The second important essential in machine embroidery designs is the Needle. Embroidery needles are designed to be used with embroidery or decorative thread. Their tips are rounded. They are made to tolerate the higher temperature produced by embroidery machine and decorative thread thereby producing accuracy in machine embroidery designs. Titanium coated needles are stronger and have long life; they are best suited for multi-layered embroidery work. Some times a needle needs lubricant while using the metallic threads. In order to make perfect embroidery designs we need to use the appropriate type of needle.

Rule number one. Always use a new needle for every new project. Buy branded and good quality needles. If the thread breaks frequently or the needle is not going smoothly in the fabric change the needle. Select the size of the needle according to the weight of your fabric and the size of the thread you are using. A thicker fabric needs a higher sized needle. Higher the number means thicker the needle. A finer thread needs a smaller needle. Specialty needles have larger coated eyes and deeper scarfs to handle the thread more easily.

Rule number two. Pick the needle type to accommodate both the thread and the fabric. It is not always the best choice to use a larger universal needle to avoid thread fraying and breakage. The larger needle may produce unsightly holes in the fabric or cut the fabric causing gaps between the embroidery areas in a specific design. Topstitching needles can also be used with most embroidery thread needles, designed for metallic embroidery thread, have an elongated eye and a special shaft to reduce friction.

Before selecting the needle you should know the parts of the needle which will help you in choosing the appropriate needle for your machine embroidery designs.

Parts of the needle

Shank – Shank is the upper end of the needle, which is held by the needle bar. It can be round or flat on one side.

Blade – Blade is that part of the needle which is extended from the base of the shank to the point.

Scarf – Scarf is the intentation on the back of the needle just above the eye. This scarf allows the hook of the bobbin case to get close to the ey of the needle to catch the thread and form a stitch.

Long groove – Long groove of the needle provides the protected channel for the thread as it drawn through the fabric.

Eye – Eye is the hole at the end. It carries the top thread in to the bobbin case for the formation of the stitch. The size of the eye of needle varies with the size of the thread.

Point – Point is the end of the needle that pierces the fabric. For different types of fabric different type of point are designed.

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The first of the essentials machine embroidery designs is the thread. Machine embroidery thread is designed to fill in smoothly and without breaking. It has to be chosen very carefully. The thread should be strong and smooth. The final result of the embroidery design depends on the quality of thread, hence it is necessary to understand the key parameters that make or break your thread. For best results we should know which type of thread is suitable for our fabric on which we are going to make designs.

Our fabric will influence the type of thread we select as well as its fiber content. Fiber content of our thread need not be the same as our fabric. Sorry for introducing terms like fiber content but in simple words, you may say that a heavyweight fabric requires a heavyweight thread and a lightweight fabric requires a finer thread. As simple as that. Very light weight fabrics are best sewn with a very fine needle and an extra fine thread.

Using the correct thread size may reduce puckering, a problem frequently encountered when sewing lightweight fabrics there are various brands and variety of the threads. Selecting the brand can be your choice because it depends on the availability of the particular brand in your place. But the variety and the type are the things, which can be dicussed here. Nowadays many varieties of thread are available in the market. They vary in fiber content, fiber length, thread size, and intended use. A good quality thread will be easier to work with in a sewing machine. A good quality thread is strong, smooth, consistent in thickness and resists tangles. Each and every variety has its own importance and place in the field of machine embroidery designing.

Following are the different varieties of the thread, which can be used for machine embroidery designs.

Rayon—Rayon is the one of the popular types of the thread used for machine embroidery. This thread is lustrous like silk. It gives consistency in performance. It is available everywhere.it has wide range of colour-solid and shaded. Because of its shiny look sometimes it is used as the substitute of silk.

Nylon — Nylon is a monofilament thread. It is a strong and semitransparent thread, used in conventional machines, that melts in high temperatures.

Polyester — Polyester thread is popular and economical type of thread used for machine embroidery. This thread is stong and has ability to stretch. Its results are similar to rayon but the durability is much higher. It does not shrink or fade. It comes in various colours.

Cotton — These days, cotton thread is not in much use for machine embroidery designs. This is because other threads are much stronger and durable than cotton. But there are some advantages of cotton threads. This thread gives a smoother texture. It is used on natural fiber woven fabric. Cotton covered polyester thread is a commonly used thread, where the polyester core gives strength and the outer layer of cotton gives easier sewability and smoothness.

Silk – Silk thread is a bit expensive but gives a smooth and lustrous finish. It is strong like polyester and stable like cotton. It can be stretched. Silk threads come in wide range of colour and sizes. These threads are costly but good and recommended for embroidery on expensive and luxurious fabric.

