3 Hacks you need to know before you pick up embroidery

1. Petroleum Jelly/ lip balm

I think all embroiderers can agree that the frustration from trying to put a thread through a needle is otherworldly and that no matter how many times the tip of the thread is cut off, it frays only moments later, perpetuating a hellish cycle. The only reason i've been able to finish large embroidery artworks is by applying petroleum jelly or a thick lip balm to the tip of the thread with my fingers. This keeps the thread from fraying, and saves thread since you don't need to keep trimming it.

2. Friction pens

Drawing or writing with pencil on linen scraps or cotton cloth is difficult, and erasing it is harder. Using pens or markers leave behind a permanent outline, which almost always remains visible through the embroidery. When I want to embroider on any cloth (linen scraps or old jeans, for instance) I use a frixion pen directly on the cloth, and embroider along or on top of it. After my embroidery work is finished, I use a hair dryer over the pen marks, and within moments the ink is gone, leaving behind just the embroidered work. Pilot FriXion pen ink turns clear at 140°F/60°C, which allows the ink to disappear effortlessly without straining or spoiling the embroidery or the fabric.

3. Free embroidery patterns

If you are a beginner, use free embroidery patterns to practice and get your hand used to the action. The patterns are designed in an accommodating way, and will also make you accustomed to what kind of drawing style and subjects are suitable for embroidery at your level. I relied on free patterns when I was still picking up the artform, and not only was it very accessible, but it also saved me a lot of time which would have gone in deciding and designing what pattern or subject to embroider. Here are some good resources for free patterns:

• https://www.dmc.com/us/free-patterns-5041/free-patterns-5042/free-embroidery-patterns-5043.html

• https://cutesycrafts.com/2018/10/20-free-embroidery-patterns.html

• https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/top-free-embroidery-designs-4157614

Samples from DMC:

Samples from The Spruce Crafts:

Samples from Cutesy Craft :

If you want guidance on what material or items to embroider, check out my blog post titled- Why you should practice hand-embroidery: Versatility