7 Steps to Improve Your Embroidery
- Print a template(s) of your embroidery design so you can plan the embroidery layout. Place it on the item (garment, home décor, craft or quilt) and critique its placement and size.
- Build a test stash. Keep a test polo shirt, stretchy t-shirt, terrycloth towel and common items that you embroider on all the time in your test stash. Use this resource when testing a design for a final project. Fill every available inch with test designs then toss it when there’s no more room for additional tests.If you’re stitching on plain fabric, always buy more than you’ll need so you have material to use for a test stitch-out.So many problems can be avoided by stitching a test of the design with the fabric, stabilizer and thread combo that you’ll be using for the final project.
- Press the fabric – use starch and steam to get the fabric to behave. Press the stabilizer if it’s wrinkled so it will lay flat behind the fabric.
- Hoop on a flat, sturdy surface, not your lap. Ironing boards work in a pinch but best results are achieved when hooping on a solid surface, such as a cutting table and mat. Use the lines on the mat to square the fabric in the hoop.
- Select the right hoop for the job. The best hold is achieved with the smallest hoop for the design. For instance, a 4” x 4” hoop is the best choice for a 2 ½” x 3” design.
- Insert a fresh needle when starting a new embroidery project.
- Learn how to use simple embroidery editing software. You probably don’t need a full-blown digitizing system but a simple sizing and editing program can do 75% of daily embroidery tasks. Rotating, merging, mirror imaging and sizing designs are the top four chores I do to almost every design I stitch.
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Love Group e.
I’m a Jewel tone girl. Group D
I like group c. This is the first time I’ve read your blog but I really enjoyed it.
Love Group e
Group E please.
I pick group A for value change and contrast. Group E has some nice movement, and I would keep that in mind when looking for fabric in the group A color range. Then it will keep your eye moving within the quilt. The colors in B, C and D all appear to have the same values.
I love group D and would embellish everything – I am a bling girl. I even blinged my school shirt.
I like view E. Great color combination.
Group D
I love the yellow, green, brown colorway. It reminds me of cool summer treats of ice cream cones topped with lemon and lime sorbet. Fresh and tangy and oh so cool!
luv D
Hi, this was hard for me on the above assignment. I originally chose group C, but upon squinting, I felt that it was all too similar and nothing popped. So my final answer is group A because I like the color combo and it has some visual interest with the 2 colors next to each other.
It’s group C for me. Bright and cheerful and with Easter this weekend, reminds me I need to color some eggs!
Gotta vote for C, fits the season
Group E. It is soothing to me. The two belong together.
I love D, reminds me of the sea.
They are all pretty, but I love group D. Nice and bright!
Group D. Love that combination!
Group C is my first choice because I just like the colors–they’re happy and versitle. But Group E has real possibilities for some elegant items.
I love D, it reminds me of the ocean!
I chose group E. It just looks so elegant. I love the light and the dark, they really compliment each other. I think it would make a great color block pillow..
I like group E, but I love group D. Those are the colors that I wear.
Group A, I love the nature colors! rosalee
Group A – blue summer skies and mountains!
Group D. Love the color combination – my two favorite colors.
I like the bright colors of Group B. It makes an eye popping statement.
Group D makes me think I’m at the beach – and I loooove the beach!!
I like combination D. It is a bright combination
Group C caught my eye first. Looks like Spring.
Group D Ilove that combination.
Groping A. Love blues and browns!
I think Group E, but I like D almost as well.
I like D the best.
My favorite is Group D
I love group E. I love the swirl in the dark fabric. Very elegant.
Group E, light and dark contrast always makes an eye catching quilt, always prefer tone on tone as it softens the overall effect.
Not my usual colors, but group C looks so refreshing!
My favorite is group B, I love group d also though but B is fav
I like “A” best.
Group D–always makes me feel good!
I love the contrast in Group E. I think the colors go to well good and they are like day and night.
I like Group A the best. I can just see a nice home decor project using these colors. Very popular color combination’
I like color – - almost all colors. But if I have to choose it will be A. Love that blue!
I would go with D as they are two of my best colors.
