Technique of the Week: Correcting Your Drawing After Pattern Transfer
It’s no secret that I love embroidery. It’s also no secret that I love to share my love for embroidery—it’s what I built my career on through stitched artworks and stitch-it-yourself patterns and kits. But I want to share more, so throughout the summer (though maybe not every week if I am being realistic) I will be sharing some of my tips and tricks. This week I’ve got a basic but very helpful way to correct straight lines when transferring your pattern from paper to fabric!
When I started writing #SKBDIY embroidery patterns in 2016 I chose the ‘Light Box Method’ as my go-to how-to-transfer-your-pattern technique because it felt like the most direct and accessible method of transfer. It is just tracing after all. Despite its name, it doesn’t require any specialized tools or materials. All you need is your pattern, your hoop and fabric, and a pen or pencil.
While I have come to really love water soluble stabilizer for my more complex patterns, I still love the ‘Light Box Method’ for more simple ones like the Playful Plant + Planter #SKBDIY pattern (available for purchase through the end of July 2021!). But for all of its directness, the ‘Light Box Method’ does have its challenges too.
One of these challenges is dealing with pattern distortion when you flip the fabric to get your traced design from the back of the hoop to the front. In this quick little video I show you how I correct the wobbly lines and set myself up for some straightforward stitching. I hope it’s helpful!
The Light Box Method:
Place your hoop facedown over your pattern. (I used very thin fabric in the video and was able to see the printed out pattern clearly without it being backlit. For thicker fabrics, you may need to use an actual light box or tape your pattern to a bright window. How to choose your fabric will be a future ‘Technique of the Week’ so keep an eye out!)
Trace the design onto your fabric. (I’ll talk about drawing utensils in the future too! But since I know it’s a common question, I’m using a regular felt tip pen in the video.)
Once you’re finished tracing, take the fabric out of the hoop, flip it over, and put it back in the hoop with your drawing on the front.
Here’s the extra tip: It is completely normal for your drawing to get a little distorted when you flip it over. I think it’s especially important to take a moment to correct any straight lines in the design. Those will be the most difficult to correct as you stitch since they require an extra degree of precision. The solution is simple: use a straight edge!