Metallic — Metallic threads are for decorative embroidery designs and other free designs artista. Metallic threads give a glittering texture. This thread is made of a core wrapped with metallic foil. Polyester film coating gives it colour. Manufacturing of metallic thread is a complicated process. The most durable metallic thread is made by pasting a coating of rice paper over the centre core, which helps the core in binding to the metal. Some times it is coated with silver alloy to add extra strength. They should be sewn slowly.

Myler — Myler threads are made from piles of film, which is latered together and then cut inyo slices to form flat filament thread. These threads are strong but sometimes break in high speed embroidery machines. So, you have to be careful before you venture out with this thread. This thread is available in various colours and even in holographic hues.

Bobbin thread — there are various types of bobbin thread. These threads are very strong and same time very fine also. For machine embroidery designs the bobbin thread should be as fine as possible.the fine thread allows less build up on the back of the embroidery so that embroidery machine can run smoothly.normally lightweight polyester thread is used for bobbin but sometimes it is not much suitable then cotton thread can be used.

Special thread — Various special threads are available in the market. Like highly glazed button and carpet thread, elastic thread, flourescent neon thread and many more.

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Really, when I started to write this page, I never expected to cover so much ground on this subject of machine embroidery designs. But here it is!! In this page, we will discuss the essentials that are needed for successful machine embroidery designs. I will run you through the three main parameters that make this up, except the machines, of course, which i will deal with separately. They are

a) Threads

b) Needles

c) Stabilizers

Fabric of course is also part of the essentials of machine embroidery designs, but no less than other types of embroidery designs, so it does not find specific mention here.

Machines will be dealt with separately since it forms a vast area to be covered. These days, we have various kinds of machines coming in both in the general and specialised category. With the advent of the Personal computer, embroidery machines have been getting hooked onto the PC thereby creating a new era.

So now, page by page, i will take you through the three parameters ….

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In this page, we will give some tips on hand embroidery designs, basic techniques that have been successfully deployed over the years, across the world. The various techniques can be classifed under the broad name of stitches and are listed as below.

Running stitch – Running stitch is considered as one of the basics under hand embroidery designs. Running stitch is basically used for outlines and padding. In simple words, interweaving the needle and the cloth in equidistant spaces is running stitch. To make this more decorative, we generally use threaded running stitch. This is a running stitch plus colour threads interspersed to give the needed look. Whipped running stitch is the same as the above, the only difference being that the coloured thread is rotated around the running stitch.

Stem stitch – Stem stitch is often used for finishing the edges of filling stitches as well as for other patterns also. This stitch is worked from left to right. We have to bring the needle up through fabric to right side on the line to be outlined. Holding the thread toward you, take a short slanting backstitch along stamped line. Make the next and each successive stitch from right to left and bring the needle out to the left at the end of previous stitch. Repeat along Line, keeping stitches small and uniform. It can be made more decorative by whipping one or two contrast coloured threads over simple stem stitch.

Back stitch – Backstitch is used for patterns in which lines has to be made. Take a small running stitch, insert needle at end of running stitch, thrust needle through to wrong side and over twice as much space as original stitch on wrong side; bring needle to right side and repeat. Backstitch looks more attractive when threaded with one or two contrast colour or by crossing the thread over it. Hand embroidery designers make ample use of this stitch for beautifying their work.

Fish bone stitch – Fish bone stitch is mostly used for filling the pattern of leaves. Hand embroidery designers make ample use of this stitch for pillow covers and bedsheet decoratives. Both the threads are run down the two halves of the leaf in opposite directions. Due to this, there is a light and shade effect on both the sides of the leaf, which makes the design look lively.

Satin stitch – In Hand embroidery designs, if any pattern is to be filled, this is the way to go. The threads are close and parallel to each other in an uniform pattern with an equal thread tension. By thread tension, we mean the pressure with which the thread has been pulled. It gives a smooth texture.

Lazy daisy stitch – This simple and easy stitch is mostly used for making petals of flowers. The technique is to make petals by making loops. First we must bring the needle up at the inner point of the loop holding the thread toward us. Thrust needle down at the inner point of the loop, 1 or 2 threads to right of the point where thread emerges; bring point of needle out at outer end of the loop, going over thread. Draw loop up to cover petal, thrust needle down outside of loop to fasten it in place. Bring needle out at the inner point of next petal.

Cross stitch – This is among the more popular forms of hand embroidery designs. Cross stitch is made by crossing the two strokes of threads. It is used for filling the pattern. Make slanting stitch from lower left to upper right corner of cross. Make a second slanting stitch from lower right to upper left corner of cross. All crosses should be worked the same way to give a uniform appearance to the work. In working long rows with the same color, all stitches slanting in one direction may be made across the row, then work back, crossing all stitches in the other direction. The whole process gives the effect of uniform weave.

