Fancy Shisha Tutorial!

I decided to give you guys a tutorial for some mirror work. I originally learned this stitch from this blog post. I used the instructions on that post as a basis and kinda did it my way. So I thought I’d show you how I do it.

Fancy Shisha Stitch:

1
I used a large sequin for this but a mirror can be used as well. I glued the sequin down before I began just so it doesn’t move around while I’m trying to work. I used a simple glue stick for this. The stitches will eventually hold it in place. I used stranded cotton but used all six strands. Bring the needle up at the bottom of your sequin.

2
We are going to create foundation stitches. Take the needle down at the top of the sequin directly above where you brought the needle through.

3
Make the second foundation stitch horizontally creating an cross over the sequin. Try to make this as even as possible, it will help later.

4
The final two foundation stitches create an ‘x’ over the top of the other two. Again, try to make these as even as possible.

5
Now we begin the decorative stitch. I always start at the top. Bring the needle up to the left of the spoke.

6
Go back down on the right of the spoke making a very small stitch along the edge of the sequin

7
Bring the needle back up on the left of the spoke and the stitch

8
Pass the needle under the spoke right to left. Pull thread tight

9
Take the needle down on the right of the spoke as close as possible to the beginning stitch

10
Bright the needle back up to the front right next to the last stitch – don’t do it too close as it will undo the original stitch but close enough that there isn’t a gap.

11
Put the needle under the spoke left to right this time, pull the thread tight.

12
Take the needle down on the left of the spoke as close as possible to the beginning stitch

13
Bring the needle back up to the front right next to the last stitch – don’t do it too close as it will undo the original stitch but close enough that there isn’t a gap

14
Repeat steps 8-13 twice more so you create a filled in V shape around your spoke

15
If you followed the steps right to the end your thread should be on the left of the spoke and V…

16
Now wrap the thread around the rest of the spoke by taking your needle under the spoke right to left, wrapping about 4 times until you get to the middle of the foundation stitches.

17
Once at the middle take the needle under the spoke to the left from right to left.

18
Wrap the thread down the spoke as before, taking the needle under the spoke right to left until you reach the edge of the sequin. Secure the thread by taking the needle down through the fabric on the right side of the spoke really close to the point the spoke comes up through the fabric.

19
Now you will make the V shape on this spoke by following steps 5-14. When you finish this V shape you may want to secure your thread and begin a new piece, that’s what I do!

20
Follow steps 5-19 three more times until you have filled the last 6 spokes – and you’re done! Pretty huh?!

I hope these instructions make sense and are helpful! Leave me a comment with any questions or comments – they are much appreciated