Embroidery. It’s a simple textile art that has been around for, well, ever. Or at least since the invention of fabric and thread. It’s simple, and classic, and is helping me turn my store bought blank baby onesies into little works of art! Seriously, I have no use for onesies right now, but they are going to be hard to part with, their JUST so cute (pictures coming soon).
A great recourse for beginners is Sublime Stitching, by Jenny Hart in Austin Texas. Watch her interview with Threadbanger.
Embroidery is actually a lot of fun, because you can basically create any image you want. Take a pencil (or my favorite, the DISAPPEARING INK PEN!) and draw on some fabric, then outline and fill in with embroidery thread. I used the simple split-stitch to outline the appliqué pieces on my onesies… and the simple touch brings the piece to a whole different level!
Here are some Basic Steps to get you started:
a) You have to select the fabric on which you want to make patterns. (An article of clothing, handkerchief, pillowcase, etc…)
b) Choose the type of threads according to your fabric. (Embroidery Thread is usually 6 small strands wound together… stitch with all 6 for a chunky look, or you can easily divide them into 2-3 strands for a finer look)
c) Select the color of your threads according to your design and color of your fabric.
d) Transfer the pattern on the fabric either with the help of carbon paper or any other method, which is convenient to you.
e) Select the needle according to your stitches (i.e. you don’t want a thick needle that will make a big hole in your fabric if you are using a fine thread.)
f) Fix the fabric in the hoop. Try to use smallest possible hoop for your design.
(Hoops aren’t mandatory, but they help hold the fabric taught like a drum, making the whole process of stitching a LOT easier.)
g) Start making designs with various stitches.
There are so many types of stitches to use, each with a specific purposes (i.e. outlining, filling in large areas, just decorative, etc…). Most are basic and repetitive; you just need to know where to start. The best “stitch school” I have found online is Primrose Design. The author has examples, directions, and large clear photos of the steps for each stitch.
So pick up a needle and thread and make something “store bought” your own with a little custom embroidery 😀
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