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Embroidery 101: How to Embroider

Embroidery is a great pastime and hobby. It’s relaxing, therapeutic and, above all, helps you exercise your creative muscle. If you’ve been thinking about it but don’t know how to get started, in this guide, we will cover everything you need for the ground work on your way to completing some of the most stunning machine embroidery designs in the market.

We will also look over some basic stitches if you don’t intend to invest in an embroidery machine immediately.

What You Will Need

The first step in your journey towards embroidery is gathering the tools you will need to make this possible. There are tons of tools you will collect along the way, depending on the designs you’re working on.

In this case, we will only list the basic ones that will get you started. Along the way, you will learn more about the tools and materials you need to become an expert embroider.

• An Embroidery hoop – An embroidery hoop is the most essential and most iconic tool in embroidery. It is a ring that holds the fabric and keeps it taut to make embroidering easier. There are different types of embroidery hoops, some plastic and others made of wood. What you choose depends on your preference.
• Small, sharp scissors – A good quality pair of scissors is a must-have in any tailoring session, embroidery included. Try to purchase embroidery scissors. They will give you an easy time when working on your designs.
•  Your fabric of choice – You use the fabric as a canvas to bring your embroidery designs to life. Some of the common fabric choices include linen, quilting cotton, osnaburg, and canvas.
• Embroidery floss – The colors and type of embroidery floss you choose depends on the designs you have in mind. If you’re not sure of the kind of floss you should use, opt for DMC floss. It’s the most common and almost full-proof.
• Embroidery needles – Even if you want to use an embroidery machine, it always helps to have some embroidery needles at hand. Most embroidery needles have bigger eyes than regular ones to accommodate the size of the floss.
• Water-soluble marker – Before you start stitching your design, you need to create an outline that will guide you. You can use a water-soluble marker or any other marking tool when drawing the designs on the material.

 Now that you have the materials you need to start, the next step is learning how to use some of the tools.

How to Use an Embroidery Hoop

If you love sewing, you’ve probably used most of the other materials. The hoop is the one that might pose a challenge. But it’s a simple tool to use.

• Start by cutting a square piece of fabric that is larger than the hoop.
• Separate the two pieces of the hoop by loosening the screw.  
• Take your piece of square fabric and lay it over the inside hoop.
• Push the top hoop down and over the inside hoop. This will sandwich the fabric between the two pieces of the hoop.
• Tighten the screw a bit, then pull the fabric taut to achieve a tight, crease-free appearance. Once the fabric is taut to your liking, you can now tighten the screw until you feel it is secure.

Threading the Needle

Once you have the material on the hoop successfully, the next step is to thread the needle. Although the idea is simple, the process can at times be challenging and elusive. The best way to do it is to wet the ends of the floss then squish it between your thumb and index finger. This gives the thread a nice, pointy end that is easier to squeeze through the needle’s eye.

When threading embroidery floss, do not double the floss as you would with normal thread. Just pull the floss through the needle’s eye and leaving a few inches hanging. Tie off the other end and cut the piece that remains after the knot.

In most cases, you will find floss that has several strands. Six strands is the standard. For designs that require thin strands, you can separate them using your fingernails then gently pull the strands apart.

How to Do Different Embroidery Stitches

With that, you’re almost ready to start embroidering. What’s left is learning how to do the different stitches. If you plan on using an embroidery machine, things are going to be much easier. But, it always helps to have the basics at your fingertips. These stitches are the backbone of the elaborate designs like flowers you’re going to create once you advance.

How to do the running stitch

This is the most common and the easiest of embroidery stitches. The method used in running stitches is the same as that of tailoring. A running stitch has various applications in embroidery. The most common is being used to frame a design or creating open and airy designs. You can also use it for text, though it’s too spacey and not recommended.

The easiest approach to the running stitch is the standard up and down. But you can also push the needle through when you want to create several stitches at a go.

Tutorial: https://youtu.be/ui6cZF6GPgQ

How to do the backstitch

Back stitches are ideal for text. It’s a more uniform stitch that is easier to read and also makes excellent outlines for drawings.

Tutorial: https://youtu.be/kqj_lUo1tJo

How to do the split stitch

This is the first of many decorative stitches that you’re going to learn. The split stitch can be used in the same way as the backstitch, but it’s raised, which gives it more of a decorative appeal. You can use it when you want to bring texture to your design.

Tutorial: https://youtu.be/4P4EN5PSFCM

How to make the French knot

Most embroiders consider French knots a nightmare. But they don’t have to be if you follow the right technique and procedure. French knots come in varying sizes, which make them easily applicable in numerous ways.

You can use French knots for the center of flowers, for lines, or polka dots, depending on the design you have in mind.

Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5knM1kaxnck

Conclusion

After mastering these basic stitches, you can move on to more complex options like the stem stitch, the Satin stitch, and the straight and seed stitches. Mastering these types of stitches is the best way to get your passion for embroidery started on the right foot.

You can then make simple designs using the stitches you have just created, then move on to more complicated designs.