How to Embroidery Stitch by Hand

Hand embroidery can produce finely detailed designs.

Hand embroidery adds detail and interest to clothing and household linens. Types of stitches, colors, materials and personal skill combine to provide texture and flair to embroidered pieces. In past centuries, girls were taught embroidery from an early age. Antique samplers remain as evidence of their needlework efforts. Today's designs range from traditional cross-stitch embroidery to lavishly stitched works of art. Prepackaged kits and iron-on designs make embroidery projects easier than ever.

Things You'll Need

• Pattern or kit
• Embroidery needles
• Embroidery floss
• Fabric
• Steam iron
• Embroidery hoop
• Thimble
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Choose either a prepackaged embroidery project or an iron-on design. Transfer the design to fabric with a steam iron if necessary. Place the fabric, design-side up, over the inner ring of the embroidery hoop and slide the outer hoop down over it to make the fabric taut. Use the screw on the side of the hoop to tighten or loosen as needed.

2. Thread an embroidery needle with embroidery floss. Do not tie a knot in the floss. Follow the package instructions for color and type of stitch.

3. Hold the embroidery hoop with the design facing up. Make the first stitch by pushing the needle up through the pattern from the back side. Pull the thread up leaving one 2-inch tail on the back of the piece. Push the needle down through the pattern and pull the thread taut. Repeat the stitches along the patter, hiding the thread tail on the backside as you proceed.

4. Complete a section at a time, changing colors and stitches as required. Move the embroidery hoop as necessary. It is okay to place the hoop over embroidery stitches when you move to an adjoining section. Finish off a section by taking the thread to the back of the work and weaving an inch or two into the stitches. Tie and clip the remainder.

Tips & Warnings

• Trace your own designs onto fabric using dressmakers transfer paper.

• Fabric tension is important for precise, even stitches. Reset the hoop if necessary to keep the fabric taut as you work.

• Learn to use a thimble for pushing the needle through fabric; it will save your fingers.

• Invest in a good embroidery reference book to learn different stitches and techniques. Practice stitches such as French knots on scrap cloth until you become proficient.

References

• "The Complete Book of Embroidery"; Melinda Coss; 1996