Embroidery is an art of colorful threads stitches that are turned into beautiful designs and patterns. Professional embroidery machines have made intricate embroidery designs stitching easy, and you will always get consistent results.
Machine embroidery and using professional embroidery machines are comparatively new to hand embroidery. Machines have turned a hobby into a profitable profession. Yet, hand embroidery stitches always look great in your clothes. A hand embroidery design can be exclusive and unique. Also, it is still prevalent in many parts of the world.
You may be surprised to know that there is a significant business of hand embroidery garments and many people prefer hand embroidery over machine embroidery for several reasons. We will discuss all the right reasons to choose hand embroidery over machine embroidery but for now, let’s see how you can start your hand embroidery journey.
Professional or hobby embroidery is indeed a colorful art, and if you are willing to learn about it, we are here to help you in it happily. When you have the suitable material, how to embroidery journey becomes easy. Here are the essential materials you need to start hand embroidery.
Tip before you start:
Whether you are starting your journey on professional embroidery machines or hand embroidery, remember that:
It is a journey of patience and practice – the more you practice, the more you will master the art. Also, embroidery is a relaxing art a fun thing to do when watching TV or listening to the radio. So no needs to stress out; relax and practice until you create your masterpiece!
Materials required:
You may need these essentials to start your hand embroidery journey
- Pattern:
Choose the pattern wisely; as a beginner, start from simple designs; you can find designs online and follow different methods to transfer them on your fabric.
- Fabric:
You can use any fabric you want; try to use good quality and friendly to the embroidery stitches.
- Embroidery Hoop:
The first thing you need is an embroidery hoop. It generally comes in a round shape, but now hoops are available in different shapes. Embroidery hoops are available in different sizes. You can buy three general sizes and keep them with you in an embroidery kit.
Choose the hoop according to the design pattern on your fabric. For better grip and keep it away from your way during stitching – try to use one size up a hoop. Although embroidery hoops are available in different materials, we recommend using a wooden embroidery hoop as a beginner or keeping things simple.
It is light in weight and easy to handle, plus it’s pretty durable too. There are many other practical benefits, too, like you can use them as a frame for your embroidery, and they are a pretty inexpensive choice.
How to use embroidery hoop?
- Cut a fabric larger than your hoop size and start to lessen its screw at the top. It will separate the hoops.
- Now put a larger hoop at the side and lay the garment on the other part of it. Once it’s there, push the top larger hoop over it like fabric is sandwich between them.
- Tighten the screw and make sure the fabric is fit, not too tight or not loose. Also, make sure the design is at the centre.
Floss:
It would help if you had quality floss for embroidery. Needling threads can be complex sometimes, and you can always use some tips to keep them away from tangling. When working, we recommend that – wet the end of the floss slightly and pass through the needle eye. It will create less fuss. Many embroidery flosses come in layers of strands. So make sure you separate them before using them with your fingers.
While choosing floss, make sure you buy from the same brand, and in the proper quantity, you need the complete pattern. There are chances the color may slightly differ from brand to brand, and when you use them, the design will not present flawless quality.
What stitches to start from?
There are numerous embroidery stitches, and it’s hard to choose from to start. Our advice is to start from simpler yet beautiful stitches like running stitch, backstitch, split stitch and French knot.
Conclusion:
Learning how to hand embroidery is not difficult; all you need is essential materials and practice to start your journey.