Tips on How to Embroider like a pro!
Learning to Embroider like a pro will require a bit of learning and practice. There are a variety of different stitches that can be used while learning how to embroider. The basic necessities for an embroider is an embroider hoop, sharp needle, embroidery floss, small sharp scissors, and of course fabric to stitch on.
Types of Embroidery Stitches
Basic stitches include a cross stitch which is one stitch. A stumpwork stitch is a chunky raised fabric that easily can be pulled and rearranged using a pull stitch method to create the design you want. A split stitch is when you bring your needle up through the center of the previous stitch to make you next stitch. A stem stitch goes up along side of the last stitch. A back stitch or seed stitch is a continuation of stitches in a row going through the hole at the end of last stitch. Chain stitch leaves a loop on top to go through after the needle has gone up and through the fabric. On the third stitch it goes through the loop that was left on top.
Learning the Different Stitches
The most popular stitch is the Back Stitch: Works from right to left. Knot your floss and hold your needle and bring up through the fabric from underneath and pull through. Push needle through a little to the right under and up to the left past the floss. This will make a line and you are on your way to learning how to embroider. Try to be consistent in the length of the repeated pattern. Put the needle down the same hole where it lastly came up. Not the same hole where the floss is now, but the hole before. This effect will create a line of fluid stitches. Make sure a knot is always tied prior to stitching and at the end of the pattern otherwise it will not be secure. Remember what you see on top is more of importance than what is seen underneath.
How to Transfer an Iron on Pattern…
When you cut out your pattern leave space around the image to hold during the ironing process and place it where you want on the fabric. Make sure you preheat your fabric with the steam off prior to the transfer process as it helps the transfer to stick properly. Place the transfer down on the fabric and hold the hot iron on it for 10-15 seconds. Do not move the iron or it will smudge the transfer and there is no way to fix it. Once the transfer process is completed, place the fabric in the embroidery hoop and adjust. Make sure your fabric is tight in the hoop. Now it is time to start the embroidery. The first step how to embroider is to choose the stitch method you wish to use and the colors.
Threading Needle Methods
The needle has to go with the size of the thread. If you are using big thread then you would use a big needle otherwise it will not thread properly. Small thread uses a small needle and so on.
Using the fold and pinch method you take the thread and fold it around the base of the needle, slide it off and pinch the fold to stick into the eye of the needle. Pinching near the edge of the fold helps to get it through the needle eye. For smaller needles less than #10 simply snip the end of the thread or floss and pull through the eye of the needle. Threading takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it is becomes much easier.
By using these tips, you will learn how to embroider with a little bit of skills, practice, and effort. Happy threading!