Embroidery Questions answered

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Question: How do I transfer patterns onto fabric?

Answer: How to transfer embroidery designs onto fabric – Nana Bumblebee

Question: What kind of fabric should I use for my project?

Answer: The fabric you choose is totally up to you! I prefer muslin, but you are welcome to use denim, your shirts, or anything that sparks your fancy.

Question: How do I make fonts look better with thread?

Answer: I’ve had the best luck with using only one strand of thread while back stitching. If you need your piece to be smoother than simple back stitching, try doing a whipped stitch.

Question: Where can i find inspiration for making my own patterns or designs?

Answer: Pinterest is a great place to get new ideas. Googling whatever is in your head is also another place. Never discount a walk in the woods or down the street either, sometimes colors or houses will inspire you to come up with something unique. Art museums and books are fun places to visit if you need inspiration for new textures, colors, etc.

Question: What is a stabilizer and why would I want one?

Answer: A stabilizer can be added onto the back of your fabric to keep your stitches even on the top of your design. A stabilizer can also help when you are using thinner fabric such as t-shirt fabrics or looser weave fabrics. The stabilizer will keep your stitches from coming through the top of your fabric as well. You can either buy stabilizer in rolls, or if you’re like me and don’t want to take the time to cut them, you can buy them pre-cut here.

Question: Does hoop size matter?

Answer: The hoop size is personal preference. I find it easier to work on a piece using a small hoop rather than a larger one, but there are exceptions. Large pieces sometimes are best done on larger hoops so that you aren’t always moving the hoop and bending the fabric. Because I stitch all different size patterns, I have multiple hoops. I find that the most used hoops are the 6 inch ones though.

Question: What kind of needles should I use?

Answer: I have a package of size 5 needles that I have had for years. I use size 5’s the most on my fabric of choice (muslin), but if you are stitching on denim, or creating unique pieces on hats or shoes, you will need a much stronger needle to work with.

Question: Where can I find more free embroidery patterns?

Answer: Obviously this is where you can submit your email address and subscribe to this page for up to date free patterns…

You can also try a search on your favorite search engine and see what comes up. Pinterest is also a favorite place to get free patterns.

Question: How do I find cheap supplies?

Answer: try your local thrift store, rummage sales, clearance sales at craft stores, Facebook marketplace, or auction houses.

Question: How do I keep my fabric from slipping out of the hoop when I’m stitching?

Answer: Try wrapping your hoop like this video ( https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRaXHc8M/ ) with some bias tape, thin strips of fabric, or washi tape.