Embroidery is a wonderful technique to relax from a busy lifestyle nowadays. Some consider this as an old hobby that they learned from their grandma. If you know how to embroider then you can create an heirloom your children’s children can treasure. It’s also a great way to create items for your friends and someone special. As this old craft become popular again, these tips on how to embroider can be your guide.
Simple Items You Need on How to Embroider
Fabric: This is a piece of cloth or fabric that you will embroider. Beginners may use a cotton fabric. Choose also a light color fabric that is not that thick to make it easier to work with the needle and thread.
Embroidery Hoop: A frame made of two hoops, usually made of wood or plastic. It holds a piece of cloth to make embroidering easier. These hoops have different sizes, but the smaller sizes are preferred by beginners to work with.
Needle: This is used to thread the fabric. It is advisable to use a needle in larger size such as a size 10 or 12. Since these needles have larger eyes, it’s easier to thread.
Embroidery Thread: It is easier to view your work when you use a dark colored embroidery thread.
Pin Cushion: A small cushion into which pins are stuck until needed.
Basic Stitching Techniques
Several stitching techniques can be used when embroidering. The most common are the stem stitch, the running stitch, the backstitch, whipped stitch, the chain stitch and the crossed back stitch. Most of these stitches are exceptionally easy and just takes a little practice to get used to it.
Basic Steps on How to Embroider
Step 1. When you have all the tools needed on how to embroider, you may want to select the piece of cloth or fabric to embroider. Then on the front side of the fabric trace a design. This will help you properly follow the design when you begin stitching.
Step 2. Put the fabric into the embroidery hoop and fasten it down tightly.
Step 3. String the needle with the suitable amount of thread. You can select between the number of strands and length of the thread. You can start with about 20 inches of the thread’s length. Once the thread has been inserted through the needle’s eye, tie the end of the thread.
Step 4. Begin stitching at the back. Insert the needle through the back and follow the trace on the fabric. You can use different types of stitches; however the most basic and commonly used is the simple back stitch. Simply push and pull the needle gently through the fabric when threading.
Step 5. To end stitching, take both the needle and the thread to the opposite side of the fabric. For any loose ends, cover it up by passing your needle beneath stitches. (never stitch through any fabric).
Step 6. Place a loop of thread and pass it through the needle and create a knot then tighten it. Cut off any excess thread once the knot is tight.
It will take several tries before one learns how to embroider effectively. After some practice, you’ll get the hang of this and will be working on a new hobby.
For Related Articles On Embroidery
