The first step to starting an embroidery project is transferring the pattern onto the fabric. In this blog post, we will explore 3 popular methods for transferring embroidery patterns, offering a range of options to suit every embroiderer's preferences.
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Tracing Your Pattern: The most classic method of transferring your pattern is using a light source to trace your pattern. The light source can be a good ole window, light tracing tablet, or even a locked screen on an iPad. I recommend this method for simple designs. Prior to tracing your pattern, go ahead and hoop your fabric so you have a nice and tight canvas to trace your pattern on. Once the patterns become more detailed or complex, it can be cumbersome to trace and one of the other methods mentioned below might be better.
The best marking tool to use for pattern tracing is a heat erasable pen. If you mess up, they simply erase with a heat source like a mini iron (gives you more control which I prefer) or hair dryer. Once you have completed your stitching, you can then use your preferred heat source to "erase" the line work underneath so all that remains on your fabric is your beautiful stitch work!
Click image above to view tutorial on how to trace your pattern using a light table.
Click image above to see how the heat erasable pens work!
Water-Soluble Stick and Stitch: Water-soluble stick and stitch is a versatile option that works well for detailed designs. You can print the design directly onto the stick and stitch paper which makes the transferring process quick and efficient. After you print the design onto the stick and stitch, cut about a half inch around your design. Hoop your fabric using the appropriate sized hoop for your project. Peel the backing off the stick and stitch and center it in your hoop. It is forgiving so you can peel and replace once or twice if you need to recenter or straighten your pattern. I wouldn't recommend doing this too many time though as it will lose stickiness. Now you can begin stitching!
Be aware that this material is very sensitive to moisture. So if any water gets on it, it will "melt" which can then affect your pattern as you will lose your pattern line work details, so keep your project safe from any moisture as you work on your piece. Once you have completed all your stitching, you then run it under warm water and gently massage away the material with your fingers to remove all the stick and stitch material. Let your project air dry and then admire your work!
This option is also great if you have a pattern larger than 8.5" (the width of most at home printers). You can print your pattern the length of the paper and even piece together two sheets to create an extra large stitching area. The print on fabric method below is great for detailed patterns, but you are limited to the size of the paper.
Print on Fabric: You can actually print directly onto fabric! This option requires a little set up but is a great way to get a pattern onto your fabric especially if it is detailed. The other advantage to this method is sometimes with the stick and stitch method above, there is residual material that can affect your stitch work. This method omits the need to rinse your project and you wont have lingering material to worry about affecting your completed project.
To print on fabric, you need an 8.5x11" sized solid sticker sheet, fabric, and printer. Cut your fabric to about the size of the 8.5x11" sheet of paper. Peel the backing off and place the sticker paper with sticky side up. Gently place your fabric on top and smooth it out with a credit card or small craft squeegee. Having no air bubbles or bumps is important to avoid printing issues. Once the fabric is smooth against the sticker paper, cut the fabric to fit the size of the paper. Load the paper into your printer to ensure the fabric side is facing up when you print. Print your pattern and peel the fabric off the sticker paper. Now you can hoop your project and begin stitching! I try and reuse the sticker paper a few times so I add the backing back on so I can use it again for my next project.
You must make sure your printed project fits within your hoop area with enough fabric to be secured tightly into the hoop. If your pattern is 8", while it will fit the printer space, there wont be enough excess fabric to secure your project tightly. 7" is probably the biggest pattern size you can use with this method which makes it more limiting, but it is a great option if you have a smaller more detailed pattern.
Embroidery is a delightful craft of creative expression. Choosing the right method for transferring patterns is a personal preference and often times project specific. Whether you choose the traditional tracing method with heat transfer pens, or opt for printing on stick and stitch or fabric directly, each method has its own benefits. Give each of these techniques a try and see which one you like best! Happy Stitching!
