When you’re starting out in embroidery, transferring your pattern onto fabric can be intimidating. I won’t be writing about all of the methods, but I’m here to show you some of my favorite ones. I promise after this article you’ll know how to do it in a snap.
Before You Start
Before you start, let’s talk about supplies that are absolutely necessary. You will need an embroidery hoop, a piece of fabric cut to fit the chosen hoop, and lastly a Pilot Frixion pen to trace the pattern. You may also need some tape. This pen erases with heat. I use a small iron or a blowdryer to erase the marks after I’m done. The little iron comes in handy if I’ve made a mistake while tracing.
I want to touch on another topic before we get into the main discussion. It’s a mistake I see newbies make all the time- Not having the fabric secured tightly in the hoop. You want your fabric to be drum tight.
Using Your Window As A Light Source
Using the light from the window is the first method I used when I first started embroidery. First, you take the pattern that you printed out and tape it onto the window. Then you take your hoop with your secured piece of fabric and place it over the pattern. You should be able to see the pattern through the fabric. This method is one of the simplest ways to transfer and it’s also accessible to everyone because most people have a window in their home.
Tracing With A Light Pad
Tracing with a light pad is probably my most used method. You can buy a light pad off of Amazon. Here’s mine: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F147VF6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1. I put the printed pattern onto the light pad and then place my hoop with secured fabric over it. The light pad usually has a button to increase or decrease the brightness. I have it on the highest setting because I’m blind lol.
If you have an iPad, you can also use that as a light box. This YouTube video gives a really good explanation on how to do that: https://youtu.be/RoCER-4Bgg4. However, my iPad has a smaller screen than my light pad. So the method you decide to use will depend on the size of the pattern and hoop you choose. Here’s a video showing you how I do this: https://photos.app.goo.gl/JnEtGZr3NVbG9w8M6
Using Dark Fabric
There are various ways to trace on dark fabric. Some people use a white gel pen or dressmaker’s pencil to trace onto the fabric. My preferred method is to use water soluble stabilizer such as this-https://www.joann.com/pellon-wash-n-gone-19in-wide-25-yards-white/9287780.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAiJSeBhCCARIsAHnAzT-S5qOGl0RnLdmnuGJBA1UxhgaBnDRsxJzhSXfs-1VIYf0lTAoaytsaAntYEALw_wcB. I trace my pattern onto the stabilizer, then I take it out of the hoop and put it over the fabric I want to use. Then I secure both in the hoop and voila I’m ready to stitch. After you’re finished embroidering your piece, you just rinse off the water soluble stabilizer.
If you embroider, what are your favorite ways to transfer your pattern? If you’ve never embroidered before, give it a try and let me know how it goes! Stay tuned for some more embroidery tips. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week!