What is Embroidery & What to Do with Embroidery

In this article, you will learn all about what is embroidery, what is hand embroidery, and what to do with embroidery. There are many embroidery stitches that are simple to follow for beginners and others that are more complex designs. Once you start, you will find that embroidery is a therapeutic and relaxing hobby for all ages and skill levels.

What is Embroidery Definition (Embroidery Meaning)

Embroidery is a decorative art form that uses fabric, needles, and thread to add texture and embellishment. Ancient embroidery was done by hand, while modern embroidery can be stitched by hand or machine. Your embroidery work designs can be sweet and simple or elaborate and involved. Embroidery motifs include animals, flowers, geometric designs, and many others. Embroidery can be done purely with threads or incorporating beads, ribbons, or sequins.

If you are new to embroidery, you might want to read my articles on how to embroider and the basic embroidery stitches.

What is Hand Embroidery?

Hand embroidery is the art of embellishing fabric with decorative stitching using a hand needle and thread. The alternative to hand-stitching embroidery is to use a machine. Hand embroidery has a more organic feel and is much chunkier than machine embroidery since it can use various thicknesses of thread and various types of stitches.

Five of the main hand embroidery stitches are backstitch, chain stitch, cross stitch, satin stitch, and blanket stitch. We will go into these stitches and give illustrations later in this article.

What is the Purpose of Embroidery

The primary purpose of embroidery is to decorate fabric. It can communicate an idea (eg monograms or logos) or add interest and texture to a garment or fabric item such as homewares. The colors used may be monochromatic or vibrant and contrasting.

What to Do with Embroidery

In our modern times, Embroidery has used the elements of traditional needlework with a more modern approach using special embroidery themes and threads.

Machine and hand embroidery decorate clothing (including dresses, dress shirts, and golf shirts), tableware, draperies, wall hangings, ornaments, and cushions.

There has been a revival of hand embroidery as fabric artists are using needle and thread to create abstract and contemporary compositions. In modern fashion, embroidery is used to personalize clothing and accessory items. There are no limits to where and when embroidery can make its beauty and charm appreciated.

Once you know the basic embroidery stitches, you can put them together to form embroidery flowers, embroidery leaves, embroidered roses, and even hand embroidering letters. Modern geometric and intricate designs are very popular for wall hangings.

What Do You Need to Start Embroidery

In simple terms, one would list needle and thread for use as embroidery tools, but as the art form has evolved, so has the list of tools available to make embroidery a skillful and creative experience. The enthusiastic embroiderer has an extensive list of tools to choose from.

Choosing the right fabric for showing off your embroidery stitches is very important. There are several different types to consider, and something plain with an even weave is the most popular choice. 

• The thread count is an important factor with the right embroidery fabric as you want an even natural fabric with a thread count under 150. 
• Linen, cotton, muslin, and denim are all good for embroidery stitches because they have an even thread count and are natural fabrics. 
• Duck cloth, a form of canvas, makes a good backdrop for embroidery. It is a strong fabric and will need a strong needle. 
• Aida is one of the most commonly used fabrics. It has a grid pattern.
• Pre-wash your fabric and try out some simple stitches before going ahead with a project.

Embroidery Techniques

Starting Embroidery Stitch

If your first impulse is to start embroidery stitches with a knot, try to avoid that method. Knots can show from the back and make your finished article very bumpy. The knot can show through or be felt through the soft fabric. A knot can also unravel.

Starting embroidery without a knot is actually easier than you think. 

• Double Backstitch -You can start with a double backstitch to strengthen the beginning and get away with a firm start. 
• Leave a Long Tail – Another easy method is to start the stitch and leave a long tail at the back. Hold the tail with your opposite hand to prevent it from slipping through your work. When you have finished the stitching, weave the tail thread back into the stitching. 
• Loop Method – The two-strand loop method works well if you are wanting to do fine embroidery with only two strands. The method requires you to pull a strand of thread from your floss and thread two ends together through the needle. 

