Hand embroidery? Does anybody do it?

19 years ago

Hello,

I am thinking about learning how to embroider by hand, just to embellish some of my daughter's outfits, and for some baby gifts. Does anyone do hand embroidery? Do you have any tips for a rank beginner?

Thanks,

Debbie

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Comments (13)

muddy_paws
19 years ago
Debbie, greetings

There are more of us out here than you know...
you may want to check out the Embroiderer's Guild. There are chapters all over the place. Membership is a bit rich for me currently, but I don't think that they charge for visiting.
Here is the info for the one in SF.

San Francisco Chapter
Location San Francisco, CA
Meeting Time September thru June
day meetings: third Tuesday at 10:00 AM
evening meetings: second Monday at 7:30 PM
December only: a single evening meeting, with a potluck dinner and handmade ornament exchange.
Meeting Location
day meetings: Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, corner of 31st Avenue and Clement Street, San Francisco.
evening meetings: St. John's Church of Christ, 501 Laguna Honda Boulevard, San Francisco.
Contact the chapter Chapter president Christine Tanabe or Molly McLaughlin, VP Evenings

Hope this is helpfull.
Sharon/Muddy_Paws

Here is a link that might be useful: additional CA chapters
redpenny
19 years ago
debbie, there are several books you can buy . First go to your local library and see if they have anything.Search the net.There is more information then enough you will have to do a little research.Some book may be simple to some may not be simple for you so you really have to look and sample.
LoL
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Darn, I wish I didn't have so much going on already!! I really need to quit working at a job so I can do more of these fun projects! I love this pattern, and have also wanted to do some redwork. When I trace patterns for my BA quilts (and most of my applique work), I also use a "light box". I had my dh make me one of sorts. I had him build me a frame (using 2x 4's) that is open on the top. Sort of like a table without a top. Then I found a piece of plexiglass to use as the table top. Then I put a small lamp (without the shade) on a stool (or something short) under the table. This gives me plenty of room to tape my pattern to the plexiglass and then my fabric on top. It helps to do the tracing at night, too. And I use a washable pen. I'd love to see how this one comes out, so let us know how it goes (with pictures!!). Robbi
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deb, saw your post, often people most hoping to get someone to sew something, usually not the case, LOL, may I suggest you look at the bullitin boards, at stores, or ask in a fabric shop by your home, it would be less expensive then mailing the article, paying someone to embrodiery it, then paying for postage back to you. the 2 way postage alone can run from $6-8. hope this helps you find someone to do this job. Rene
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redpenny
19 years ago
here is a link with all types of how to stitches

Here is a link that might be useful: embroidery stitches
redpenny
19 years ago
embroidery classes on line or buy booklets

Here is a link that might be useful: embroidery classes
msmeow
19 years ago
Debbie - I LOVE to do hand embroidery! Especially candlewicking.

Do check the listed websites or your library for diagrams of different stitches. You can either use a design you trace onto the garment, or just start embroidering and make it up as you go! I think you'll love it!
RocketGranny
19 years ago
Hi Munchkin!
Your question brings back some good memories. My grandmother taught me how to embroider when I was about 5-6 years old. I was so proud to have my very own hoop and cigar box with a few threads!

Anyhow, the way she started me out was doing straight lines. First, learn how to do the outline stitch in straight lines. Then, start making the stitch smaller and smaller, until you can follow a curved line.

Iron-on transfers are cheap ($1.50) or just pencil your own design. Good Luck.
soapstar
19 years ago
Debbie,
Pick a stitch that you like. The chain stitch is a good one to start with.
Teach that to yourself. Make a sampler. Embroider your daughters
name or whatever until you master that one stitch and then pick
another. Before you know it, you will have mastered many stitches.
Shanaz
19 years ago
Debbie,

I think you should visit the site of Wendy Schoen, she is one of the best teachers i have seen. She have classes and projects to do. I am really impress with her work.
I hope you like it.
http://www.wendyschoendesign.com/club/

Shanaz
desert_gal_nv
19 years ago
For learning how to make, embroider, embellish and smock your daughter's clothes you absolutely HAVE to have a look at "Australian Smocking and Embroidery". The instructions and the teaching aids in them are marvellous. You will be just amazed at how easy it is to make the most beautiful things.

My children are too old to wear these gorgeous garments anymore, but I still make for my baby nieces.

Here is a link that might be useful: australian smocking and embroidery
User
19 years ago
Yes, some of us still embroider by hand. One idea that I use: If I buy a garment that has a machine embroider on it but needs a different color added to match my wardrobe, I will hand embroider a leaf or something in the color I need. I've done this several times and it works.
fleurlilac
15 years ago
does anyone know who does hand embroidery in the Los Angeles area???
Jitai
15 years ago
I'm in the LA area, and I do hand embroidery, but rarely for money. Sometimes classmates will have me do something (sometimes quite complex!). It's very fun and quite simple; I learned in eighth grade; I'm nineteen now and I do it all the time. It's funny how so many people think of embroidery, knitting, sewing, etc by hand to be so old fashioned but I think it's relaxing and I often like the results better anyway. I usually just draw my own pattern in pencil and then go for it intuitively. If you need any help you can email me through the site; I don't mind at all and I have a digital camera & scanner if you need picture examples. :)
sharmax_sbcglobal_net
15 years ago
I started in elementary or junior high school. The easiest way may actually be to buy a very simple kit. They give you the exact colors and directions for every stitch. Then you have a basic beginning for what you want to try. I have to admit my mother helped a little, but after that I embroidered skirts, pants and all kinds of things. Good luck! I haven't done it for years and just started again with my own design a month ago.