The Best Laid Plans: steps to embroidery

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.