I like group D and E equally. They both have so many possibilities.
Gail
Difficult to choose, but I finally settled on Group E. It reminds me of a Spring storm; one minute clear blue sky, the next a gray sky filled with thunderhead clouds. Of course, the fabric I’d choose greatly depends on the project planned for it.
Love Group A!!
Congrats Eileen.
I would embellish my granddaughter’s new Denim Jacket. I have put an embroidery design on the back and would complete it with some bling. She’s a girly girl and would love this. Thanks
Group A reallly attracts me. Perhaps because those are the colors I’ve been using a lot lately. A happy combination that really pops! ~barbara
Group E is nice.
I like the contrast and interest in group A the best. They would look great with designs embroidered with the other color ( brown thread on the blue & vice versa). Group E could be interesting with some bright colors of thread embroidered on them, the fabrics would almost be neutral.
Group E, with A as a second.
Group D
I love Group D. Would look so cute for a baby quilt – not boring.
Group C would be my first choice with group D a close second.
I like Group E best. And great 7 tips, thanks!
Group A is my choice. I liked how those two colors play off each
Group C gets my vote. I’m actually working on a project with those colors.
Group A is a favorite, the brown makes the blue a star. B is nice, just am not an orange color person, C has so many possibilities and looks cool, D”s blue is nice but that shade of green doesn’t do anything for me, and E is such a nice contrast. Use the orange in B and add the green in D would make some one happy as they are so bright. I actually like them all and would enjoy them. Have a nice shopping trip. Lila
Thank you so very much for the Winter Bling crystals. I’m looking forward to receiving them. It was a pleasant surprise to see that I’d won them. Now I can put them to use on a purse or jacket.
Again, many thanks. Lila
D for me.
Group C So summery and reminds me of citrus!
I would pick group E. I love seeing black tones with bright colors.
In January I won the coupon for designs from Bunnycup.com. What fabulous designs. It took quite a while to decide whick ones I would pick, there is such an array of designs. They sew out beautifully. A huge thank you to Ashlea Stoodley from Bunnycup, she not only donated the prizes, but also was sure to tell me about a great sale they were having so that I could really capitalize on the prize. Great company, hope you will all take a look.
I love group E
I love the group D I think about everything I wear is in the blue or earthtone family.
Group c looks very refreshing and inviting!
I like the lightness of group D- it looks like the freshness of my garden
I love group B. I also notice these are very popular for the Spring Fashions coming out!
My favorite is group C but then yellow is my favorite color!
I like B and E — one to energize, one to calm!
Eileen, congratulations on your marriage! May God bless you with a wonderful marriage.
Only one week away from us. Even if you weren’t on your honeymoon, you could have stayed away longer. We all need some time away and I am sure you are exhausted from all that earlier wedding planning. Enjoy your new week.
It was such a hard choice, but I think A would be my decision.
Group A is my choice. I’ve loved that combination since I was a little girl, and I guess I still do. I like the others, too, but my eye went to A first!
Since pink is my favorite color I have to go with group B. But several other combos were also good.
I was drawn to C, they seem to belong together
Group A for me–but love them all!
I would choose Combo A…I have never done a brown and blue quilt yet but love stepping out of the box in color…if I needed 3 colors I would probably go with the more traditional Combo C although it is so very tradition in color….I love color and I am not afraid to use it…heheheh…blessings
I like group C but my eye keeps coming back to group A. So I guess that means Group A!
I love how lively the green and blue are in group D. They neary jumped off the screen. My second choice is A.
Group E. Cool but distinctive colors.
I am picking Group D. It reminds me of being out in the middle of a field on a beautiful clear day having a picnic. Summer is my favorite season and bright colors. Group D covers both!.
Group D jumps off the screen. The lively colors play with each other beautifully.
I love Group E. Thanks for the tips to improve my embroidery.
I love Group E. I seem to gravitate to the blues in fabric stores.
Normally I’d be drawn to A or E but group C looks more “put together” since it has 3 colors…so have to say C.
