Recommended Supplies

Hoops

Hoops come in wood, plastic and metal and it all comes down to personal preference. The most important thing about a hoop is how tight you can get the fabric since the more secure and tighter the fabric is, the easier the stitching will be and the better the stitches will look. Also, since you’ll be holding it for some time, you’ll want something light and easy to grip. Most patterns will fit well in a 6 in hoop, but there is a wide variety of shapes and sizes to experiment with when you’re ready.

Ones I recommend:

  • Susan Bates Hoop-La Plastic Hoops (available in most craft stores)
  • Clover 7 inch Embroidery Hoop (available online)

 

Thread

Cotton is the best bet for when you are a beginner. DMC makes 6-strand bundles that come in a wide variety of colors. You can peel off the number of strands that work for you and your project. For delicate work, you may only want to use 1-2 strands. If you want a thicker line, you can use all six strands. It’s all personal preference. Satin stitch is best with fewer strands, allowing for a smooth finish.

 

     

    Needles

    Embroidery needles are numbered 1- 12. The higher the number, the smaller the needle. Which size you choose depends on the thickness of the thread you are using and how easy it is for you to thread the needle. The fabric you are using can help determine the needle as well, you’ll want to use a smaller needle for very fine cottons or linens, but a larger needle for denim. Tapestry needles are thicker and have a blunt end. Chenille needles are also thicker, but have a sharp end and also have a larger eye which makes it easier to thread.

     

     

    Fabric

    When you are first starting, 100% woven cotton is best. Look for quilting cotton or Kona cotton. There is a wide variety of colors (especially if you buy fat quarters) and they embroider easily. Linen is also a good choice, but since it is woven loosely, it may twist out of shape easily or stretch out, so keep that in mind.

    Knitted fabric or jersey can be embroidered, but like linen, it can stretch out of shape easily, so you’ll want to use a fabric stabilizer.

       

       

      Pattern Transfer

      You can trace patterns onto your fabric using a fabric marking pen (look in sewing notions for water-soluble or disappearing ink), erasable Pilot Frixion pens that disappear when heated from a hairdryer or iron (look for them in office supplies), tracing paper, iron-on transfers or use a permanent marker or pencil very lightly where you can stitch over it. Sticky Fabri-Solvy by Sulky can go through your printer and will dissolve in water and is great for intricate designs or when your fabric is dense or dark.