You've been embroidering for a while now and you've tried the different traditional embroidery stitches. Now you're looking to refine your technique and take your learning further. Here are my five tips to improve your embroidery starting today.
1 – Tension the fabric properly on your hoop
You've probably already seen embroiderers working with a wrapped hoop. This technique has several benefits: it stops the fabric slipping on the wood and prevents the hoop from leaving too visible a mark on the fabric.
To do this, you'll need cotton twill tape, ideally — avoid satin ribbon, as the fabric would slip even more. Wrap it around one of the hoop's two rings, or even both. Make sure to build up an even thickness all the way round to avoid unevenness.
My second tip for tensioning the fabric well: use a flat screwdriver or any other suitable tool to turn the hoop's tightening screw and tighten it as much as possible.
2 – Find a comfortable position
To embroider for a long time without pain, position is essential. Without paying attention to it, I can't last more than ten minutes without a sore back! I recommend setting your hoop on a stand and clamping it at chest height. That way you'll have both hands free, letting you embroider faster and more cleanly, sliding your fingers through the loops to avoid knots, both on the front and the back.
3 – Choose the right needle and thread
A poorly chosen needle is often the cause of knots and a frustrating embroidery experience. There are many types of thread: twisted, pearl, metallic, wool, silk, cotton… and just as many needles: for sewing, embroidery, cross-stitch, basting, each available in several sizes.
People often end up with an unsuitable needle, usually too small, which damages the thread. Conversely, too large a needle will damage your fabric.
To find the right size, the needle's eye should let the thread pass through easily when folded and held between your fingers, without sliding through too freely either. While you embroider, watch the end of your thread: if it becomes frayed (especially with silk and metallic threads) or uneven (with wool threads), that's a sign the needle isn't right.
4 – Find the right thread length
To avoid cutting a thread that's too long, risking damage or knots, follow a simple rule: measure the length from your hand to your elbow, one cubit. This length is ideal for embroidering comfortably without a build-up of knots.
5 – Get your starting stitch right
To keep the back of your embroidery as neat as the front, there are two methods: the French one and the one used internationally.
In both cases, you start by tying a knot at the end of the thread, then pushing the needle through from the front down to the knot.
The international method: next to the knot, make three small tight stitches in different directions. Once done, cut off the knot and start your embroidery.
The French method: make your stitch, then whip over it with two more crossed stitches on top, forming a cross. Once done, cut the thread.
I hope these tips help you enjoy embroidering even more and feel proud of your work.
Happy stitching
Emilie