I love A. I think I could make something for men and women and this combination would look great for everyone. I have to admit for me I am usually drawn to pastels–I must be feeling wild today.
I love E for its elegance.
I like combination E. The darker color enhances the lighter. The lighter brings out the details in the darker fabric.
1st choice: Group E
2nd choice: Group B
1st choice E I always go towards anything blue. The darker fabric gives a great balance to the brighter hues.
2nd choice D I love the bright colors of both swatches. Anything made with those will look like spring and just pop.
I like group C as they are really springy looking and cool.
Hard choice but I think group D is my first choice, but group E is a very close second.
i like combo b those are colors that just make me happy
I like the aqua and gray combo – group e – with group A being a close second.
Group C is by far my choice. Someone else said they are citrus colors and I agree. Would look great on any summer projects.
I love Group D.
Group C. Maybe it is just the season that makes me like it.
Not too many agree with me, but I like Group B. Love colors opposite on the color wheel, they really pop!
I like Group A.
Love group E, it is soothing yet elegant and reminds me of the ocean near my home.
I like them all depending on what it’s for. But choosing just one it would be D.
Love group B and I would probably combine these with group D — fun fun fun.
By the way — congratulations on your marriage Eileen!
Group D – the blues and greens have always been favorites of mine! That said, I like working with almost all colors. Thanks for a chance to win.
They are all nice, but I really like Group E, the soft blue combined with the Grey/Black is a really nice contrast.
Group E is my favorite. Group D was a close second. I guess I just like blue!
I like C best, the bright colors are clear and crisp.
Group B – Love it.
Group E…These are “classy” colors and can always get some pop
with tone on tone embroidery and/or bling.
I love group E the colours just grab me.And it reminds me of our summer storms ,blue sky one minute – grey the next.
I would say Group B. Fresh and lively.
Without a doubt… it’s group A. Brown fits any situation and
is complemented with the beautiful blue.
Group B is my choice!! They all are pretty tho!!!
I vote for C. More versatile and different combinations.
I like group E. This is so elegant. A little color with a neutral, enlivened with a tone on tone print. Whenever I wear aqua everyone says that I look great. I definitely like to hear that!
I like group D – bright and bold colors are my favorite.
All are nice but group B with the hot pink is number 1.
I really C, but D is a close second choice. C is so summery, but D is so rich.
I love combination B. My favorite colors are in the pinks and reds.
I just love the Group D colors – makes me think of summer.
Group E
Hi there, put a check mark by group E for me please.
I selected Group A. The colors look great together. They are bright and intense colors plus that shade of blue is my favorite!
I like Group E because I like High contrast. I hate to go through the effort and time it takes to embroider to find that it doesn’t show up much when you get a little ways away.
Group A
I vote for group D…. Bright colors for Spring!
I love the classic elegance of group E
I really like C. It is fresh and will have many combinations.
I really like group E
I like group D. I like the boldness of the blue and green
I prefer Group E.
None of them really rings my bell just from the photos, which means nothing since I’m not a quilter, but based on the selection, I like C.
My choice is Group E ….Just lovely..M
Group D is what is calling me today (of course that could change tomorrow
).
All are great color combinations. Normally I would prefer the blues & greens of D, but since this is Easter weekend, I’m going with C – it feels so “Spring-y”!
I like E it has a contrast and it is something different.
Group E. I could visualize with the right embroidery threads enhancing the background swirl onto the pastel color with maybe a touch of silver metallic thread.
I love group C. Reminds me of summertime… sunny….citrus….outside fun kind of mood.
Group D – vibrant and refreshing!
I love group D
And the crystals to embellish my Tops and Jeans
I really like group C.
Group E captures my fancy…love the contrast but not too harsh
I like group D.
I choose group E — looks very rich and classy.
I chose Group D, love the colors!!!
I’d choose group A because the teal blue is one of my favorite colors
I vote for group C though I have all these color combo in my stash
Group D–blue and green are always my favorite colors
I choose D. Bold and bright are the colors I love working with the most. I do use other combinations but when I get color-tired, I am back to the basic 8 crayons…
I think Group E is the nicest combination that would be beautiful for so many creations – I can see it as a smart corporate outfit with grey suit and aqua ruffle shirt or an aqua satin evening dress with embroidery & black diamond crystals or a carry bag in dark grey with aqua flowers stitched over it!!
