Uploaded February 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
In this tutorial I will teach you how to glue your blocked embroidery to backing paper, after which it will be ready to apply to your prepared box. We will cover choice of paper, the importance of practicing gluing (with suggestions on ways to practice), and final preparation for gluing by securing loose thread ends and making sure the back of your embroidery is pristine, which will allow for the best possible glue job. From there I will teach you how to size your paper cuts, apply glue to backing paper and then apply it to your embroidery, with recommendations on drying time.
Although the general process is the same for all three pieces, I will also detail the specifics of cutting and applying paper to the long side piece.
NB: I did forget something, which is that you can proceed in order of difficulty. Block, dry, and glue your back piece to backing paper first as it's the smallest and will likely have the least distortion. It's also the back so it's the best place to start your learning curve because it's the least visible in addition to being the easiest.
From there block and glue the lid, and finally the long side piece. I myself started with the back as I have very little experience with blocking fine linen - I generally work with full tension in a slate frame - and it allowed me to refine my technique before proceeding to the more visible parts of the box. This is equally true of gluing, although I definitely recommend additional practice with excess fabric or abandoned starts before gluing your embroidery.
The main page for the Simple Harmony SAL including a full materials list can be found here: katie-strachan.com/simple-harmony-1
Used in this episode (previously linked items can be found in the master materials list):
2 sheets German Ingres paper, in white or cream. I used cream but would use white if I could do it over again:
hollanders.com/collections/ingres-german/products/german-ingres-white?variant=33005671022646
hollanders.com/collections/ingres-german/products/german-ingres-cream?variant=33005671252022
If you are practicing gluing first, which I highly recommend, you will need additional sheets of paper.
Rice paste to clean up any loose threads if necessary: From NIAH down the page under Marking, Transfer Supplies and Glue: needlestack.com/WebStore/Accessories/Accessories.html
Yes paste, craft spatulas to apply, and a silicone craft mat for gluing
Scissors for cutting paper down to size
Flour sack towels and books to weight while drying
In this tutorial I will teach you how to glue your blocked embroidery to backing paper, after which it will be ready to apply to your prepared box. We will cover choice of paper, the importance of practicing gluing (with suggestions on ways to practice), and final preparation for gluing by securing loose thread ends and making sure the back of your embroidery is pristine, which will allow for the best possible glue job. From there I will teach you how to size your paper cuts, apply glue to backing paper and then apply it to your embroidery, with recommendations on drying time.
Although the general process is the same for all three pieces, I will also detail the specifics of cutting and applying paper to the long side piece.
NB: I did forget something, which is that you can proceed in order of difficulty. Block, dry, and glue your back piece to backing paper first as it's the smallest and will likely have the least distortion. It's also the back so it's the best place to start your learning curve because it's the least visible in addition to being the easiest.
From there block and glue the lid, and finally the long side piece. I myself started with the back as I have very little experience with blocking fine linen - I generally work with full tension in a slate frame - and it allowed me to refine my technique before proceeding to the more visible parts of the box. This is equally true of gluing, although I definitely recommend additional practice with excess fabric or abandoned starts before gluing your embroidery.
The main page for the Simple Harmony SAL including a full materials list can be found here: katie-strachan.com/simple-harmony-1
Used in this episode (previously linked items can be found in the master materials list):
2 sheets German Ingres paper, in white or cream. I used cream but would use white if I could do it over again:
hollanders.com/collections/ingres-german/products/german-ingres-white?variant=33005671022646
hollanders.com/collections/ingres-german/products/german-ingres-cream?variant=33005671252022
If you are practicing gluing first, which I highly recommend, you will need additional sheets of paper.
Rice paste to clean up any loose threads if necessary: From NIAH down the page under Marking, Transfer Supplies and Glue: needlestack.com/WebStore/Accessories/Accessories.html
Yes paste, craft spatulas to apply, and a silicone craft mat for gluing
Scissors for cutting paper down to size
Flour sack towels and books to weight while drying
