Choosing An Embroidery Design

by: Kate Levinson

There's no need to choose a prepackaged embroidery design. There are plenty of ways to come up with your own unique creation.

Here are some tips and ideas for the beginner or the advanced needle worker. Do you love needle crafts? I believe that embroidery is probably the most refined of them all. The extremely fine thread allows you to create detailed designs which are similar to paintings.

Variations in the number of threads and length of stitches, along with raised work and knots can form intriguing, beautiful effects.

One of the most satisfying features of this craft is the embroidery design. You don't have to stick to purchased designs when you embroider, or are just starting out.

All you need to have is a decent eye for color and composition as well as a fair amount of patience. Use your artistic license and let your creative juices flow.

You may have some designs in mind that appeal to you. But if you aren't feeling inspired, go online or visit your library for pictures of embroidery pieces as well as tapestries and works of art. Examine the elements of the picture which produce certain effects that catch your eye.

See how the ornate borders of 17th century tapestries might be adapted to a small picture frame design. Look at various techniques for coloring a flower that give it a three dimensional appearance.

Embroidery For Beginners

If you're a beginning designer - landscapes, florals and geometrics are great choices. Keep your embroidery design on the small side for starters. It's so common for beginners to bite off more than they can chew - and frustration over spoiled stitches or undesirable effects sets in and the project is dropped.

A project of approximately 4 inches by 6 inches will deliver plenty of beauty and give you the knowledge to build on your next design.

If this is your first embroidery design, a sampler of stitches is another fantastic option. A sampler serves two purposes. First, you'll get a chance to perfect your stitches and compare effects of different stitches side by side. Second, you can fool around with color combinations and effects of metallic threads in your compositions.

When you've come up with a good idea here's what to do:

Use a ruler and mark the finished size on a sketchpad.
Use a pencil (so you can erase it when necessary) to sketch your design. Use light strokes until everything's just the way you like it.
Use colored pencils to fill in your design. If you have a rose or other element with shading in your design, be sure to use different shades for the three-dimensional effect.
Next, use transfer paper or a transfer pen to trace the design onto your linen. Use masking tape to tape both linen and paper firmly in place until your transfer is complete. Use good linen for superior results. The high thread count of quality linen allows for precise placement of stitches and will block well.

Now it's time to get your hoop, threads and needles out and begin your masterpiece. It's fun to begin with prepackaged designs, but creating your own embroidery design is even more fun. Remember that you'll get better with each piece completed and embroidery is one of those wonderful hobbies that can last a lifetime.

Kate Levinson is married with three grown daughters and two grandkids. She is employed in the advertising field. She enjoys writing on the subjects of sewing and family life.