How does one take a pattern and tranfer it to the material? I had a tracing pencil and went over the design with it three times and it still wouldn't iron on to the fabric. When you do the embroidered towels do you use a hoop? Do you use stitch and tear with it or do you just tranfer a design and embroider? And how many strands of thread is the norm? And last but not least how do you get the needle threaded? I broke two needle threaders, and bent needles trying to get it threaded. Do you use actual embroidery needles? Oh one more question any good books out there with how to do the stitches, or better yet a dvd? Any help would be much appreciated. Toni
Answer #1 - I usually use a wash away pen (the blue kind) and trace over a light box or hold up to a window. If you use a transfer pencil it's best to use tissue paper as your transfer medium (in my opinion and experience). Are you sure your iron was hot enough? If your iron isn't hot enough it won't transfer either. Answer #2 - hooping is per personal preference. It also depends on the weave of the towel. I like to hoop but I always wrap my hoop in bias tape to keep from marking the fabric. Answer #3 - I usually put the design on the fabric and stitch unless I am doing counted cross stitch. How many strands depends on the weight of the fabric. I usually use two strands at most three. I like embroidery needles as they have an elongated eye which makes it easier to thread. You must have been trying to get a lot of strands through a pretty small needle. There are a lot of books out there. Dover has several for a reasonable price. I hope that helps.
Sheri, Thank you sooo... much for all the answers!! If I have more questions may I contact you? When you say put it up to the window, hold the design or tape it to the window and then put fabric over and trace? Is that what I need to do? I have alot of little sayings I want to tranfer to fabric and practice my stitches. Hugs Toni
I use masking tape for the pattern and material and tape it to the sliding patio door that way if I get interrupted or my arms get tired I can take a break and go back to finish when I'm ready. The pattern usually shows through very well even on a cloudy day.
Questions about embroidery??
Posted - Feb 05 2010 : 9:16:40 PM