I like group E.
My first pick is group A with group B coming in a close second.
I love group c…very clean and bright…love the spring is in the air colors! I would like them as a summer dress with layers of ruffles for my 3 year old granddaughter Surenity. She would look so beautiful with her long blonde curls and big blue eyes, and
I like group C the best, it’s very refreshing. Thanks for all the great advice.
My favorite is “A”. I love the combination of brown and turquoise!
I love group B! So vibrant.
Group D reminds me of a beautiful blue sky above a plush green lawn provided by a loving God providing much needed rain!
I vote for A – natural and clean for spring!
My first choice is group E with A being a very close second!
I would have to say that I like C … I really prefer when stitching is done on a plain lighter shaded fabric as it enables seeing the detail of the embroidery better. Patterned fabric and dark colors are a bit more difficult to view the simple beauty of the work done.
Group E.
Although, at first glance, sort of an unusual choice, but 2 contrasting colors. They could be paired with alot of combinations. And the dark grey, could be used for alot of men’s/boys items.
My favorite is A. Just my colors!
I like Group E. I like some of the other colors but not together.
Love the colours in E. That is my choice.
Group E is my choice as well. Love the muted tones.
I like group C. The colors are earth colors that blend so well with so much.
I love Group A. The brown is soft and quiet and the blue really presents a palette for some VERY interesting embroideries. This combination could work on any age. Lucky Linda
ps. Looking forward to receiving the light crystal set I won. I have several bags just waiting for their “bling”. Your generosity will reach many women who need something to smile about.
Thanks for all your hard work!!
I like group d. Have fun shopping
Absolutely love your blog. I have learned so much from you. Can’t thank you enough.
I love the combination C fabrics. They just call to me.
I luv the D colours. My favs!!!!!!
If I were sewing for my 2 granddaughters I would pick group B. Those bright colors remind me of cheerful girls clothes. But, for myself, the colors in group D make me happy. I love the jewel tones of that group.
Group A is my favorite – I’ve always liked that color combination!
I like the group E. Love the swirl in the second fabric
I like group C.
I like them all. Today I would pick E with D my second choice
Thanks for all you do for all of us.
I like Group A best.
Group C. It is spring and everything is new. Foliage is light and newly emerged. Lighter colors fit this season.
I love D it reminds me of tropical things. and I also like the light kit for bling. Thanks for the tips
I like group D best!
I find group C most soothing.
I love group B. It gives me ideas for colour washing since there are so many tones in the two fabrics
I LOVE the Bs! Just found your blog and signed up. I’ve never been interested in blogs (besides my niece’s who just moved to Singapore)and can’t wait to learn more new tidbits about my embroidery addiction. Suzanne
I love group E
This is my first time on your blog, but will be revisiting often. Thanks for sharing your helpful tips so open-heartedly! Must opt for A today due to its classic versatility, soothing earth tones, and complimentary contrast, but am more personally attuned to slightly darker tones of the colors in C (rustier oranges, more golden yellows, and more olive shadings of green).
I like Group D, works for anyone, young or not so young, boys, girls, furbabies, anyone.
Group E Would make great totes/designer bags/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Group E Would make great totes/designer bags/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I would choose Group D.
I like colors E. (Not just because it is my first initial) They are peaceful and restful but would be great contrast in a quilt.
Group D is my choice!! I love bright colors!
I like “D”. Love the blues and greens. But all are nice combinations.
I love D. Two of my favorite colors!!
Group D
group D – strong beautiful colours
I choose Group B…hot and sizzling for summer.
Definitely group E. It is a nice soft and modern combination.
Group B is my choice, the bright summer colors compliment each other.
Group B would be on my shopping list. I go for the bright colors.
Group “B” would be on my shopping list. I like bright colors.