Chain stitch – Chain stitch is a series of overlapped loop. Bring thread to right side of material, hold thread toward you with left thumb, take a stitch into same hole where thread was brought up, forming a small loop. Make a second loop overlapping the first one. Continue along marked line.

Listed below are some other famous techniques in hand embroidery designs:

Plaited stitch – Plaited stitched is used for those patterns where satin stitch is not suitable like wide areas, its texture is a little different than satin stitch.

Velvet stitch – Velvet stitch is used for those patterns where a carpet like finish is needed, like the center of a flower.

Feather stitch – Feather stitch can be used for any type of cloth. It has many varieties.

Button hole stitch – Button hole stitch is originally used for hand made button holes but it can be used for making different patterns.

French knots – French knots are made of twisting thread on the needle. This beautiful knots looks like beads.

Pin stitches – Pin stitching is used for straight finished hems and edges.

Roman stitches – Roman Stitches, like plaited stitch can be used in place of satin stitch. But its texture is different than satin and plaited stitch.

Colonial knots – Colonial knots can be used in place of French knots. These knots are easier than French knots.

Blanket stitch – Blanket stitch is often used for holding the edges of fabric. It gives them neat finish.

Bullion stitch – Bullion stitch is made by rotating the thread over the needle and then pulled carefully. It is mostly used for making petals of flower like small roses.

Couching stitch – Couching stitch is used for holding cords and threads. It looks more attractive when other stitches are combined with it.

Under the umbrella of hand embroidery designs, the above mentioned are used most of the time. There are other techniques which might not be mentioned here, which might either be regional in nature OR not in vogue.

Where can I learn how to hand embroider ?

a) Secrets of Embroidery : This site has over 2000 pages with a large collection of hand embroidery designs and also projects which will help you choose your pick.

b) ArtisticThreadWorks : You have unlimited design downloads with a small membership fee. This website has a well classified design library, which enables an easy search.

c) America’s Sewing & Embroidery Center Sewforless.com : A hybrid website with a lot of information on hand embroidery designs as well as other forms of embroidery.

d) Embroidery Designs Our own digitized designs. $12.95 per set or $45.00 for everything. : Designs By Sick : This is a small site but contains some good unique hand embroidery designs.

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What are the various hand embroidery designs that can be created?

The various specialties of hand embroidery designs can range from small petal flowers to large landscapes. There are no limits when it comes to defining the range since this can be well suited for napkins till designer dresses.

How much time does it take to learn hand embroidery designs?

This takes some time, since a lot depends on the willingness to learn the hard way, the teaching material you have, capability to work your hands around. If the above is there, you can find results springing in less than a couple of weeks. The more you practise, the more will your hand set on to it.

What is the qualification required for doing hand embroidery designs?

There is no specific qualification required to be a good hand designer. On the technical front, you should be having knowhow of stitching. You should be adept at needling your way around the designs. You should have creativity in your thought and the ability to convert this into actual designs on cloth.

Can I make money doing hand designs?

Yes, a lot of people are making money selling the designs or selling the hand itself. You could sell the hand embroidery designs through websites giving information on hand embroidery designs. If you would like to sell through us, please contact us through our contact form below… we will get right back to you.

Are there any trainings online for learning hand embroidery designs?

Yes, there are trainings available on the web plus there are self help books available to enable you to become an expert in hand. There are also programmes designed to help develop your creativity in order to do beautiful designs. If you are interested in any training, pls do inform us through our contact form.

What machines are available for doing hand designs?

None. By definition, hand embroidery designs are done by hand alone.

What is the costing of hand embroidery designs?

This is a parameter of three main characteristics namely the fabric used, the threads deployed and finally the look and feel of the final design.

Where can I sell my hand embroidered designs ?

a) Secrets of Embroidery : This site has over 2000 pages which has a special section, where you could partner with them to sell your hand embroidered designs.

b) ArtisticThreadWorks : You have unlimited design downloads with a small membership fee. You could also participate in their projects to help sell your painstakingly created hand embroidered designs.

c) America’s Sewing & Embroidery Center Sewforless.com : A hybrid website with a lot of information on hand embroidery designs as well as other forms of embroidery. This should help you in identifying what to make and where to sell.

d) Embroidery Designs Our own digitized designs. $12.95 per set or $45.00 for everything. : Designs By Sick : This is a small site but contains some good unique hand embroidery designs. You could also contact them for inclusion of your hand embroidered designs.

Whether you want chandeliers for your house, or thai lamp shades, you can get them all at any lighting store. You can get contemporary to classic lamps of all sorts as well.

