Essential Beginner's Guide
New to embroidery and eager to start your next project? This guide shares the simplest methods and the absolute essentials to starting an embroidery project.
In this Guide
Transfer Your Pattern using the Light Source Method
There are a number of ways to transfer your embroidery pattern to your fabric. In this guide we will explore a common (and forgiving method) - transferring your pattern using the light source method.
Best Practices
Popular light sources are sunny windows, light boxes, and computer or tablet screens. It is completely up to you on what you want to use. I tend to use my iPad screen to transfer my patterns.
This method works best with light to medium weight fabrics where you can see the design through the fabric when illuminated. If you are a beginner, gravitate towards non-stretchy fabrics like cotton or linens, as they are easier to keep taut and straight as you stitch.
A variety of pens and markers can be used to transfer your pattern, such as regular pencils and water soluble markers; however, heat erasable pens are a crowd favorite for stitchers as the ink disappears with heat.
To transfer your pattern using the light source method, place your supplies flat on a surface in this order: light source, print out, fabric. Be sure to center your fabric over your pattern, and once it is positioned how you'd like, you are ready to trace your pattern! I like to use washi tape to hold my pattern and fabric in place.
Now with your pattern transferred, you are well on your way to starting your embroidery.
Care to see this step in action? The video below walks you through transferring your pattern using the light source method.
COMING SOON!
How to Hoop Your Fabric
No matter if you are using a wooden hoop or a plastic hoop, the steps for hooping your fabric remain the same.
For this step you will need the following supplies:
✓ fabric with pattern transferred
✓ embroidery hoop
Step by Step
Loosen your hoop by untwisting the screw. Separate the inner and outer ring from each other. Placing the inner ring down first, lay your fabric on top of it. Ensure the fabric is both centered and the weaving of your fabric runs top to bottom and left to right. Slide the outer ring over your fabric and tighten the screw. As you tighten, evenly pull the fabric so the fabric remains taut. Tighten until the fabric surface is taut like a drum.
Now with your fabric on the hoop, you are well on your way to starting your embroidery.
Care to see this step in action? The video below walks you through how to hoop your fabric.
COMING SOON!
The Basics of Needle & Thread
It's time to get stitching! Let's learn the basics of embroidery floss, how to thread your needle, and methods of starting & finishing your stitches.
Skein Basics
Standard embroidery floss is comprised of six strands that can be either used as a whole or separated. A skein of embroidery floss generally comes in a looped fashion, banded at the top and bottom. Look for the start of the thread at the bottom band. Always pull your thread from this location so the skein remains untangled. A good length to work with is about an arm’s length or 12"-18".
Threading Your Needle
If you need to separate the strands, lightly divide the strands with your fingernail. Once you have the strands lightly separated, pull one strand out. Repeat this step until you have the desired amount of strands.
To thread the needle, trim any frayed edges. Flatten the strands between your fingers, leaving no more than just a tip poking out, and push the strands through the eye of the needle. If not all strands go through the first time, start over and try again. Pull the thread through until you have a 3" tail at the eye of the needle.
.: Thread Hack :.
How to Start & Finish Your Stitches
There are two basic methods of starting & finishing your stitches.
Knotless Method
This method functions by weaving in the ends of your thread.
To start your stitch with this method,
With a threaded needle, bring your needle up through the fabric at the start of your line, leaving a 3” tail on the bottom of the fabric. Begin stitching, ensuring the tail remains.
To finish your stitching with the knotless method,
Turn your hoop over. Weave in the ends of the thread by looping under and over 3-5 previous stitches. Once the thread is secure, trim the ends off. We still have the tail from the start of our stitch. Rethread the tail into the needle and weave it into the stitches. Once the thread is secure, trim the ends off.
Alternatively, you can place an away knot so you don’t have to worry about losing the tail at the beginning of your first stitch.
To place an away knot,
Knot the end of your thread after threading your needle. From the top of the fabric, bring your needle down through the fabric 3” away from your first stitch, and stitch as usual. Once you have completed stitching and weaved in the end, return to the beginning. Snip the away knot releasing the tail, rethread the tail into the needle and weave it into the previous stitches.
Knot Method
This method functions by knotting your thread and your stitches.
To start your stitch with this method,
Tie a knot at the end of your thread after threading your needle and begin your first stitch.
To finish your stitching with the knotless method,
Turn your hoop over and slide the needle under the previous stitch until a small loop remains. Pass the needle through the loop and pull the thread snuggly. You can do this once or a couple of times.
Care to see this step in action? The video below walks you through the basics of needle & thread.
COMING SOON!
The Simplest Way to Back Your Hoop
The hard work is over and now it's time to display your efforts! This method is the simplest way to back you hoop and does not require any additional materials.
Be sure your embroidery is hooped in the embroidery hoop you want to display it in. Taking scissors, trim the excess fabric around your hoop until you're left with about an inch of fabric remaining.
Cut a length of thread that 6" longer than the distance around your embroidery hoop. Thread your needle with your embroidery floss of choice and stitch along the outer edge of your fabric starting at the top of your hoop using the running stitch. When starting your first stitch, leave a 3" tail at the beginning. Continue to stitch until you reach the top of the hoop again.
Once you have reached the top of the hoop, unthread your needle. Pull both ends of the fabric. As you pull, your fabric should cinch closed around your hoop. Tie off the ends and snip any remaining length of thread.
Congratulations, you've backed your embroidery!
Care to see this step in action? The video below walks you through how to back your hoop.
COMING SOON!
What are you waiting for?
Now that you know the absolute essentials, it's time to get stitching! Need a project to try? Explore The Scape embroidery kit collection.