“I want to make my own cute embroidery!!” However, when it comes to making it, some people may find it difficult to start.
However, if you learn the basic technique of embroidery, anyone can make cute works easily.
This time, I will introduce the basics and tips of embroidery so that even beginners can challenge it easily.
Please refer to it!
About Embroidery
Embroidery is the use of embroidery threads to add various decorations to a piece of cloth, as well as the work process and finished products.
Various techniques have been developed around the world and were once used for curtains and furniture as works of art and craft.
It is said that European embroidery is the origin of today’s style to decorate clothes.
Embroidery has a very long history, and items with beaded embroidery on cloth have been discovered in ancient Egyptian ruins.
Today, anyone can work with it as one of the handicraft techniques that can add an accent to fashion, including clothing decorations and emblems.
Charms and Advantages of embroidery
Embroidery takes time and effort, but it has its own charms and advantages that cannot be expressed only by a print.
The main possibilities are as follows.
- It can express three-dimensional design
- You can create a higher class feeling
- Free and unique designs
- Expand the range of designs
- It can be used for all kinds of items such as clothes, bags and accessories
Needless to say embroidery, you can create countless patterns depending on how to put stitches, how to choose threads, and how to combine designs.
The biggest advantage is that you can create only one original work in the world depending on your ideas.
It can be said that embroidery is a perfect technique to create a work that you can create your own style and use for a long time with a special satisfaction.
Preparation: What You Need for Embroidery
If you want to try embroidery, the first thing you should do is “preparing embroidery tools”.
If you don’t have enough tools once you started embroidering, your work will be interrupted and your motivation will decrease.
However, some people may not know what to get for the first time.
Here’s what you need for embroidery.
Embroidery Needles
An embroidery needle is an essential tool for embroidery.
Depending on the type of embroidery you want to work on, the needle will be different, and there are many sizes depending on the needle.
For example, if you buy a set with the same needle size of the work you want to make, such as “French Embroidered Needle Set”, you can work smoothly.
Embroidery Threads
This is also an essential tool for embroidery.
It’s good to have the colors of the work you want to make in different colors, but I recommend you to buy a set with several threads in advance so that you can try various embroidery.
Please try to find your favorite embroidery thread according to the design or cloth.
Embroidery Frames
You can do embroidery without an embroidery frame, but it’s much easier to work with fabric.
Especially for beginners, it is better to have an embroidery frame in order to work smoothly.
Chacopen / Chacopaper (Water Soluble Marking Pen / Carbon Transfer Paper)
You need a design to make embroidery.
Chacopen [Water Soluble Marking Pen] and Chacopaper [Carbon Transfer Paper] are tools to transfer designs between fabric and paper.
There is one for embroidery that can be removed after being water washed, so let’s pick it up at a store.
Thread Snips
You can cut the thread with ordinary scissors, but it’s better to prepare scissors [known as small snips / thread snipers] for embroidery to cut smoothly.
The above all are necessary tools for embroidery work.
If you prepare the designs you want to make and materials such as T-shirts and bags, you can challenge embroidery immediately.
It may seem like a big deal to buy tools, but you can buy them at a handicraft shop at a low price, and they are also sold at dollar stores.
Learn the Basic Stitches of Embroidery!
Once you have all the tools, the next step is to learn the basic stitching.
Stitching is a sewing method using a needle and thread.
You can make a variety of works just by combining the basic stitches below.
Running Stitch
The most basic stitch is this “running stitch”.
It is also called “thread stitch”.
The trick is to sew the threads on the front and back at equal intervals.
Back Stitch
“Back stitch” is also called “reverse stitch”.
Unlike running stitches, it is used when you want to emphasize lines.
I’m going to put the needle back one stitch.
It will look beautiful if you sew it with the same length at regular intervals.
Outline Stitch
Just like back stitches, this is a technique called “Outline Stitch” where the stitches are stitched while returning the stitches back, but this is stitched with overlapping lines.
This is a useful technique for representing curves.
The key is to sew it as you adjust the line while looking at the balance!
Satin Stitch
This is a technique called “Satin Stitch” which is used to “fill” a design.
You will stitch it intensively and fill the design with thread.
If you fill it from the part where the thread is used the most, you can fill it nicely without losing its shape.
French Knot Stitch
“French Knot Stitch” is a stitch to represent a point.
It is used to express eyes of characters and nuts.
The way to do it is simple, and the image is to make a beautiful ball knot and place it on the surface.
Other examples include “chain stitch” which is sewn like a chain, and “Short & Long Stitch” which expresses solid fills.
These are a little bit more difficult, so let’s master the basic 5 stitches above.
Embroidery Made with Basic Stitches
Then let’s try embroidery.
Here is a work that can be made with just basic stitching.
This is a simple design, but even the simplest shapes can be resized or laid out to create a unique design.
Every piece consists of a combination of stitching, including basic techniques.
Let’s check one by one and try to sew it neatly.
Simple Designs 2 (Bit More Complicated Illustration)
This can also be made with back stitching only.
Once you get used to it, you can sew simple designs of flowers, fruits and animals.
Simple Designs (Filled Gaps)
Let’s fill the simple shapes like hearts and stars with satin stitches.
If you can do satin stitching well, the range of expression will widen.
Alphabets
Let’s sew simple messages and names with back stitch.
When you get used to it, it will be better for you if you can sew it with outline stitch.
If you can sew letters without hesitation, embroidery becomes more and more fun.
Designs with Combination of Basic Techniques
As you get used to it, you’ll want to combine all of the techniques you’ve seen to try out the above design.
You’ll be amazed at how much you can express just by using basic techniques.
Embroidery is Surprisingly Easy! Let’s Start with Basic Designs!
How was it? We have introduced basic knowledge of embroidery, necessary tools, and works that can be done with basic stitching.
As you may have already noticed, embroidery stitching can be expressed in many ways by applying a few techniques learned in handicraft courses in schools.
However, it takes some time for you to master embroidery such as satin stitch to cover the surface.
It’s hard for busy people to make it.
If you find it difficult to embroider, you can ask a professional company or store.
