Do you have a fascinating hobby that combines creativity, relaxation and the ability to create beautiful things with your own hands? Embroidery is exactly that! Despite stereotypes about its complexity, it is easy to start this activity. The main thing is to have a desire, a little patience, and know a few basic principles. In this article, we will take a closer look at how beginners can take their first steps in embroidery.
Step 1: Choose an embroidery technique
There are many embroidery techniques, each of which has its own characteristics. The most popular are among beginners:
- Cross-stitching. This is a simple and straightforward technique that is suitable for creating designs with clear contours. It is ideal for beginners because it does not require complicated movements.
- Smooth. This technique allows you to create smooth transitions and realistic images. It is a bit more complicated than the cross, but the result looks very elegant.
- Embroidery with ribbons. A great option for those who want to create voluminous flower arrangements.
- Lace. Openwork technique for creating elegant ornaments.
To begin with, it is best to choose cross-stitch, because it does not require special skills and allows you to see the result quickly.
Step 2: Prepare the necessary materials
For embroidery you will need:
- Canvas. This is a special fabric with a uniform weave of threads that makes it easier to create even stitches. To get started, choose a large-cell canvas (for example, Aida 14).
- Flossthreads. These are multi-layered threads that can be easily separated into strands. Most often, cotton threads are used.
- Needle. For cross-stitching, it is better to take a needle with a large eye and a blunt end so as not to damage the canvas.
- Hoops. These hoops help to keep the fabric taut, making your work comfortable and precise.
- Scissors. Small and sharp scissors are ideal for cutting threads.
- A pattern for embroidery. Ready-made patterns for beginners can be found in embroidery kits or downloaded online.
Step 3: How to choose the first scheme
The first diagram should be simple so that you can quickly master the basic techniques and not lose interest. Choose small drawings with clear lines and a limited number of colors. For example, flowers, hearts, geometric patterns.
Ready-made embroidery kits are a great option for beginners. They contain everything you need: canvas, threads, a needle, and a pattern.
Step 4: Preparing for work
- Prepare the canvas. Cut a piece of canvas with a 3-5 cm margin around the edges. To prevent the fabric from unraveling, sew the edges with a buttonhole stitch or glue.
- Marking the canvas. Using a water-soluble marker or soap, divide the fabric into 10×10 squares to make it easier to navigate the pattern.
- Choosing threads. Determine what colors you need for your scheme and prepare them.
Cross stitching
- Securing the thread. Take a 30-40 cm long thread and thread it through the needle. Tie a knot at the end of the thread.
- Making stitches. Start in the center of the pattern:
- Pierce the fabric from the bottom to the top in the lower left corner of the cell.
- Pass the thread to the upper right corner, creating a diagonal stitch.
- Finish the cross by making a back diagonal stitch from the upper left corner to the lower right.
- Working with a single color. Complete all the stitches of the same color in an area before
Satin stitch embroidery
- Use a thin fabric with a uniform weave.
- The outlines of the pattern should be sketched with light stitches first.
- Embroider with a medium-thick thread, stitching tightly together.
- For a smooth pattern, place the stitches in the direction of the shape of the element.
Backwards needle embroidery
- Insert the needle just behind the previous stitch, moving in the opposite direction.
- Use this technique to outline or fill in details.
- Keep the stitches evenly spaced for a neat look.
Forward needle embroidery
- The simplest stitch, perfect for contours and the base of an ornament.
- Move the needle forward at regular intervals between punctures.
- To make the seam smooth, you can first draw a line on the fabric.
Embroidery with cord (cord stitch)
- It is embroidered with thick threads or twisted cords.
- Attach the cord to the fabric and sew it on with small stitches at regular intervals.
- Do not pull the thread too tightly to prevent the seam from distorting.
Vestibule embroidery
- The needle is pierced into the tissue and pulled out to form loops.
- It is important to keep the thread tension even so that the loops are the same.
- Use this technique to create smooth, rounded lines.
Stem seam
- It is used for thin, curved lines such as twigs and stems.
- Each new stitch comes out slightly below the middle of the previous one, creating a swirling texture.
- The longer the stitches, the more they resemble a twisted cord.
Step 5: How to avoid mistakes
- Do not use a thread that is too long to avoid tangling it.
- Always make sure that the top stitch of the cross is in the same direction.
- Check the diagram to make sure you don’t miss any cells.
- Secure the threads on the back of the work carefully, without knots.
Step 6: Completion and registration
When the embroidery is complete, follow these steps:
- Washing. Gently wash the finished artwork in warm water and soap to remove any marker residue.
- Drying and ironing. Iron from the wrong side through a clean cloth.
- Design. You can frame your artwork, use it to create a greeting card, or decorate your clothes.
Why is it worth continuing to embroider?
Embroidery is a fun and inspiring process. With each new work, your skills will grow and you will be able to create more complex and beautiful patterns. Don’t be afraid to experiment with techniques, colors, and materials.
Start today and embroidery will become your favorite hobby that inspires and gives you a sense of harmony! 😊
