Embroidery designs will add style to your clothes. Here are some tips for creating custom embroidery designs
BY ALEX TOWNASTALLI
Do you want to add style and personality to your clothes? Creating a custom embroidery design is the perfect element to add to any type of garment.
Embroidery is a crafting technique that allows you to create custom designs on fabric and clothing items using a needle and thread. This hobby is great for branding items with a logo or for crafting designs for friends, family, or customers to wear. Regardless of why you’re embroidering, ensure you’re using the right techniques for more immaculate designs.
If this is your first time embroidering a piece of fabric, consider keeping your design simple. Choosing a pattern that is more difficult to recreate could cause frustration. Practice your skills on a few simple designs to start. As you grow more comfortable with the technique, you can attempt a more intricate pattern. Even if you use a programmable embroidery machine, straightforward designs are simple to troubleshoot, while more complex designs require more expertise.
The standard material to embroider with is yarn or thread. However, that should not stop you from moving outside your comfort zone and trying materials like ribbon or silk. Embroidering with ribbon as a beginner is a trickier task, but this material gives your pattern more texture and personality. Master using the thread before challenging yourself more with other materials. Just keep in mind that unconventional materials could alter the aesthetic of your pattern.
When creating a custom embroidery design, you must be mindful of any letters or words you incorporate into the piece. The smallest the text can be on most designs is one-quarter of an inch; anything less than that is often illegible. As you add elements around the letters, you could diminish the effect the text has in the pattern. Always choose a safe size for your text to ensure it stands out in the overall design.
Gradients are beautiful but could look chunky in an embroidered design because the material cannot easily blend into other colors. If you attempt this technique, colors will randomly stop and start, which will not be easy on the eyes and could ruin your design. If you are trying a gradient, choose a ribbon or thread that already has this design element to create this flow.
Take your time with your designs; one project could take longer than the other, depending on how you want to challenge yourself. Sketch or draw out your designs beforehand to picture what materials, colors, and other elements you may need to complete the pattern. Don’t let challenges discourage you or give up right away—embroidering is a beautiful artistic hobby to try!