Transferring Embroidery Designs

Heat transfers, marking pens, or a light source are all ways to transfer embroidery designs. It really is a personal choice and depends on the pattern’s detail. 

• Light Source – Using a light source, like a window or a specially designed light box, is a very simple method. Tape the pattern onto the window with the fabric to be embroidered in front of it. Use a suitable marking pen to trace the pattern onto the fabric.
• Heat Transfer – Make sure, before you start, that the transfer is the right side down on top of the fabric in the place you want it to be. Avoid ironing from side to side as this may blur the image. Rather iron by pressing down on the image and wait for it to cool before removing the transfer.
• Freehand – Copy or draw freehand a design using your transfer marking pens. Use the water-soluble pens to gently rub them out when you have completed your design.

What is Embroidery Color Schemes

You can use a color wheel to choose embroidery thread colors. You may want shades of the same color for a subtle shaded look. For example, shades of pink can look beautiful on the petals of flowers. Alternatively, colors on the opposite side of the color wheel will be contrasting and vibrant. Read more about color theory.

Types of Embroidery

Basic embroidery stitches can be categorized into the different functions they are part of. Beautiful designs are created by using a combination of different types of embroidery stitches.

• Outline Stitches – Some stitches like backstitch and split stitch are straight stitches and used to sew lines. 
• Filling Stitches – A satin stitch and long and short stitch make flowers and fill in areas. French Knots create dots and flowers or decorative borders. 

Simple Embroidery Stitches

Once you have learned the basics, you can tackle slightly more detailed stitches. Many stitches build on from a beginner’s level. It is a good idea to start with a sampler and practice your simple level of stitches. Note what they are and refer to them when you want ideas. Here are some of the stitches used in basic techniques.

More Embroidery Stitches

Many of the basic embroidery stitches are the start of other variations of stitches. 

1. Buttonhole Stitch
2. Chevron Stitch
3. Couching Stitch
4. Double Herringbone Stitch
5. Faggoting Embroidery
6. Feather Stitch
7. Fern Stitch
8. Fishbone Stitch
9. Fly Stitch
10. Herringbone Stitch
11. Lazy Daisy
12. Outline Stitch
13. Sashiko Stitch
14. Satin Stitch
15. Seed Stitch
16. Short and Long Stitch (needle painting)
17. Stem Stitch
18. Straight Stitch
19. Web Stitch
20. Whipped Backstitch
21. Whip Stitch

In fact, there is no end to the variations to modify basic stitches, making the art of embroidering a very creative craft. You can also add pearls, beads and other embellishments.

How to Learn Embroidery Online

There are numerous embroidery stitch lessons on YouTube. Here is the Treasurie video showing 6 of the easiest stitches to get you started.

What is Embroidery by Machine

Using a machine gives another type of embroidery suitable for mass production. Machine embroidery, as the name suggests, is the art of creating decorative patterns with the help of a machine.  Quality embroidery machines are made by all the well-known sewing machine brands.  Some machines are computerized with programs and patterns; others rely on stitch selection for the embroidery. 

A machine may have different stitches, which are regulated by changing the stitch length or width. The computerized machines have set programs to follow, or you can buy additional discs to program other patterns.

The modern embroidery machine can embroider names and letters. It can replicate designs for badges and monograms. A repetitive border is guaranteed to be uniform, and the dainty design on a tablecloth can be used on napkins.

What is Embroidery FAQs

What is Embroidery – In Conclusion

Embroidery can be a decorative sampler, a creative hobby, or a charming edge to some tableware or other household items. Embroidery has depicted scenes from history stored in museums for us to see. It has stood the test of time by starting out as a handcraft and becoming something machines can do.

Embroidery has been compared to the twists and turns of life – a pattern to be experienced patiently, one stitch at a time. Indulging in embroidery is a very satisfying hobby and creative craft. Through embroidery, you can leave a legacy to your family through a creative sampler.  Learning what is embroidery is a great way to decorate and transform a plain piece of fabric into a work of art.