Avoiding mistakes can prevent time, money, and frustration. Today in this blog, we will talk
about the most common embroidery mistakes. We will also discuss some easy ways to avoid them.
Reviewing these common—and avoidable—embroidery mistakes, and you will know what to avoid before starting your next embroidery project.
Not Reading the Instructions
Always read the instructions. Using the incorrect thread or number of strands of embroidery floss is one of the foremost common errors that happen once you skip reading the instructions. With kits, this will cause running out of thread before completing the project. It also may end in a special line thickness than intended.
Choosing the incorrect Embroidery Fabric
Most sorts of surface embroidery require a firm fabric foundation, often with a thread count of 28 or higher. Using an embroidery fabric with a lower thread count may result in poorly-formed stitches, although you’ll add a stabilizer to make a far better surface. This makes it easier to tug and take away threads and make lacy stitches.
Selecting the incorrect Size of Needle
Using a darning needle that’s overly large for the project may result in holes within the fabric where the needle and thread enter or exit. It also can cause puckered fabric. A needle that’s too small is often difficult to string, and may cause an unnecessary decline in the thread, leading to unwanted “fuzzies.”
Using a Sharp Needle rather than a Ball-Point Needle
Use sharp needles when the needle and thread gotta pierce the material, as in surface embroidery and crewel. Use ball-point needles when the needle must slip between threads within the fabric without piercing them, as in counted thread, pulled thread, and Hardanger embroidery.
Starting and Ending a Thread With Knots
Although not the worst mistake ever, it is best to avoid knots in any sort of embroidery project. Instead, start a replacement thread with a waste knot, away knot, or by weaving it into the rear of previously worked stitches. Knots cause unwanted bulk on the rear of the piece, leading to the work not lying flat when pressed or mounted. Plus, once you launder a project, the knots tend to figure themselves free.
Selecting an Embroidery Thread of the incorrect Thickness
Also, employing a thread that’s too thick for the material chosen can cause problems also.
Using Craft Thread instead of Embroidery Thread
The standard of craft threads is far less than embroidery-quality thread. They also might not be colorfast, and therefore the color can bleed into the material during laundering.
Using Heat Transfer Pencils rather than Water-Soluble Fabric Pencils
Transfer pencils and pens are great for creating iron-on designs, but they’re permanent. this suggests that the marked lines got to be completely covered with embroidery or they’re going to show within the finished project. If you would like to get rid of your pattern markings from your finished embroidery, make certain you’re employing a water-soluble pen or pencil to mark the planning on your fabric. When unsure, test the pen or pencil on a scrap of the material you’re using to form certain it’ll wash out.
Iron Transfers Are Fuzzy or Distorted
When using iron transfers (either that you simply purchased or made with a heat transfer pen), fuzzy markings result once you slide the iron back and forth on the pattern paper. Instead, press the iron on the rear of the pattern paper just long enough to transfer the markings. Then, always lift the iron when moving to a different section.
Not Using a tambour or Frame
Using a tambour, scroll frame, or stretcher bars keeps the material taut and makes it easier to figure accurate, well-formed stitches.
Rolling Fabric on a Scroll frame the incorrect Direction
Roll fabric on the bars of a scroll frame with the incorrect sides of the material rolled to the surface (facing you). Doing this protects the material from airborne dirt and any oils on your hands, keeping the front of your work clean as you stitch.
Not Removing the ring Before Storing
Always remove your tambour before putting away your embroidery for the day, and particularly before storing it for any length of your time. A hoop can leave a crease within the fabric that’s permanent or very difficult to get rid of. It’s okay, however, to go away and add a stretcher frame or scroll frame, as these tools don’t cause creases. it is also an honest idea to get rid of the needle from the material before storing it, just in case it rusts.
Not Enough Embroidery Thread or Floss When Starting
Before you begin stitching, confirm you’ve got all the required embroidery threads available. this is often very true if you’re using older threads from your stash. Older threads sometimes fade or are not any longer available, making it nearly impossible to seek out a replacement match.
Conclusion
These are some of the most common embroidery mistakes and the preventive measures and solutions you can take to avoid them. If you still have any questions about the topic or anything about custom embroidery digitizing, feel free to reach out to us at Migdigitizing.