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What are the essentials of hand embroidery designs?

The essentials of hand embroidery would include four main parameters.

Fabrics : Fabric is basically the master cloth on which you would be hand embroidering your design. There is no limitation on the quality and type of fabric that can be used for hand embroidery. You can choose from a pick of net or wool, fine muslin or jute OR others that you may prefer.

The well-known types of fabric are listed hereunder.

a) Belfast linen Fabric (ME32F): Belfast linen fabric is ideal for counted embroidery such as Blackwork and cross-stitch. The fabric has uneven threads giving the fabric a natural look. This type of fabric is ideal for home dresses or bedsheets/linen.

b) Etamin 32 Count Cotton Fabric (ME32F): Etamin 32 cotton fabric (from Austria) is ideal for any type of counted embroidery such as Blackwork, cross-stitch and even pulled work. The fabric has even weave threads so it is easy to see the threads and holes to count the stitches on. This fabric has a lovely soft quality. Baby hand embroidery designs uses this extensively for its completion.

c) Kid leather: The Kid Leather comes painted gold or silver and in two sizes. The kid leather can be used in Modern Jacobean, Goldwork and applique and can be sewn down by hand or machine.

Threads: The second important component is the thread that you would use to weave your way through the fabric. This goes hand in glove with the fabric both in terms of colour and also type. Like fabric various types of threads can be used for hand embroidery. The common types of threads used are cotton, silk, woolen, and metallic.

Designs: The third parameter, which is essential to the success of your final output, is the design, of course!! While this may sound cliched, choice of a particular design requires a good deal of analysis of the fabric, environment in which the fabric would be used. For example, a baby hand embroidery design would have a completely different look than free hand embroidery designs. There are no limits of designs for hand embroidery. It depends on our skill and more importantly, on practice.

Needles: The final parameter, which can make or break your design is the needle!! Talk of poking around! There are different kind of needles which would suit various designs. Any convenient needle can make most stitches, but for a few specific stitches, different types of needles are required.

What are the steps required for hand embroidery designs?

Steps:

These are a few of the steps to be followed in order to make your ordinary cloth extra ordinary.

a) You have to select the fabric on which you want to make patterns. (This is extremely important since this can make or break the final look and feel)

b) Choose the type of threads according to your fabric.

c) Select the colour of your threads according to your design and colour of your fabric.

d) Transfer the pattern on the fabric either with the help of carbon paper or any other method, which is convenient to you.

e) Select the needle according to your stitches

f) Fix the fabric in the hoop. Try to use smallest possible hoop for your design.

g) Start making designs with various stitches.

What is the specialty of finishing and framing in hand embroidery designs?

Finishing in hand embroidery designs plays a pivotal role in the successful completion of the fabric.

When an embroidery is finished the most satisfying thing is to see it framed. If you are mounting and framing the embroidery yourself or having a professional framer to do it, ensure that the embroidery is mounted on a piece of acid free board. (If the board is not acid free the acid in the board will gradually discolour the embroidery fabric and threads and rot them). This also applies to the mat boards that decorate the embroidery.

Check with your framer as to how they are going to mount your embroidery. It is better that the embroidery is pinned (with rust proof pins) or laced onto the board rather than stapled as some framers do. (Staples may rust, or discolour the fabric and are not good for keeping the embroidery at an even tension). It is important to check that the framer uses acid free board or foam core. It should be acid free throughout the entire board not just the surface.

A good framer should be able to mount the embroidery so that the background fabric is tight and will not pucker over time. The framer should also be aware that fluff and stray threads may cling to the embroidery and that the embroidery should be carefully cleaned before putting the embroidery into the frame. The surface of the embroidery can be brushed clean with a soft baby brush or by using the sticky side of masking tape to lift off any fibres.

Do visit Cross Stitch History for some amazing details on cross stitch hand embroidery.

Where can I view some good content on hand embroidered designs ? Well, ideally the site you are viewing has given you all the content you really need on the essentials of hand embroidery designs…. But if you still want to see more….

a) Secrets of Embroidery : This site has a special section on tutorials and projects with step by step explanation of the basics of embroidery. Do not miss.

b) ArtisticThreadWorks

c) America’s Sewing & Embroidery Center Sewforless.com : A hybrid website with a lot of information on hand embroidery designs as well as other forms of embroidery.

d) Embroidery Designs Our own digitized designs. $12.95 per set or $45.00 for everything. : Designs By Sick : This is a small site but contains some good unique hand embroidery designs.

In the earlier days it was just the kitchen furniture. Now we have a variety of kitchen sinks as well as range hoods. Then come the appliances like fridges, ovens, water filters etc.

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What is the cost of hand embroidery designs?

