Embroidery is a beautiful and intricate art form that can be both soothing and satisfying. It can also be a bit intimidating when you’re just starting out. One of the keys to success is making sure you have the right tools for the job. Whether you’re interested in machine embroidery or hand embroidery, you should review the basic tools every beginner needs to help you get started creating beautiful designs.
Embroidery Needle
The first and most basic tool you’ll need for embroidery is a needle. Embroidery needles come in different sizes, and each one is suitable for specific types of embroidery work. These needles are specially designed for embroidery and have a larger eye and a sharp point for piercing the fabric.
The size of the needle you use depends on the fabric you’re using and the thickness of your embroidery floss. The most common needle size from embroidery is 75/11. The smaller the numbers, the smaller the needle. Generally speaking, the lighter the fabric you use, the smaller your needle should be.
Embroidery Floss
Embroidery floss is a fine thread of six strands twisted together. It comes in a variety of colors and can be cotton, silk, rayon, or another material. You can use it in hand or machine embroidery. To use embroidery floss, you’ll need to separate the strands according to the thickness you want. For most embroidery projects, two or three strands are enough.
When starting out, it’s best to choose a few basic colors and build your collection as you go. You can also purchase prepackaged embroidery floss sets that come in different color combinations.
Embroidery Scissors
Embroidery scissors are small, sharp scissors for cutting threads and trimming excess fabric. They have a pointed tip that allows for precise cutting in tight spaces. It’s important to have a dedicated pair of embroidery scissors, as using regular scissors can damage the delicate threads of your embroidery.
Ideally, the size of your embroidery scissors should be about two to four inches long. The smaller size allows you to work around small, intricate designs. But its also vital to find a pair that’s comfortable to hold.
Embroidery Hoop
An embroidery hoop is a circular frame that holds the fabric in place while you’re embroidering and helps keep the fabric taut, preventing it from puckering or wrinkling. It consists of two circular rings (one fits inside the other). You can tighten it with a screw mechanism.
Hoops are available in many different sizes, so choose one that fits your project and makes it easier for you to work. This is arguably one of your most valuable tools, so it’s important to invest in a quality hoop from a sewing machine store, not your average department store.
Marking Tools
Marking tools transfer the design onto the fabric and make marks or lines to help you create neater designs before you start embroidering. These can include water-soluble pens, chalk, or dressmaker’s carbon paper.
It’s important to choose marking tools that are easy to remove and won’t leave any permanent marks on your fabric. So test them on a scrap piece of fabric first.
As a beginner, you should invest in these basic tools for embroidery so that you can start your embroidery journey. As you become more experienced, you can add more specialized tools to your collection and create even more beautiful designs.
