Embroidery - Techniques

Tips type: 
How to..

Transferring Stitching Designs

Many sewers are stuck on ways to transfer designs and ensure that they will not be visible when their project is complete. Here, we outline a variety of ways to copy designs onto your chosen fabric and suggest techniques which are suitable for different types of material.

The method for each technique is described along with the type of fabric for which it’s suitable and any aspects to be aware of. Please read the information carefully before you begin transferring your design, particularly with regard to the type of fabric you are using. Many of these procedures do not suit all weights and thicknesses of fabrics, so if you choose the wrong one you could be disappointed with the end result. In addition, many often leave permanent unpleasant markings, so always test the technique on a scrap of your chosen fabric before you begin.

TACKING AND TEMPLATES

The two methods that give the best results overall are tacking stitches and using templates. They can also be worked on any fabric.
Tacking method: Copy the design onto tracing paper using a fine–tipped pen and then pin the design right side up onto the right side of the fabric. With thread in a contrast colour to your fabric, tack along the design line in running stitch. Next, tear the tracing paper carefully away from the design. The tacking stitches are removed as you sew the design. Avoid using very dark threads on light-coloured fabrics, as small thread fibres can be left behind.
Template method: This is great for patterns which will be repeated several times and are not too complex. Using tracing paper, thin cardboard or plastic, copy the shape and then cut it out. Next, pin the shape to the fabric and tack around the shape very close to the edge, using small running stitches in a contrasting thread. Finally, remove the paper. Instead of tacking around the shape you could draw around it using a lead or chalk pencil.
Fabrics: These two methods are suitable for all materials but are especially effective on thicker fabrics with uneven surfaces such as wool blanketing.

Comments

Does anyone have the name of a pen/pencil I could use to mark cotton and chiffon fabrics on the right side for pintucking. The fabric has to be ironed before sewing. Most markers, after they have been ironed, seem to have some permanent residue left behind when washed.

Latest products

  • Blue Cardstock - 20 sheets of A6 Cardstock...
AU$70.00
RRP: AU$100.00
SAVE: AU$30.00
30% OFF!
  • 12 x patterned papers - 12 doublesided Blackberry...
AU$70.00
RRP: AU$100.00
SAVE: AU$30.00
30% OFF!
  • 20 x patterned papers - 20 double-sided Fusion...
AU$70.00
RRP: AU$100.00
SAVE: AU$30.00
30% OFF!

On Sale Now

We’re delighted to present our Patchwork special, and we welcome Tammy Woods to our family of clever designers....View this issue

Stitching fanatics will go wild for our stellar Yearbook issue! We have a stunning Brazilian embroidered jewellery...View this issue

Effie Carayannis chose bright, vivid colours for this tropical underwater painting.

View this issue

A magazine that is always filled with fabulous projects, tips and up-to-the-minute advice.

View this issue

Embroidery & Cross Stitch Vol 19 No 6 has everything from a pin box to a baby’s blanket.

View this issue

You are missing some Flash content that should appear here! Perhaps your browser cannot display it, or maybe it did not initialize correctly.

or please download the lastest version of Flash Player to view the content. http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/?promoid=BUIGP

Recent activity

Stay in touch

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Australian Cardmaking, Stamping & Papercraft
Vol 18 No 1
Australian Country Craft & Decorating
Vol 23 No 4
Australian Patchwork & Quilting
Vol 21 No 2
Creating Country Threads
Vol 12 No 9
Creating Keepsakes
Vol 17 No 1
Dressmaking with Stitches
Vol 20 No 5
Embroidery & Cross Stitch
Vol 19 No 6
Essential Fine Arts & Decorative Painting
Vol 19 No 7
Innovative Machine Embroidery & Textile Art
Vol 18 No 9
Scrapbooking Memories
Vol 14 No 4
Simply Patchwork & Stitching
Vol 12 No 11