The costing varies on a lot of parameters, which would include the originality of the design, the make of the cloth, the fabric used, the threads deployed and the intricacy needed in stitching the hand embroidery designs. The more finer the design, the costlier it will be. Since this is an art there can be no fixed amount for the designs.

What are the various specialities in hand embroidery designs?

The various specialties of hand embroidery designs can range from small petal flowers to large landscapes. There are no limits when it comes to defining the range since this can be well suited for napkins till designer dresses.

I have a specific requirement – can it be custom designed for me?

Unlike machine, here the requirement could be quite unique in nature hence it is important that the complete specifics is given in as complete a manner as possible. The process is that there is an initial study of the requirement, which would mean that you give end-to-end details of what you are looking at. Then a study of the details would be done followed by the mapping of the same to your likes. Care would be taken that the environment that the design would eventualy fall into is taken into consideration. Finally some templates would be suggested. Once you freeze in on the final design, this is made and delivered to you.

What exactly do I get when I buy a hand embroidery design?

What is critical is knowing what exactly are the threads used and what is the kind of stitches provided. These are available in an electronic format by sellers, who provide these at a price, which can be paid to them using your credit card, or some other means as mentioned. Once you buy them, what you would get is an email giving the final product as a zipped attachment. Sometime you would get a license number where you could go and download the same from the sellers website. There are some websites that offer free hand embroidery designs and you could use this as a benchmark to understand the final product.

What are the main classifications of hand embroidery designs available for sale?

You have the following main works of art under the broad heading of hand embroidery designs:

a) Baby hand embroidery designs

b) Hand embroidery designs herbs

c) Hand embroidery redwork designs

d) Tips hand embroidery designs.

Where can I buy hand embroidery designs ?

a) Secrets of Embroidery : This site has over 2000 pages with a large collection of hand embroidery designs and also projects which will help you choose your pick.

b) ArtisticThreadWorks : You have unlimited design downloads with a small membership fee. This website has a well classified design library, which enables an easy search.

c) America’s Sewing & Embroidery Center Sewforless.com : A hybrid website with a lot of information on hand embroidery designs as well as other forms of embroidery.

d) Embroidery Designs Our own digitized designs. $12.95 per set or $45.00 for everything. : Designs By Sick : This is a small site but contains some good unique hand embroidery designs.

Once upon a time the interior design was all about the living room furniture only. Now everything inside a housing plan comes under the décor. Whether it is the bedroom furniture or the dining room furniture.

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How should I prepare Fabrics for Applique embroidery designs?

Pls follow the simple guidelines that I generally go through. Before attaching the pattern pieces (applique embroidery design) to the backing fabric, the pieces of fabric forming the design must be cut out and prepared so that the raw edges are not exposed. Below are some of the popular methods that can be used to prepare the applique embroidery design pieces and the method of joining the pieces, hand or machine, to which they are best suited.

Hand Basting

The first is hand basting. This can be done by hand or machine appliqué. Pls go through the guidelines carefully. Using a cardboard template, trace the applique desing to the right side of the fabric. If desired, help stabilize the design pieces by stay-stitching, either by hand or by machine, just outside the drawn line using a very small stitch. Trim approximately 1/8″ away from the marked line. Very carefully, clip the fabric almost to the line on curves and on inside points. Turn the raw edge to the underside of the design piece on the marked line and carefully finger press. With the right side of the fabric facing, hand baste the raw edge in place close to the edge and press lightly. After attaching the design piece to the background, remove the hand basting thread. There, wasn’t it simple !!

Freezer Paper

This again can be done by hand or using machine. Using freezer paper (a white butcher’s paper with plastic coating on one side), trace the applique design pieces on the paper side of the freezer paper. Note: this will be the wrong side of the design, so it will be necessary to reverse letters and other similar designs. Cut out freezer paper on the marked lines. Attach to the fabric by placing the plastic side of the paper to the wrong side of the fabric and pressing with a dry iron set on medium heat. Trim around the attached freezer paper designs leaving a 1/8″ to 1/4″ seam allowance. Carefully clip the seam allowances almost up to the freezer paper on inner points and curves. Press the seam allowances over the paper side of the freezer paper. After attaching the desing piece to the background fabric, make a small slit in the background fabric behind the design piece and remove the freezer paper. Pronto, there it is!!

