Learning how to embroider begins with the tools or hardware that we need to use such as embroidery needles, embroidery floss, fabric, a pair of small and sharp scissors, and an embroidery hoop.
The embroidery hoop is composed of two rings wherein the fabric will be attached in order to make the embroidery process easier. As compared to normal needles, embroidery needles are composed of bigger eyes as they have to accommodate the size of the floss.
As for the fabric, we need to choose the one that we want best. Ideally, a simple quilting fabric will already do.
We don't need fabrics that are too stretchy or those that are loosely woven. Now that we know the materials needed, we now need to know how to embroider by familiarizing ourselves with some of the basic stitches.
The running stitch is the most basic embroidery stitch and it is the one used for regular sewing. With the running stitch, the stitches do not have to be of equal sizes.
There are times when the stitches have to be long while there are also times when stitches have to be short; this all depends on the design being done. If we are serious in learning how to embroider, the running stitch is the first type of stitch that we need to learn.
While the running stitch is mostly used for designs or speech bubbles, the backstitch is ideal for text as the stitches are more uniform, allowing the text to be more readable.
In doing the backstitch, the thread has to be pulled up first and then make a stitch either to the left or to the right, this all depends on the direction of the pattern. To avoid confusion, let's focus on making a stitch to the left.
So, from the left side, pull the thread up to the right with the length a little longer than the original stitch. After doing so, make a stitch again to the left just beside the original stitch made. The process just has to be repeated several times until the desired pattern is achieved.
If we learn how to embroider the backstitch way, then it will be easy for us to learn the split stitch since the strokes are almost similar. It's just that in most cases, the stitches used for split stitch are smaller than the backstitch.
While the backstitch is ideal for texts, the split stitch is ideal in creating a little texture to the design. Somehow, the split stitch is used for finishing touches such as to finish a cupcake design.
Those who are interested in learning how to embroider should start by familiarizing themselves with these three embroidery stitches before proceeding to learning the other types of stitches.
Handcrafted items sell like hotcakes today. And with online sales and marketing tools in abundance - and at affordable prices starting at FREE, it's no wonder that embroidered towels can be made and sold to help you earn extra income - right from home.
No experience necessary. This article discusses the craft items you'll need to make beautiful handmade towels for personal use and business use. And then we'll touch on business basics to get you up and selling in no time flat.
Ingredients for Successful Embroidery Business
First you need fabric or towels that are already made so that you can embroider on them. Head to the local sewing shop for help or online. Seek soft cloth like terry for your towels, and check stores like WalMart and Odd Lots for cheap blank towels in solid colors that you can use for your embroidering.
Next, if you are making yours form scratch, ask the sewing staff to help you choose a stabilizer that goes underneath the towels surface to provide a sort of foundation for your stitching. Store bought towels, don't worry. Use as-is; they're ready to go.
Next you need sewing materials: embroidery hoop, needles, colored thread and pattern for your design. Most of these can be found online today. You can download patterns, print them out and use them. And some places, even locally, sell kits with everything you need for projects.
Seek help as needed form helpful online resources like article directories, chock full or how-to articles. And call around to local sewing centers for classes and help, too.
Successful Sewing Sales
Once your towels are ready to market, take some snap shots of them, if possible, with a digital camera. Then you can head to eBay, the world's largest auction site, and set up shop immediately.
First search other similar auctions for ideas on what to say on your sales page and how to price your goods. Check shipping and handling, too, as you probably want to stay within your own country for starters, to save on shipping.
Then register for a free account at ebay.com. Complete your profile, and set up your first auction. Ebay has tutorials to walk you through all this step by step. They also have a Community of bulletin boards where you can post questions and communicate with other eBay sellers.
Learn and grow your business. Sell sets, package them with soaps you can buy in bulk then split up at ebay, and do other fun promotional campaigns. Read helpful articles on business and on growing business with eBay in particular.
If you are interested in learning how to embroider, then the first step is to learn about the various stitches. Once you have learnt and understood each stitch, then no matter how complex a design maybe, it is not difficult to fill it up. Ideally, you must start with a simple design and the progress towards larger designs that also require more detailing.
In this guide of how to embroider for beginners we will take a look at various embroidery stitches...
The stitches:
The line stitch: This is the stitch usually done to create the outline of a design. This is the simplest and most basic stitch also used in sewing objects. There are various line stitches, which are as follows:
Running stitch:
This is also termed as the basic sewing stitch; and is also used as a decorative embroidery stitch. Right-handed individuals will work this stitch from the right to the left, or top to bottom, as required. The left-handers will ideally work from left to right, or bottom to top. This is a forward running, continuous stitch.
Whipped running stitch:
In this stitch the needle has to be brought up to the point where the running stitch began. Following this the needle has to be taken down through each of the running stitches. If a contrast thread is used then the line would look like a candy.
Back stitch:
This is also an outline stitch and is used for sewing objects. This is a tight stitch. With this stitch the gap in the running stitch is covered.
Outline stitch:
In this type of stitch the stitches form a solid rope-like line.
Stem stitch:
This is a stitch, which is tighter than the outline stitch. This stitch is ideal for creating embroidered leaves and flowers.
The other stitches include:
Coral stitch
Scroll stitch
Chained stitch
Fishbone stitch
Flat stitch
Satin stitch
Buttonhole stitch
Lazy-daisy stitch
French knot
Fly stitch
