Hi my lovely readers ^_^
This week i would to share my first ever hand embroidery experience. At first i thought it would be very difficult, but as i try it is not that difficult as long as you keep the stitches the same length and no hurry, just take it slow. It's quite fun ^_^
I have prepare the image that i want to use for this project. It is from my hand drawing, a simple dolphin.
I am adding 4 swirls for decoration.
As for the fabric, i am using linen in natural colour. You may use cotton or aida cloth as well.
To transfer the image onto fabric, i am using iron on transfer pencil from clover. I did some researches on internet before using it. Many people suggesting traced and draw the outline with tissue paper or other this paper. I did tried using ordinary paper, it just not do the job very well. The heat setting on the iron also must match with the type of fabric you will be using. Preferable don't use the steam. Since mine is linen, so i am setting the iron temperature to cotton/linen.
1 important tips to remember: the iron on transfer pencil once it is transfer onto fabric, it will become permanent. Therefore, make sure trace and transfer the images in he right position. If you want to transfer words, do not forget to reverse them first.
Since i was using ordinary paper to transfer the image the line quite blurry and hardly visible, therefore i am tracing the lines again using erasable fabric marker.
Oh, i prefer do the embroidery with embroidery hoop. Just remember to pull the fabric really tight. The fabric must be taut, it would make your job easier. I did try not to use the hoop though, it just won't work with my linen.
For this simple project, i am using:
-) Back stitch for the outline body of the dolphin.
-) Chain stitch for the 4 swirls.
-) Satin stitch for fill in the eye and cheek.
I am quite nervous to begin the first stitch ^_^ just remember to keep all the stitches the same length. The embroidery floss is rose colour.
Yeah, finally finish the body of the dolphin. Now, time to add in the details like its eye and pinky cheek.
Eye and pinky cheek done!!! Use satin stitch for filling cheek and eye.
Let's add some decorations using chain stitch. 1 done, 3 more to go.
Done done done. Carefully open the embroidery hoop and take put the fabric. It will full of wrinkles. it will need a very good press on hot iron. I usually put my old t-shirt on top of the fabric to prevent any burning. Give it 2-3 times press on hot iron, the fabric will free from all wrinkles.
Ta-da, i made it into zippered pouch.
Gold teeth colour zipper from YKK brand.
Inside is red polkadot cotton for lining. I love polkadot fabrics.
I hope you enjoy reading my blog as i am enjoying writing and sharing my experience on hand embroidery.
There are lots of tutorials on how do simple hand embroidery stitches on the internet and youtube has tons on videos.
I will see you on my next project ^_^
Let's Make Them!!
