How to embroider fabric?

Embroidery is a type of decorative needlework in which designs are created by stitching thread onto a layer of fabric. This art has been practiced since traditional times when it was used to decorate clothing and household furnishings like tray cloths, bed sheets, table linens and many such items. This art is certainly a painstaking and laborious process.

Materials required

Embroidery is an art which needs practice to get perfection. This art has been carried out since great times when people used to do hand embroidery on clothing or on home furnishing items. To carry out embroidery, it is essential to have the following materials:
Fabric – An ideal fabric should be selected for doing the embroidery as the best effect of embroidery can only be achieved on the most appropriate fabric.
Design or pattern – One will also require a design or pattern according to which the embroidery will be done on the fabric.
Thread – The thread is also a vital embroidery material and a good quality thread should be used to avoid any discoloration which can destroy the amazing embroidery effect.

Basic steps to embroider fabrics

Steps - After collecting all the embroidery material, one need to choose the fabric to embroider - Trace a design on the front side of the fabric, it helps in following the design while embroidering. - Before starting the embroidery work, it is essential to tighten the fabric into the embroidery hoop. - The needle should be stringed with the thread of sufficient length and the end of the thread should be tied. - At first, the needle should be inserted through the back and should strictly follow the designs on the fabric. Different types of stitches can be used. However, the most commonly used stitch is the back stitch. One just need to gently push and pull the needle through the fabric while threading. - To end the embroidery, it is important to take the needle and the thread to the back of the fabric. - The loose ends must be covered up by passing the needle beneath stitches. - Make a thread loop and pass it through the needle. Then, a knot should be created and tighten. The excess thread must be cut off after the knot is tied.