I tend to gravitate towards group E, , but then I went back to group C. It reminds me of citrus, or sherbet on a hot day. It’s a relaxing combination
My favorite group is group C. But I have a question about #7 on your post. You mention a simple embroidery editing software. I am wondering what software you recommend.
Thank you!
Difficult to chose, but love the subtlety of the colours of E
Group D is my favorite. I like the mix of solid and pattern.
Group D for me with a pop of bright yellow if an accent color is needed.
I select Group B. These color combos are so in style this year. I would have never put them together, but , this spring I like them.
My choice is Group D. I like the contrast and if used in embroidery would be complementary to each other. Thank you so much for the embroidery tips, your help goes a long way towards helping all of us be more successful!
Group E is me!
I like group D
Love all the combos but Group A really appeals to me the most!
Group B~
Group E!!! I like the contrast. The tips are great.
Group E: you have the calm of the sky in one moment and in the next you can have the movement of the wind. the two actions go hand-in-hand when you are quilting/embroidering. i want both the calm and the movement in whatever i create. i always want a piece to “speak” to me. and the best way to do that is with these two components.
I instantly chose Group B. Summer colors! Bright, hot, jazzy, cheerful! A, D and E all have blues and not everyone can wear blue, nor does it fit in with an existing color scheme in a house. The pop of brights can always be used with any nuetral. And besides…..they are my favorite colors!
I like Group A. They are all very nice.
If Group A is brown and turquoise, then Group A!
I gravitate toward the eye popping colors of groups A,B,& D.
I can’t wear the other muted colors.Plus they would look
great for summer dresses for my four grand daughters.
Group D I love bright clear colors with lots of contrast
I like A, looks like reproduction colors, my favorite.
I love the Blue and Green combo of D but the Blue in E is my favorite color, and paired with the grey feels cool and calm, like a mountains stream.
I like Group E. THe softness of the blue and gray could be used on almost any project.
I like Group C. I reminds me of spring and summer. I lean to these cause they suit my coloring.
I like choice E
I like group A
I like Group C. I trend to like colours that blend.
I love group E, It gets my mind thinking of what I would do with it. To me it is very calming.
I love the a combinations I ve used this in handbags and quilts before i love they way they look togeter
I like D best
Group E..with D coming in second….
I was drawn to group B.
I like D, B second.
I may be to late but I like C, it is so bright & fresh with Spring “almost” here
I like Group C for a spring or summer look.
I CHOOSE GROUP B BECAUSE THEY LOOK REGAL
My favorite is Group C. Very pretty!
My favorite is Group D. Don’t much care for greens but with this blue is really is quite pretty.
I like the contrast in group E
Group C is my choice… The Blue in Group A is too dark–otherwise I love blue and brown together.
Group C is my top choice. The Blue in Group A is too dark–otherwise I love blue and brown together. Group A shouldn’t work–but it does!
I like group E, beautiful contrast
Group C is my top choice…the colors are calm and flow nicely together.
I like group C. Those colors look best on me.
Group D
Green and Blue are always an excellent choice.
I love E and don’t know why since the blue is too much a mid tone for me. (I love the extreems.) The fact that they are tonal prints is probably what made me happy
I like the view E color combination.
Group B. Love those hot colors.
Group A is my very favorite.
Group C is my favorite because they are springy colors…and pleasing to the eyes…
I think Group B – the colors are so bright and cheerful that they would be uplifting, even on a cool, dreary day. I would love to see this made into matching outfits for my beautiful grandaughters, ages 20 months and 1 month. But in turn it would also work on an adult sailing off on a cruise to the Bahamas.
group c
Group C is my favorite
group D is my favorite
group a
This is really a new arena for me, just began machine embroidery this past year. Since it is so new, I’m not quite sure what I am looking for. But, view “B” catches my eye when I look at all of them together. So, for that reason alone, I would say “B”.
[...] from Eileen’s Embroidery Blog will help you to achieve that final flair you are looking for. (http://dzgns.com/blog/2012/04/7-steps-to-improve-your-embroidery/) A sample of this informative blog includes, pattern templates, correct hoop selection, and [...]
Group A. Love blues and browns together!