Well hello and its onto part 3, I am on a roll with this little posts. Thanks for all your comments on my Instagram stories. You can find me here on the insta by the way!
So far, in this little mini series, my first post was on embroidery supplies you can read that here . Last week, it was all about pattern transfer methods and specifically the one I use and recommend, you can read that here. This week, I am sharing some little tips that I have picked up along the way and now to share with you! So grab a cuppa & have a read below!
► If may sound obvious but please iron your fabric before you start, just give it a sprinkle of water and iron. I know I know, ironing sucks. Just make sure there are no wrinkles or creases while you are stitching, the stitches will pull unevenly on the fabric and you'll end up with a puckered mess.
► High tension on your fabric is essential at all times. If your fabric gets loose while you are working, & it will, be sure to re-stretch it and tighten the clasp a little more.
► You can also wrap your inner hoop with some twill tape, it will help hold the fabric taut and helps protect the fabric from those pesky creases.
► After you have finished for the day stitching, take the fabric out of the hoop, this will help prevent leaving those crease marks as these can be hard to remove later on.
►Use the appropriate needle with thread. You don’t want to use a needle with a large eye with one stand for instance. This will leave holes in work, as the needle is too large.
► Use shorter stitches when you are stitching curves. It will look so much smoother, so tiny stitches for any circles or angles.
► Split your thread, for thinner finer lines use 1/2 strands. If you want bigger lines, & to add more texture to a piece, use 5/6 strands.
► If your thread is getting tangled, try working with a shorter length. Rule of thumb just cut the thread to the length of your forearm. Sometimes, letting the needle and thread dangle will help it unwind. You can also try some thread conditioner too, just rub it along the piece of thread and stitch.
► It can be helpful to draw directional guidelines for yourself before starting to stitch, especially in areas full of satin stitch.
► Always cover your work when not working on it and try not to eat or drink whilst working on a piece. Trust me after hours of work and to have that bowl of cereal fall #truestory.
► A lint roller will help with any fluff & keep your piece clean. Some recommend canned air for this too, personally I have not used this as the lint roller works fine for me.
► Don't shy away from using dark fabrics. You can use a white pencil, carbon paper is also available for dark fabrics, or try some sulky stitch and stick, you just print your pattern onto this and stick it to the fabric and stitch away. You then use water to remove the stabiliser after you are finished. I will follow up on more transfer methods at a later date.
Don't forget, experiment and have fun with it ! please don't get too hung up on using the so called correct methods, use knots! the embroidery police are not going to come after you :)
If you have anything to add or if you have picked up other tips along your stichy way, let me know & I can add it in.
Till next time!
Maura
