Have you ever heard, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? Avoiding common embroidery mistakes can save you both time, energy, and money. Obviously, it’s always true in any circumstances, and the embroidery world is no exception. That’s precisely why we’ve rounded up the top 5 common embroidery mistakes for you to avoid before starting your next embroidery project:
Not Reading the Instructions
Not reading the instruction carefully is one of the common embroidery mistakes. Always read the directions first. Using the wrong thread or number of strands of embroidery floss is one of the most common errors that occur when you miss reading the directions. For kits, this may lead to running out of the thread before the project is finished. It may also result in a line thickness different from that expected.
Choosing the Wrong Embroidery Fabric
Most surface embroidery types involve a solid base of cloth, often with a thread count of 28 or more. Using a low thread count embroidery fabric will result in weakly shaped stitches, but you can add a stabilizer to make a better surface. Counted Thread or Pulled Thread projects need lower, looser thread counts. This makes it easier to pull and cut threads and to produce lacy stitches.
Selecting the Wrong Size of Needle
Using a needle that is too big for the project may lead to holes in the fabric where the needle and thread enter or exit. It can cause a puckered fabric, too. A needle that is too short can be difficult to thread and can cause unnecessary wear on the thread, resulting in unwanted “fuzzies.”
Not Using an Embroidery Hoop or Frame
The use of the embroidery hoop, scroll frame, or stretcher bars keep the fabric taut and make it easier to work with precise, well-formed stitches. These tools keep the tension consistent, help to reduce puckering or stitch distortion, and also keep the job cleaner as you’re less likely to bundle the fabric in your “holding hand” as you stitch it.
Not Removing the Hoop Before Storing
Always remove your embroidery hoop before putting off your embroidery for the day and particularly before storing it for any period of time. A hoop can leave a crease in a fabric that is permanent or very difficult to remove. It’s all right, however, to leave your job in a stretcher frame or a scroll frame, as these methods don’t cause creases. It’s also a good idea to remove the needle from the fabric before storing it in case it rusts.
Underestimate Lighting Or Magnification Needs
When it comes to common embroidery mistakes, underestimating light is on the first list. Often you might think that you can see your fabric just fine, but stitching in poor lighting—like normal household lighting at night—is often the cause of crooked or messy stitching.
If you don’t have a dedicated lamp for sewing or crafting, consider investing in one. You’re going to be shocked at the difference your embroidery makes.
If you have issues with your eyesight, another choice is to invest in a magnifier or a combination of magnifiers and lights. A magnifier may be necessary for certain forms of very thorough stitching (such as fine-needle painting). You can always visit local needlework or art shops and test the lights and magnifiers to find one that fits your needs.
Starting and Ending a Thread With Knots
One of the common embroidery mistakes for beginners is to start and end with knots. Try to avoid this, particularly when connecting a thread to a needle. It may not be the end of the world, but it may adversely impact your job. Knots can cause the holes to expand if they fall through, and they can generate unnecessary bulk on the back, preventing you from putting your work flat. Besides the knots are not flawless, and they can undo themselves. The easiest way to tie a knot is to bury loose ends under another stitching.
Dirty hands
Not washing your hand before stitching is also one of the common embroidery mistakes. Approach hand-sticks with clean palms. Keep it in a clean spot. Don’t bring food or some sort of coloring next to it. You don’t want your fabric to be smudged with dirt and colors that may not have come out of it.
Not Test Stitching
When you buy a font or a new embroidery pattern, try it first on some scrap fabric. The test stitch sample serves a variety of purposes: you’ll get great practice, see what the finished piece would look like, and have a sample to show potential customers in the future.
Conclusion
How many common embroidery mistakes you have made above? Hope this post helps you to know to avoid common embroidery mistakes and create wonderful craft such as rabbit embroidery, beautiful landscape, and more.
If you find this post useful or have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment.
