How To Design Military Embroidery
Everyone is proud of their military and recognize the bravery these courageous men and women display on a daily basis. For those of us left at home, hoping for safe returns, crafting and designing something special for a military loved one or neighbor can also make us feel as if we are helping on some level. The key to designing these tributes is narrowing down the specific military branch. By researching different insignias and depicting qualities the particular branches are known for, you will be able to translate your designs into a military embroidery.
Things You'll Need
- Sewing machine or embroidery machine
- Embroidery thread
- Fabric (optional)
- Garment
- Tape measure
- Tailor's chalk
- Tracing paper
- Scissors
Instructions
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Research and Embroidery Type
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Research the military branch you want to design for and decide what type of embroidery you will be making. For example, you can opt to make an embroidered patch and add fusible backing to iron on a jacket.
You can opt to select a specific era in history, such as World War II and design a veteran-inspired embroidery. Look through military-themed posters for inspiration.
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Select the area garment and location where you will place your embroidery. Measure the width and length of the area where you will set your embroidery. Keep in mind your embroidery machine specifications such as hoop size and embroidery set parameters.
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Sketch your design and add color prior to stitching. Keep in mind your measurements and embroidery hoop dimensions. Decide if your design will be a sew-on or iron-on patch or if your will be directly embroidering on the garment.
Draw your design on tracing paper and cut out. Lay your tracing onto the garment location and lightly mark with your tailor's chalk your embroidery placement. Make any necessary color, thread or fabric adjustments on your sketch guide.
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Select bold embroidery thread by matching the desired military branch's traditional colors. You can opt to embroider a logo or insignia on a piece of canvas or twill. Match the fabric to your garment and use the military thread colors for the embroidery. If you are designing an authentic looking military embroidery, view what type of embroidery thread the branch uses, such as either rayon only or a matte cotton thread.
If you are making a military inspired quilt, you can opt to make a military embroidered applique for your quilt boxes. Add military embroidered patches in a few squares. You can also opt to directly embroider onto quilt squares.
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Tips & Warnings
It is best to practice on fabric scraps prior to using your project garment or fabric.
