How to Enlarge an Embroidery Pattern

Needlework would be so much easier if all designs came in the exact, ready-to-use size! Because they do not, the easiest way to enlarge or reduce a design is by reproducing it on a photocopy machine. If you don't have access to a copier, you can enlarge or reduce the pattern yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Embroidery Design
• Embroidery Floss
• Embroidery Hoops
• Pencils
• Graph Papers
• Tracing Paper
• Rulers

1. Trace the pattern.
2. Draw a grid to mark small squares across the original pattern.
3. Draw a second grid or use graph paper, making the squares as many times larger as the amount by which you wish to enlarge the pattern. For example, if the grid over the original pattern consists of 1/8-inch squares and you are doubling the pattern size, squares in the second grid will be 1/4 inch.
4. Square by square, copy the pattern from the first grid by drawing it on the new grid.

Tips & Warnings

• Reduce the original pattern by decreasing the size of the squares on the second grid using the same formula. If the size of the original squares is 1/4 inch and you want to halve the size of the pattern, make the squares of the second grid 1/8 inch.