How to Embroider Baby Overalls
Choose the item you wish to embellish., Choose the spot on the clothing that you want to stitch on., Sketch your idea., Obtain Embroidery supplies., Use an embroidery hoop to hold the fabric taut if the garment will accommodate it., Use a color fast...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Choose the item you wish to embellish.
Most baby clothing will unsnap, or unbutton.
Open those overalls up completely. -
Step 2: Choose the spot on the clothing that you want to stitch on.
Areas of single fabric thickness are best... i.e.: along the pant leg, or on the back. , You may do this on paper, OR you may do this directly on the fabric with tailor's chalk or similar marker that will wash out. (test this in an inconspicuous area BEFORE you draw the entire thing...) , Several needles, and a skein of each color of thread you will need for your design. , There are embroidery hoops of every size available, but not all baby clothing is large enough to use one. ,, Some stitches such as French Knots work best with the full 6 strands of thread normally found in Embroidery floss.
Finer details will require using fewer strands at a time to accomplish the effect desired.
A common number of strands is two, but you should use your own best judgment. , Both methods have their advantages.
Dark thread first prevents getting your lighter colors dingy with repeated rubbing and holding of the piece during stitching.
Working out from the center has the advantage of being adjusted as you go. (starting at the outside will restrict any changes you can make later.) , Even the gentlest of tugs on the embroidery floss can pucker the fabric and make the garment not fit correctly when you're finished. , ,, -
Step 3: Sketch your idea.
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Step 4: Obtain Embroidery supplies.
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Step 5: Use an embroidery hoop to hold the fabric taut if the garment will accommodate it.
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Step 6: Use a color fast embroidery thread to avoid washing problems later.
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Step 7: Determine what thickness of floss or yarn will best suit your project.
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Step 8: Begin stitching with either the darkest color thread OR the innermost section of the design.
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Step 9: Hold the fabric taut while stitching.
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Step 10: Tie off each thread carefully to prevent unraveling in the wash. (these are baby clothes... expect that they WILL get dirty.)
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Step 11: Steam or iron the finished area of embroidery to help smooth the area and prevent (or fix) any slight puckering.
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Step 12: Finished.
Detailed Guide
Most baby clothing will unsnap, or unbutton.
Open those overalls up completely.
Areas of single fabric thickness are best... i.e.: along the pant leg, or on the back. , You may do this on paper, OR you may do this directly on the fabric with tailor's chalk or similar marker that will wash out. (test this in an inconspicuous area BEFORE you draw the entire thing...) , Several needles, and a skein of each color of thread you will need for your design. , There are embroidery hoops of every size available, but not all baby clothing is large enough to use one. ,, Some stitches such as French Knots work best with the full 6 strands of thread normally found in Embroidery floss.
Finer details will require using fewer strands at a time to accomplish the effect desired.
A common number of strands is two, but you should use your own best judgment. , Both methods have their advantages.
Dark thread first prevents getting your lighter colors dingy with repeated rubbing and holding of the piece during stitching.
Working out from the center has the advantage of being adjusted as you go. (starting at the outside will restrict any changes you can make later.) , Even the gentlest of tugs on the embroidery floss can pucker the fabric and make the garment not fit correctly when you're finished. , ,,
About the Author
Sarah Vasquez
Enthusiastic about teaching home improvement techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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