Stitchy Steps

I have recently been asked by friends who don't stitch, how do I get started with a project and then what are the steps. I am no expert but I am happy to share my process. 


Step 1: Choose a pattern. Sometimes I choose a printed pattern that I trace using my new handy-dandy light box, other times I might use a transfer pattern. I so want to be one of those artistic types that can design their own pattern from scratch but that is not me. I am hoping my artistic daughter will design some patterns. For this hoop monogram with tassel I chose it from a book of iron-on transfer patterns I purchased at Hobby Lobby. I am sure I help keep that store in business. ;)

Step 2: Choose your fabric. If you are tracing your pattern on to the fabric you can use almost any type but when using an iron-on transfer the fabric has to be heat tolerant.

I chose an Osnaberg linen type fabric that I had in my stash.

Step 3: Prepare the fabric by determining the amount you need and then pressing it with an iron to remove any wrinkles.

Step 4: Cut the transfer pattern and iron it on to the fabric following pattern package directions or trace your pattern on to the fabric.

Step 5: Hoop the fabric in to a working hoop. I like to use a plastic hoop for embroidering. There are those that do not use a hoop at all. I like the stabilization a hoop gives the fabric.

Step 6: Choose the thread color/colors you want to use in your project. This project is for one thread choice. Sometimes I may pull out 30 colors to choose when doing a multi-color project, like here. 

Step 7: Stitch! I would say this my favorite part but I also really enjoy choosing pattern, fabric, thread, etc. For wonderful instructions on embroidery stitches, I like to go shiny happy world blog and her wonderful free instructions.

Step 8: Decide how you will finish off your project. I painted a small wooden hoop. There are so many options from framing or adding it in to a sewn piece, etc. I am sending this hoop as part of the Happy Hour Christmas in July exchange. My recipient, Leslie Marquez Designs, asked for supplies for her jewelry designs and I wanted to add a little something extra. She had shared colors in her home and I decided a brown hoop with this M monogram would be a good addition to the supplies.

Step 9: After completing the stitching and allowing the hoop to dry, I placed the stitched piece in to the finishing hoop. Then I trimmed around the edges leaving enough to fold around to the back and stitch a running stitch to gather the fabric.

Step 10: Finishing the back. I chose to cut a piece of felt and stitch it to the back of the piece for a finished look. 

And there you have it. My little monogram embroidery stitched from beginning to the end. 

Bead supplies and monogram M for my Christmas in July package.

sharing:

http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/07/best-diy-projects-and-link-party-66-2.html 

http://www.impartinggrace.com/2012/07/grace-at-home-no-19.html 

http://www.thetaylor-house.com/2012/07/taylor-house-thursday-18.html 

http://delightfulorder.blogspot.com/2012/07/delightfully-inspiring-thursday-party_25.html 

http://www.52mantels.com/2012/07/thursdays-are-your-days-50-amazon.html 

http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/07/time-travel-thursday-107-talented-time.html 

http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/2012/07/a-crafty-soiree-100.html 

http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/2012/07/blog-stalking-thursday-51.html
http://www.happyhourprojects.com/2012/07/happy-hour-friday-0727.html
http://www.craftjunkietoo.com/2012/07/tgif-linky-party-59.html
http://www.littlebeckyhomecky.com/2012/07/fantabulous-friday-23/
http://myturn-evelyn.blogspot.com/2012/07/freedom-fridays-12.html
http://www.craftionary.net/2012/07/link-party-diy-crafts-recipes.html
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/2012/07/frugal-friday_26.html
http://www.delicateconstruction.com/2012/07/delicately-constructed-friday_26.html
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/07/feathered-nest-friday_26.html
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2012/07/show-and-tell-friday_26.html
http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/2012/07/welcome-to-fridays-unfolded_26.html
http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/2012/07/potpourri-friday-34.html
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/07/its-inspiration-friday-no-75-welcome.html
http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/07/linky_party_98/
http://www.joyinthejumble.com/2012/07/pomp-party-28.html
http://herecomesthesun-kelly.blogspot.com/2012/07/fabulous-friday-36.html

http://www.countrymommacooks.com/2012/07/link-and-greet-27.html

http://shakentogether.blogspot.com/2012/07/whats-shakin-link-party-19-party-faves.html

http://www.504main.com/2012/07/tickled-pink-no-108.html

http://my1929charmer.com/sundays-best-41-par-tay/

http://www.flamingotoes.com/2012/07/think-pink-sunday-no-71/

http://snips-and-spice.blogspot.com/2012/07/sunday-slice-its-party-5.html

http://www.serendipityandspice.com/2012/07/manic-monday-linky-party-28.html

http://diyshowoff.com/2012/07/29/diy-linky-party/