Wash-Away Stabilizer

This is best done by hand. Trace the design pieces on to a water dissolvable stabilizer such as Solvyâ„¢. Note: final design will be reverse as with freezer paper method above. Place stabilizer with traced design on the right side of the design fabric. Sew on the marked line by hand or by machine using as small stitch. Trim around the attached stabilizer fabric designs leaving a 1/8″ to 1/4″ seam allowance. Carefully clip the seam allowances almost up to the sewn line on inner points and curves. Make a small slit in the stabilizer and turn the fabric design and stabilizer right side out. Use a point turner or other blunt instrument to help push all the points and curves into shape. Press lightly on the fabric side with a dry iron. After completing the applique washing in cool water will remove the stablilzer. Note: some quilters use old dryer sheets in place of the water soliuable stabilizer. In this case, the dryer sheet remains in the finished product. Be sure that the dryer sheet does not contain any residue which could stain the finished applique.

Fusible Web

This is best done by machine. Trace the desing pieces on to a lightweight fusible web such as transweb or wonderunder. Note: final design will be reverse as with freezer paper method above. Cut the design pieces out leaving a generous margin around each piece. Following the manufacturer’s directions, fuse one side of the web onto the wrong side of the design fabric. Now cut the design out on the marked lines. Remove the paper from the other side of the fusible web and fuse to the applique background being sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions. Be careful as this method of preparing the applique embroidery design is permanent once the design has been fused to the background.

Hand Applique

This is a procedureless way (if I may use such a word). The reason is that this art of hand applique covers a wide spectrum from primitive folk art to the sophistication of Baltimore Album quilts. Different techniques can be used create the same effect with no one technique being the “right” one. If you are a Beginner, I suggest you should experiment with several different techniques to find the one that you are most comfortable with.

• Blind Stitch
• Buttonhole stitch
• Needle Turn

Machine Applique

While machine applique can be used as a quick alternative to hand applique, the sewing machine can be used to open new creative possibilities in the applique technique.

• Blind stitch
• Satin stitch
• Fancy stitch

Other Applique Techniques

• Broderie Perse
• Reverse appliqué
• Hawaiian appliqué
• Shadow appliqué
• Stained glass appliqué
• Celtic appliqué
• 3-D/ Special Effects applique

Where can I see some good techniques on applique embroidery designs and learn some of these techniques through projects?

a) Secrets of Embroidery : This site has over 2000 pages with a large appliqué collection and also applique embroidery designs tutorials.

b) ArtisticThreadWorks : You have unlimited design downloads with a small membership fee. This website has a well classified design library, which enables an easy search.

c) America’s Sewing & Embroidery Center Sewforless.com : A hybrid website with a lot of information on applique embroidery designs as well as other forms of embroidery.

d) Embroidery Designs Our own digitized designs. $12.95 per set or $45.00 for everything. : Designs By Sick : This is a small site but contains some good unique designs on applique.

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What are the various applique embroidery designs that can be created?

The various specialties of applique embroidery desings range from quilt blocks to embroidered shirts. Applique is a Big Topic since it includes not just traditional quilting applique, but molas and many ethnic textile techniques from around the world.

Which are the most popular appliques?

The most popular applique embroidery designs are baby appliques. Also specific appliques on shirts and frocks have gained a lot of popularity over the ages. Apart from this there are applique famous for all seasons like this one for Valentine’s Day.

How much time does it take to learn applique?

Less than a week, provided you learn it systematically. The basic things to be considered is that it is an art like painting or cycling. The more you practise, the more will your hand set on to it. I came across a good book for learning applique embrodery designs easily : Applique Basics: Flower Wreaths by an award winning master quilter, Karen Kay Buckley. Section 2 of this book gives details on various methods of applique.

What is the qualification required for doing applique?

There is no specific qualification required to be a good applique designer. On the technical front, you should be having knowhow of stitching. You should be adept at needling your way around the designs. In case you want to use machines, then knowhow of the machine is necessary. The more important knowledge, however is knowing which design would suit which environment or cloth. Taking it a step further, knowing even the right locations of placing the design for maximum visual impact. In a nutshell, putting the right thing in the right place. This comes through practice.

Can I make money doing appliqué designs?

Yes, a lot of people are making money selling the designs or selling the applique itself. You could sell the appliques through websites giving information on appliques. One of the good places you could go to with your unique designs are : Secrets of Embroidery – They have a Projects Section where you could begin by contributing your designs and gaining popularity.

Are there any trainings online for learning applique?

Yes, there are Tutorials available on the web plus there are self help books available to enable you to become an expert in applique. There are also programmes designed to help develop your creativity in order to do beautiful designs. Specific trainings for various categories like baby / quilts/ shirts / frocks / bedsheets / pillows and cushions are also available in the form of books or online trainings. If you are interested in any trainings, pls do inform us through our contact form.

What machines are available for doing applique embroidery designs?

Fashion stitch machines, embroidery machines and even normal sewing machines with simple extra attachments can be used for making all the applique designs that you dreamed of doing. A good book I came across on Mastering Applique Machine Embroidery Designs on Amazon.

