How to Design Your Own Embroidery

Embroidery is a beautiful and nearly lost art. Embroidery adds a touch of elegance of times long gone and it makes anything personal. Designing your own embroidery makes your pieces all the more special.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Paper, 1/4-inch graph paper
• Pencil
• Design picture
• Colored pencils

1. Print or sketch your basic design.

2. Transfer your design onto the graph paper. Draw in just the outlines and edges; don't worry about shading and color. Make two copies of the design.

3. Draw in the stitches you want to use on one of the copies. Use different colors for each type of stitch.

4. Make one more copy on graph paper and color the design. Color this copy as close to the colors of floss you will be using.

5. Use these three sheets as reference while you embroider.

6. Make your design exact on your fabric by taking your pencil drawing and turning it upside down. Tape it to a window and trace the design with an iron-on transfer pencil. Place the design (pencil side up) on the fabric, cover with a towel and iron. Now you should have an exact copy of your design stamped onto the fabric.

7. Embroider away and enjoy your very own unique design.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have graph paper, use your ruler to create 1-inch squares and then sketch in your design.

• Copying anyone's design is plagiarism. Use your imagination to create your own beautiful artwork.