11 Hand embroidery lifehacks
Welcome
A text wall that I hope will make your embroidery journey a little easier (I never thought it would be that long).
1. Use Amazon Book Preview
When I first started hacking, I had at least some information about materials, tools, and other basic knowledge. How to choose an embroidered garment, what are the needles, how to interpret the pattern? Of course I like a lot of blog posts on this topic (mostly from Needle'n'Thread ), but there is another source of book book previews on Amazon.
I did not want to spend a lot of money to buy a whole new book, since I started hacking. But I want to know exactly what different embroideries say about it. So I went to Amazon, looked at the embroidery section and saw the preview.
For the most part, this preview contains only the beginning of the book, which often contains useful information about the basics.
Of course, it is better to buy books later and build your own library. After all, the most exciting thing is not in the preview. ;)
Notes
As a full-fledged beginner, I fully understand the need for such information. But, I must say that after a few years of craftsmanship, you will not be able to understand it properly until you try and succeed. I can't count how many times I read about my hand -woven fabrics a few times and then I found a cloth that suited me.
Theory is good, but practice does not replace it. A few resources are enough and do not be afraid to study yourself Consider these things.
2. Try sewing with fabric stabilizer
At some point, I started painting over almost any fabric . Cotton pads (my favorite padding) can sometimes be a little too light, and when paired with a tie it is good for hand stitching.
What are links?
Stabilizer (tape or binding) is a special material that supports the fabric, removes its elasticity (if any) and prevents it from breaking. It has a very thin layer of glue that works on one side, when pressed on the wrong part of the fabric, the glue melts, the material sticks to it. However, the material itself is very light and does not make the fabric heavy or thick. No more support.
Why try handmade embroidery?
Because the reinforced fabric is prone to wrinkles, wear and tear and general body damage. If you like the fabric very much, but it is very elastic in the fabric, the installer will take care of all of the above.
In my opinion it is easier than covering the fabric (using a second layer of fabric under the main).
3. Draw a circle
I never used rings during embroidery. If you are doing it, maybe for a little wet stitch or a beautiful image (what we do for beauty ...).
In all other respects, my link is binding. I also wrapped the outer ring instead of the inner ring, as many would suggest. I shared the benefits of tying my two coins, especially the outer rings here .
A short tie helps hold the fabric better, but the ring makes it less awkward. I mean, think of the misery of our poor earthly net as you spin. If it is sewn in a frame for a long time, it will not leave the fabric at once, then the folds are too soft, they are too tight.
The use of connected rings makes it easier to work with the fabric, and facilitates the removal of subsequent wrinkles.
However, do not forget to remove the fabric from the ring when you finish sewing.
4. Treatment of wrinkles
Many people have told me how this technique helped them avoid wrinkles from the final product. So I share it in this group too. All you have to do is wet the fabric and carefully remove it.
By the way, did you know that wrinkles can be caused not only by not pulling the fabric when it is stretched, but also by pulling? It can be difficult to find the right balance, and sometimes I still struggle with it, even though everyone has experience. This is why the above method is so useful.
5. Insert the needle eye first.
Some stitches require a variety of needle movements and uses, including pulling the needle. For example, it was a thick chain . An important point to remember in such cases is that it is best to insert the needle forward (not from the tip) into the eye so that it does not protrude.
Although the graph looks different. Because they are graphs. They will only show you the strategies. The arrows on the table can also confuse people.
6. Vintage Embroidery Book Archive.org
Online archive is a free library of embroidered books. I have selected my favorites in this post so you can check them out (there is a link).
Ancient books contain a lot of information about materials, tools and other basics but they also have many instructions and stitches that you can sew. Some are well-completed encyclopedias.
7. Check the angle of the fabric
Did you know that when we roll the canvas, the four corners are left?
Embroiderers often cut to keep the fabric round, which is especially important if the stitching is done as a circle. Not to mention that you look more beautiful and smart this way.
However, if you are not very interested in the look, you can leave these angles for project areas. For example, if you do not know what color to use, try a few stitches to see how the stitches work, practice there before sewing and see if the needles match the fabric.
And when your project is complete, the corners can be removed.
8. Selection of embroidered needles
I know, I know it's a burden. Believe me, I am just as confused as you. I'll tell you more, I'm still confused. DI actually wrote a sketch for my personal reference in this article. I refer to it to see what kind of needle I use.
Yes, the order of the previous sentences is correct. Use the needle first ይወ Know the type of needle.
I bought a few needles, cut out the ones that matched my style, the fabrics, the threads, cut out the options and only then compared them to the traditional standard ( "Why don't you just look at the name" ; they are different types of needles.
However, if you are confused about needles, forget about ratings. Read this article about the four key features you should have in your design needle, we hope it becomes clearer.
I use the same needle over and over again because my choice of embroidery's fabric's thread is more or less well-established. No more fighting! If you enjoy the experience ... keep fighting until you succeed. Good luck. ፡ Dead Dr.
9. Long and short sewing tips
Since there are so many scams here, I'm the only one pulling them off. Leave these accounts here to check yourself.
Over the past few years, I have tried to share as many embroidery techniques as possible. Some may seem overwhelming at first, but when you start making more and more long and short stitches, some questions start to arise, I want to give a timely answer.
Now I try to follow what I am doing, I wonder if it is clear to the beginner or not, and if not, I will write a note about it. See my needlework for beginners for more information on embroidery .
10. Practice your drawing skills
Before you say, "Wait, I thought hand embroidery", your drawing skills will have a direct impact on your embroidery, and vice versa.
This is something I noticed a while ago. Since then I have been trying to improve my drawing, I even share the effects of applying watercolor on this sign . I am still training, I forgot to publish the results. ፡ Dead Dr.
Have you noticed how some beautiful embroiderers play with a horse in color, light and shade? Well, that's because their drawing game is safe.
Have you noticed how some hackers can hack in months after years of struggle? This is probably because they have some drawing experience, so their hands and eyes are used for the same movements and details.
Personally, I did not like to draw before I got my hands on it, but I liked to draw in a notebook, playing with acrylic from time to time. Nothing serious, but I'm sure it will help me to get started as soon as possible.
So, if you know you have a lot of problems with this embroidery theme, I recommend you start painting, choosing colors, drawing patterns, working with long and short stitches.
11. Make an embroidered notebook :)
Recently, I have seen a number of people complain about embroidery. Of course, your walls can only accommodate many round shapes, it will be harmful to keep your work in the drawer. That 's why I started making embroideredmagazines myself. Now that everything is in one place, it is fun to turn around .
I understand this is still a little fun, it may seem like a lot of work, but it really isn't . And how fun it is to play with the fabrics, lace and beads we keep at home.
Ah, do not start, because I am jumping off the cliff and trembling in the air: D You know when you have a lot of time to say you can't find consistent words. Well, that's me embroidery magazine haha!
However, we have come to the end of this list. Did you learn something new? Does it help?
I think I want this article to be "Do not be afraid to experiment" because sometimes we will depend on other people who tell us what to do, especially when we are just starting out. This is very important, but trust me, you will understand better than your own experience. There is no experiment without failure :)