How do I utilize a machine for doing applique?

Machines will help you a great deal in automating the process or in replication. But in terms of speed, since by nature, appliqué is unique, there might not be a major difference. Unless we are manufacturing many pieces of the same appliqué.

How do I stitch an appliqué – step by step on a machine?

There are steps laid out for stitching each applique. Assuming you have purchased a particular design, the brochure will provide you a step to step detail of how a particular applique can be stitched on the machine. In case you are interested, you could get back to us (through our contact form below) with a requirement for a particular applique embroidery design and we would be happy to assist you in this regard. You could also visit Secrets of Embroidery : They have a section called Programs and Tutorials which gives a step by step guidance on all kinds of embroidery machines.

How much do these machines cost?

Machines do cost quite a bit ranging from less than thousand dollars for a simple machine to a few thousands for fashion appliqué embroidery designing machines. In case you are interested in any specific machine and would like to know the best costing, you could get back to us for assistance. The open toe applique machine is gaining popularity these days.

Can I use my sewing machine to do applique?

The best is hand or any fashion stitch machine. Sewing machine can be used with some attachments.

Are there any trainings for learning how to use machines to do applique embroidery designs?

Yes, there are trainings available on the web plus there are self help books available to enable you to become an expert in applique. There are also programmes designed to help develop your creativity in order to do beautiful designs. Specific trainings for various categories like baby / quilts/ shirts / frocks / bedsheets / pillows and cushions are also available in the form of books or online trainings.

What is the costing of baby appliques?

There is no special difference in costing of baby appliques. Like other arts, the difference is not dependent on the category of the applique, but on the design patterns.

Where can I see some good applique embroidery designs and associate with them for projects?

a) Secrets of Embroidery : This site has over 2000 pages with a large appliqué collection and also applique embroidery designs tutorials.

b) ArtisticThreadWorks : You have unlimited design downloads with a small membership fee. This website has a well classified design library, which enables an easy search.

c) America’s Sewing & Embroidery Center Sewforless.com : A hybrid website with a lot of information on applique embroidery designs as well as other forms of embroidery.

d) Embroidery Designs Our own digitized designs. $12.95 per set or $45.00 for everything. : Designs By Sick : This is a small site but contains some good unique designs on applique.

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How do I stitch applique embroidery designs?

Basically applique embroidery designs consist of putting one piece over the other, hence the process consists of three main steps. a) Designing the actual applique. b) Locating the right place on the master cloth/ dress in which it has to put on. Often since you would be putting many appliqués, designing all of them in the right manner can determine the final success of the applique. c) Actually stitching the appliqué on the master cloth. This has been discussed in depth below.

Is applique an attractive way of embroidering?

Applique is an attraction in itself. A beautifully done appliqué will stand out in a piece of dress or cloth. Two examples of simple but attractive applique embroidery designs could be this butterfly and giraffe below.

Can I have some instructions for stitching beautiful applique embroidery designs?

Definitely. Depending on whether hand/machine, a lot of instructions or tutorials are available. The basic art of creativity and able to visualise designs is necessary for stitching beautiful appliques. There are also Tutorials available on the net for you….. you would have to link to embroidery basic tutorials from the home page. These are for basic embroidery skills which will help you make designs at home both on your machine OR by hand.

I found a good book on applique embroidery designs, Applique Basics: Flower Wreaths by an award winning master quilter, Karen Kay Buckley. Section 2 of this book gives details on various methods of applique.

I also found this tutorial by Heather Snow on Amazing Applique – (kindly click on embroidery and go to programs and tutorials), which introduces several different applique concepts like 3 dimensional applique with fringe, traditional applique and reverse applique.

How is appliqué different from cross stitch and other forms?

Cross stitch involves designing on the master cloth itself. Applique is putting one cloth over the other. This is the major difference. Of course, cross stitch is an art of its own and has a lot of permutations and combinations. Below is a direct comparison of Santa Claus done in cross stitch vis a vis applique. If you notice in the cross stitch design, the threads are actually woven through the master cloth in a X format, but in the applique embroidery design, the design is on a separate fabric which would finally be put onto the master cloth.

What cloth do I have to use for appliqué?

You may use any kind of fabric or freeze paper. Since it is an add on that it one piece over the other, the only precaution to be taken is in the maintenance of the cloth namely water/sun resistant. This is to ensure long life of the appliqué. There are also many varieties than can be put on any light colour master cloth.

Is there the need to have the right colour combinations during applique embroidery designs?

Very necessary. The right colour match between the applique and the master cloth can make or break the beauty of the embroidery design. I found that by simply varying the color of the applique fabric, one can achieve completely different results with the same design, without changing the underlying fabric. Just take a look at the design below. See how the atmosphere of the whole design changes as you use different color of the applique fabric.

