some of the stitches and patterns from her handwork to create simple projects for my Future Christian Homemakers' class. These simple stitches are great for beginners! I chose to use them in bookmarks because these small projects could be completed in a short period of time. From my 30 years of teaching experience, I know it's best to start any new skill with short lessons that instill confidence and build from there.

Gingham embroidery is known by many names: Amish embroidery, snowflaking, lace stitch, Depression lace, and chicken scratch are just a few! Although any embroidery stitches can be employed on gingham, three main stitches are the most commonly used: an X, the snowflake, and a lace stitch. These three stitches can be used alone or in combination to create a huge variety of designs and special effects.

Gingham embroidery is easy and is quick to make. The results are truly beautiful. Try our bookmarks to get started. Then expand the designs to create borders on tablecloths, placemats and napkins, skirts and blouses, baby items and more! For basic gingham embroidery directions... click here.

Take a look at one of the beautiful aprons my grandmother created using X's and half X's. Check back with us often. I will add more pictures of my grandma's aprons from time to time. We also plan to offer new bookmarks each month.

We'd love to hear from you! Do you have some gingham embroidery suggestions we could share with others? We are always looking for old gingham embroidery books and pamphlets. Please contact us. I'll pass tips along in my online newsletter. God bless you as you create beautiful things for your home!