Techniques

HOW TO TRANSFER

TRACING

Place light-coloured and fine fabrics over the design and trace over it. For thicker or dark-coloured fabrics a light source such as a window or lightbox makes this process much simpler.

TRANSFER PENS AND PENCILS

Choose a colour that will show up on the fabric. Use a permanent marker if the stitching will cover the lines, or a removable marker if you need to erase the lines afterwards – test first on a scrap of fabric so you know it can be removed.

IRON-ON TRANSFERS

Press your fabric, then place your transfer sheet ink side down on top and press with a hot, dry iron (taking care with heat-sensitive fabrics). You can reuse the transfers three to four times depending on the type of fabric you use.

WATER-SOLUBLE STABILISER

This lightweight, slightly perforated paper stays on the fabric as you embroider. Once you’ve finished stitching, soak it with the fabric and it dissolves when rinsed.

CARBON PAPER

Lay the carbon paper coloured side down onto your fabric, place your pattern on the top and trace over the design.

TEAR-AWAY METHOD

This technique is used when stitching on textured fabrics like velvet and suede. Trace your design onto thin tracing or tissue paper, then tack