Are there any creatures/animals that can be drawn using appliqué?

Yes a lot of creature and animals can be easily drawn using appliqué. Attractive and colourful looking creatures can be done on cloth or paper and then put onto the required destination (dress/cloth) using applique methods.

Do I have to be an artist to do applique.

In a way, yes. Not an artist in the sense of painting but an artist in the art of being able to visualize and then turn the dream into reality. There are those who do appliqués by merely copying designs, but the true appliqués are done with a personal touch of the person making the design. Please remember that no two appliqués can be the same, ever. A lot of imagination comes in handy while designing an appliqué. The same design can look completely different using different threads and different fabric. Also the art of correct placement of the appliqués on the desired master cloth has to be learnt by training and practice.

What do I need to know for doing applique?

On the technical front, you should be having a knowhow of stitching. You should be adept at needling your way around the designs. In case you want to use machines, then knowhow of the machine is necessary. The more important knowledge, however is knowing which design would suit which environment or cloth. Taking it a step further, knowing even the right locations of placing the design for maximum visual impact. In a nutshell, putting the right thing in the right place. A lot of stress is laid on knowing the art of designs since if you have mastered this, the actual stitching can always be outsourced. . You can also go through this tutorial I found on the net — Amazing Applique Tutorial – (kindly click on embroidery and go to programs and tutorials).

What are the various categories in which that I can do applique?

Although there would be many categories that appliqué could be grouped into, there are four main methods or categories. They are the baste method, freezer paper method, needle turn method and finally the reverse applique. The above categories are neatly explained Here.

The common and popular types of applique to name a few are animals, baby, face applique. These days, font applique is catching in quickly. Apart from this, a category of applique coming into the limelight is the appliscape variety. The Oriental landscape, the Victorian garden and the Mexican garden all fall under this category.

Does machine applique come as beautiful as hand? This all depends on the ability of the person who does it. Ideally traditional appliqué is best done by hand, since this gives a personal touch to it. But considering standardization and speed, machines have come into the limelight. Machine finish is excellent, hence when it comes to making mass appliques of the same design to be sold in market, machine is preferred. Also when it comes to making large size appliques collating many smaller appliques together, machine comes in handy. This works well for portrayal of garden landscapes and is referred to as appliscape, more of applique plus landscape. Just check this one out from a picture of the original artwork by Lourdes S McClure.

Example of a machine applique made of 16 small appliques, all put together to make a superb machine applique embroidery design of an oriental landscaped garden.

And an example of hand applique can be seen in this bedsheet with hand embroidered applique with the applique designs strewn all over.

How many appliqué per hour can I do using embroidery machines?

There is no predetermined time that can be allotted per appliqué. Where appliqué differs from other types of embroidery is that there is a lot of creativity involved. Hence depending on the appliqué designs and patterns, time may vary. Having a machine need not necessarily predict the number of appliqués that can be done in a specific period of time.

What is baby applique?

A Design or pattern made specially for baby dresses or items used by babies like nappies, bedsheets is termed as baby appliqué. There is a general tendency to get the babies dressed up in a cute fashion and appliqué comes as a correct handshake. Hence the fame of baby applique.

What are the various baby designs that can be made using applique?

There are countless baby appliqué desings to date. All that is suited to making a baby look cute and attractive, both in dresses and items of use like hankies, bedsheets, nappies form the master cloth over which cute designs suited to babies can be put on using any of the above mentioned techniques, generally best done by hand.

Is baby applique difficult

Not at all. The same ease with which all other appliqués are done. Here the focus is on making the dress as pretty as possible.

Is baby applique different from other ordinary appliqué

Only in the sense that the kind of designs are cute, could be cartoon characters or other designs.

Is the material used good for baby skin?

It depends on the actual material used for the master cloth. Since the appliqué is put on the master cloth and does not touch the skin of the baby, it may not matter which material is actually used but it should be preferred that it be of a soft material, since there is a chance that the baby would keep caressing it.

Where can I find some good applique embroidery designs?

a) Secrets of Embroidery : This site has over 2000 pages with a large appliqué collection and also applique embroidery designs tutorials.

b) ArtisticThreadWorks : You have unlimited design downloads with a small membership fee. This website has a well classified design library, which enables an easy search.

c) America’s Sewing & Embroidery Center Sewforless.com : A hybrid website with a lot of information on applique embroidery designs as well as other forms of embroidery.

d) Embroidery DesignsOur own digitized designs. $12.95per set or $45.00 for everything. : Designs By Sick : This is a small site but contains some good unique designs on applique.

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