Welcome to the beautiful and intricate world of hand embroidery! I’m so glad to have you here.
Embroidery is a timeless art form that has been around for centuries. From intricate designs on clothing to wall hangings and art pieces, embroidery can be used to create stunning pieces of artwork that are both functional and decorative. If you’re interested in getting started with hand embroidery, this guide will give you the basics to get started.
A short history of hand embroidery
Embroidery has been around for thousands of years, with examples of embroidery dating back to ancient Egypt, China, and India. Throughout history, embroidery has been used to decorate clothing, tapestries, and religious items. During the Renaissance period, embroidery became a popular hobby among women of all classes, and embroidery schools were established to teach young women the art form. Nowadays, embroidery is done by people of all sorts of backgrounds and ages to make functional and decorative items such as clothes, pillows, bags or hung as artwork.
Common terms related to hand embroidery
Before diving into embroidery, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different terms used in embroidery. Here are a few common terms you’ll come across:
- Floss: Embroidery floss is a type of thread made specifically for embroidery. It is typically made of six strands of loosely twisted cotton that can be separated or combined to create different thicknesses of thread. The strands are usually divided into smaller sections of two or three strands before being threaded onto the needle. Embroidery floss comes in a wide variety of colors and is often used for creating intricate designs and details.
- Hoop: The embroidery hoop comes in many shapes but is most often found as a circular or oval-shaped frame that is used to hold the fabric taut while embroidering. It typically consists of two rings, one slightly larger than the other, that fit together to create a tension mechanism. Using an embroidery hoop has several benefits for embroidery, including preventing fabric puckering, helping to keep stitches even and straight, and making it easier to work with smaller or more detailed areas. Embroidery hoops come in a variety of sizes and materials, including plastic, wood, and metal, to suit different projects and personal preferences.
- Needle: An embroidery needle is a long, thin needle with a large eye and a sharp point that is used specifically for embroidery. It is typically thicker and longer than a sewing needle, with a larger eye to accommodate embroidery floss or thread. Embroidery needles come in a variety of sizes and shapes, each suited for specific embroidery techniques and types of fabric. For example, a chenille needle is a type of embroidery needle with a large, elongated eye that is designed for use with thicker threads like wool or yarn. A crewel needle is another type of embroidery needle that is slightly thinner than a standard embroidery needle and has a longer shaft, making it ideal for working with delicate fabrics like silk. Using the right type and size of embroidery needle is important for achieving the desired effect and ensuring that the needle passes smoothly through the fabric without causing damage. It is also important to be very careful when working with embroidery needles because they can get quite sharp!
- Stitch: The basic unit of embroidery. There are many different types of stitches that you can use to create your design. Learn all about stitches here. Some of the more popular stitches for embroidery is running stitch, back stitch, satin stitch and chain stitch.
- Fabric: Embroidery is most often done on fabrics. Remember to choose a fabric that’s appropriate for your project. Cotton and linen are good choices for beginners. If you don’t have any cloth, try it on a cotton t-shirt!
How to thread your needle to start your stitch
Threading your needle is a crucial step in embroidery. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut a piece of embroidery floss to the desired length.
- Separate the floss into two strands (this number is based on how thick the thread needs to be to fill in the design)
- Thread one of the strands through the eye of the needle and insert it through the fabric.
- Tie a knot at the end of the floss to secure it.
How to secure the thread at the end of a stitch
Ending a stitch is just as important as starting one. Here’s a few ways to do it
The first way is the most common way of ending a stitch. It is easy to learn and keeps the thread taut.
- Take your needle down through the fabric to create the last stitch.
- Slide the needle under the a few stitches on the underside of the fabric to anchor it and pull the floss through. You should not let the needle go through the fabric.
- Tie a knot over the underside thread a few times before cutting off the excess floss.
The second way is a quick and easy way to end your stitch and is especially useful for stitches that do not have as many anchoring thread on the underside of the fabric. However, since the knot is not anchored to anything, you might experience some loosening of the thread over time. Do not end your stitch using this method if you will be touching or washing your embroidery piece frequently.
- Take your needle down through the fabric to create the last stitch.
- Tie a knot on the back side of the fabric as close to the hole as possible.
- Cut the leftover thread about 1/4 (0.6cm) from the knot
Conclusion
Embroidery is a beautiful and rewarding art form that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of skill level. With the right materials and a bit of patience, you can create stunning pieces of embroidery that you’ll be proud to display or give as gifts.
Remember to start with simple projects and basic stitches, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and textures. With practice, you’ll soon be able to create more intricate designs and master more advanced stitches.
Most importantly, have fun with it! Embroidery is a relaxing and meditative activity that can be a great way to unwind and de-stress. So grab your materials, find a comfy spot, and let your creativity take over. Happy stitching!
