Essential Embroidery Supplies

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Author: Elaine Trout

Fantastic – you've made the decision to try embroidery! With just a few essential embroidery supplies, you can create wonderful designs for your family and friends. Here’s a brief description of supplies commonly used.

Fabric:
Embroidery can be stitched on almost any type of tightly-woven fabric such as muslin, sailcloth, cottage cloth, or even lightweight denim. To keep the fabric edges from fraying as you stitch, you should overcast the edges with sewing thread.

If you purchase an embroidery kit, the design is usually printed on the fabric. Some designs are printed with permanent ink, while others are printed with wash-away ink. For designs with permanent ink, you should work your stitches over the printed lines so the lines do not show in the finished piece. If the design is printed in wash-away ink, make sure to complete ALL of the stitching before cleaning your design.

Scroll Frames and Hoops:
A scroll frame or a hoop is essential for keeping the fabric taut while you stitch. Although you can stitch without one, it’s much easier to keep your stitches neat and even if the fabric is held taut as you stitch. Choose a frame or hoop in proportion to the size of your design – you’ll want to be able to see a good part of the design as you work. A frame with a stand allows you to use both hands for stitching which will increase your speed. If you use a hoop, place a strip of tissue paper between the fabric and outer hoop to prevent the hoop from marking the fabric. Also, remove the hoop from the fabric when you are not stitching.

Needles:
Crewel needles are ideal for embroidery because their sharp point makes it easier to pierce the tightly-woven fabric and provides more control for stitch placement. They are similar to sewing needles, but the eye is larger to make threading easier. Crewel needles come in various numbered sizes – the higher the number, the finer and shorter the needle. Generally speaking, a 3C (C meaning “crewel”) needle is preferable for working with yarn and a 6C needle is preferable for working with embroidery floss.


Thread/Yarn Holders:
Thread/yarn holders help to keep your colors organized. You can purchase die-cut holders or you can use a piece of cardboard with holes punched in it to keep the colors organized. Once you’ve sorted your colors, loop a piece of each color on the holder and label each one.


If you are working with a lot of colors and lengths, you can loop the lengths around an extra hoop to keep them neat and untangled.


With these essential embroidery tools on hand you will be ready to start creating beautiful projects to decorate your home or wardrobe. Embroidered pillows or framed designs are also great gift giving ideas.