Create with Me: Exploring My Frida-Inspired Slow Stitch Art Kits

May 31, 2026

Hello everyone:

Welcome to the Detalles!

Slow stitching is the art of using scraps of fabric, needle, and thread to create something new with a creative purpose.

I fell in love with visible mending, especially the Japanese technique known as Sashiko, and it inspired me to create ready-made kits for others to enjoy. Today, I want to share my own interpretation of this beautiful practice, which has been used in Japan for centuries. With the Frida Kit, or any of the kits in my collection, you don’t have to worry about gathering supplies—everything you need for your project is included inside the kit.

Today I will show my own version of this wonderful technique while creating a jean patch that can be used on clothing or displayed on its own.

The kit includes a Frida pattern, a combination of color-coordinated pre-washed fabric with a double-sided iron-on adhesive backing, needles, a needle threader, DMC embroidery floss, and a square piece of denim fabric for the background.

You will also need: Not included in the kit: scissors and hoop(optional)

There is not a set pattern to follow, you can use your creativity and make up your own rules as you follow your intuition. I will give you some tips and advised so you can let your imagination fly.

Instructions/Composition

Focal Point: In this project the focal point is Frida.

1.- Decide if you want an outline of Frida’s face and cut accordingly or choose a bigger area without cutting an outline.

Tip: Experiment. Embrace mistakes and incorporate them into your design. The beauty is in the imperfection.

2. Arrange your fabric applique & fabric on background cloth to create an appealing composition.

Embrace Imperfection: Notice the picture above—the fabric was cut unevenly and fringed at the edges to create a loose, informal look.

3. Iron your composition onto background fabric.

Note: Make sure you remove the backing paper before you iron your composition onto the background fabric. All fabrics on the kit have a double-sided Iron-on adhesive backing. Peel the paper off before ironing.

4. Stitching. This is where you can embellish your piece with different stitch styles and let your imagination guide the process.

Cut your floss at about 16-22”. The longer the floss, the more easily it will tangle. At the same time, you don’t want your floss to be too short. DMC embroidery floss comes in 6 strands. I usually use two strands at a time, but you could use as many as you want.

Once you’ve separated the number of strands, thread the needle. The kit comes with a needle theater to help you, just insert the needle threader in the needle orifice, hook the threat and pull it towards you, leave a 4” to 6” tail on one end and knot the longer end. Now you are ready to start making your maker’s mark. There is no right or wrong in this technique. There are no rules. Just follow your creativity until you find your own style.

For inspiration and simple stitch ideas, Check My Perfectly Imperfect Stitches: A Guide to Maker Marks by clicking the link.

Tip: Using a combination of threads, cotton floss, yarns, etc. in different weights and colors gives the piece interest. The more stitches you make, the more fascinating the piece will be.

Take into consideration where the final art piece is going to live. If it is a patch for a jean, leave areas stitch free to incorporate the patch to the jean (use the same stitch technique to secure the patch on the jean). If the piece is going to live in a frame, stitch the whole area.

Happy stitching.

Rosalia

XOXO

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