Animal Embroidery Workbook. Jessica Long

(wooden stick, etc.)

      • Craft clamps

      TIP

      Before you begin, use a fabric pen to trace the edges of your metal tags onto the hooped fabric. Be sure to leave at least ¾" (2cm) between the tags if you will be stitching more than one design on this piece of fabric.

      1. Trace the design. Print and trim your embroidery design (shrink if needed) and tape it behind your fabric, lining it up within a tracing of the shape of your jewelry item. Hold your hoop up to a bright window or light and trace your design onto the fabric. Remove the taped design when complete.

      2. Stitch the pattern. Stitch up the design, referring to the pattern instructions. When shrinking a pattern like I did, you may need to skip some details to adapt it for the small format. Keep the back of your work tidy and trimmed.

      3. Trim the fabric. Remove your fabric from the embroidery hoop and use scissors to trim the design(s). Leave about ¼" (0.6cm) of excess fabric around your traced circles. Remove your guidelines.

      4. Cinch the back. With three strands of any color floss, use running stitch along the perimeter of your circle. Be sure to leave about 3" (7.6cm)–long tails at either end; you will pull these to cinch your work onto the metal tag. If you are using a light-colored or thin fabric, you can add an extra layer at this stage to add extra padding and to prevent the shine of the metal tag from showing through the fabric.

      5. Secure the metal tag. Turn your embroidery upside down and center the appropriate metal tag on the back of your work. Hold the tag in place while pulling the two tails of your running stitch. If you find your fabric is warping and not being pulled tight enough over the tag, you may need to experiment with the amount of excess fabric and the distance between your running stitches. Confirm that your design is centered before double knotting your tails together to secure your fabric over the tag. Trim the tails and any fabric frays.

      6. Attach the bezel. Apply heavy-duty craft adhesive using a cotton swab or similar to your empty bezel. Line up your pendant and press it firmly in the center. Use clamps to keep the pendant evenly secured during the drying process.

      Double Hoop Assembly

      The final project featured in this chapter teaches you a unique framing technique using two wooden embroidery hoops to create a wreath. For this project, be sure to assemble the hoops prior to the pattern transfer. The pattern tracing and the stitching can be challenging in this format. Match the tension of your stitches with the tension of the fabric to avoid puckering.

      Double hoop wreaths can be made in other sizes than the one featured here; just be sure there is at least a difference of 2" (5cm) between the hoops. Fabric type is important as well. I have not had success pulling out all of the wrinkles when using 100% cotton.

       MATERIALS

      • 4" (10.2cm) embroidery hoop

      • 9" (22.9cm) embroidery hoop

      • 12" (30.5cm) square of linen blend fabric

      • Embroidery pattern, printed and trimmed

      • Fabric scissors

      • Needle and thread

      • Acid-free glue and toothpick (optional)

      TIP

      For a more archival finish, do not trim the fabric; use lengths of embroidery floss to lace back the fabric. Using thread to secure the fabric may be more time-consuming, but the effect is secure and stunning.

      TIP

      If the front of the fabric is puckering near the screw on the small center hoop, apply a small amount of glue to hold it down. Use a toothpick to apply and secure the fabric with a clamp while it dries.

      

      1. Secure the inner hoop. Hoop up using the smaller hoop first, centered on the fabric. Pull the fabric drum tight.

      2. Hoop up the outer hoop. Flip your fabric upside down so the smaller hoop is face down. Now hoop up the larger hoop, centering the smaller hoop. Pull your fabric drum tight. Try pulling at odd and unexpected angles to remove all of the creases. This step can take time and patience.

      3. Apply the pattern. Tape the trimmed pattern to the back of the hoop. Position the pattern so the small hoop’s screw will not interfere with the design, as you will not easily be able to stitch behind it. For an easier transfer method, print or trace the design on stabilizer; just be sure to test removal of the stabilizer first.

      4. Trace and stitch the design. Trace the design. Then proceed to the stitching steps. When working with a full-coverage design, you can slightly loosen and spin the small outer hoop to access and stitch the area behind the screw.

      5. Trim the fabric. After stitching the entire design, trim the fabric from the outer and inner hoop, leaving about 1" (2.5 cm) of excess. Be sure your work is tight and centered in the hoops. Cut notches into the trimmed fabric in the center hoop. This step will make it easier to fold the fabric back.

      6. Secure with glue. Apply acid-free craft glue to the fabric edges and secure with small clamps until dry.