Embroidery is a popular craft, used to add attractive embellishment to clothing, home decor and other items. In the past it has been done largely by hand, with thread or yarn and a needle. But now it is possible to do embroidery on a sewing machine, producing beautiful results with a fraction of the time and effort of traditional hand embroidery. So can you do embroidery on a sewing machine? The answer is an enthusiastic yes!
Before you start, it’s important to have the right sewing machine for the type of embroidery you want to do. Traditional embroidery machines have separate spool holders for thread, which are designed to feed the thread evenly to the needle. Some newer embroidery machines, such as ‘combination’ machines, have the ability to thread both the needle and the bobbin simultaneously. The advantage of these machines is they can produce intricate patterns faster than with traditional machines.
Embroidery machines typically also come with a range of different needle plates, bobbin cases and feet attachments. These are designed to make the process of embroidery easier and faster. For example, the needle plates may be designed to help guide the fabric through the machine, ensuring that you won’t make any mistakes. Furthermore, the bobbin cases come in different shapes and sizes, which are designed to feed different types of thread.
Once you have your sewing machine and accessories, it’s time to start embroidery. Beginners should start with a simple stitch, such as a running stitch or a blanket stitch. These stitches are relatively easy to do, and are a good place to start learning the basics of embroidery. More experienced embroiderers can then experiment with new patterns and techniques, such as creating a zigzag stitch or incorporating beads and sequins into their stitchwork.
When selecting a design or pattern, it’s important to consider the size, colour and texture of the fabric you are working with. The size of the pattern will determine how much thread and fabric is needed, and the texture will affect how the embroidery looks. Additionally, the threads used should match the colour and texture of the fabric, as this will give the best results.
Aside from fabric and threads, you will also need a pair of scissors, a hoop or frame, a darning needle and, of course, an iron. The hoop is used to keep the fabric tight while stitching, the iron is used to press the finished product, and the darning needles are used to help guide the thread through the fabric. All of these tools will help to ensure you have the best results.
You may have noticed that different fabrics work better for different types of stitches. For example, a dense fabric such as a canvas or denim will work best when using a more intricate stitch, such as a satin stitch or a running stitch. On the other hand, a lightweight fabric such as silk or muslin will be best for a simple, single-thread stitch.
Tips on Embroidery
When embroidering, it is important to work slowly and carefully to ensure the best results. Take your time to ensure knots are properly tied and that the thread is securely in place. Furthermore, keep the work area free of pets and children, as they may unknowingly move the fabric, resulting in uneven stitching or a dropped thread. It is also important to note that many fabrics, such as felt and velvet, may require a special needle, as they are more densely woven. Specialty needles are designed to go through these fabrics without causing damage to the fabric.
Caring for Embroidered Items
Care for the items that you have embroidered is essential for them to last for years to come. Hand-washing the items is the best way to ensure that they are looked after properly, as this will prevent the spores from the washing powder from settling on the embroidered areas. After hand-washing, the items should be laid flat to dry; do not tumble dry, as this can damage the embroidery.
Once the items have been washed and dried, they should be ironed on the wrong side of the fabric. Be careful when ironing the right side of the fabric, as the applied pressure of the iron could cause the thread to move and can result in the design becoming distorted. Ironing the wrong side of the fabric will help to flatten out the embroidered design.
Choosing Threads
When choosing thread, it is important to consider the colour and texture of the fabric. It is best to opt for a thread that is either the same colour or a slightly darker or lighter shade than the background fabric. This will ensure that the thread stands out against the fabric when the design is complete. Additionally, choose a thread that is the same thickness as the background fabric, as this will generate a more uniform look to the design.
Furthermore, different types of threads require different types of needles. Cotton thread will require the use of a special cotton needle, while heavier threads such as rayon or metallic will require a special metal needle. Using the correct needle is essential for creating a successful embroidered design.
Protecting the Fabric
When stitching onto a fabric, it is important to protect the underlying fabric from damage. This can be done by using a temporary backing, such as tear-away stabilizer or heavy-duty interfacing. These materials are placed onto the back of the fabric, and provide a sturdy base for the embroidered design. Once the design is complete, simply tear away the backing and the underlying fabric will remain in place.
In addition to using temporary backing, you can also use an embroidery foot on your sewing machine to keep the fabric in place. This is especially useful for projects that have intricate details or multiple layers, as it will ensure that the fabric doesn’t move around while you’re stitching.
Conclusion
Embroidery is a fun and creative craft that can add decorative touches to clothing, home decor and other items. Embroidery can be done on a sewing machine, but it’s important to choose the right machine and accessories for the task. Furthermore, it is important to take the time to select appropriate fabrics and threads and protect the underlying fabric before starting. By taking the necessary steps, you will be able to produce beautiful embroidery designs that will last for years to come.
