Q&A for How to Embroider

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Can I embroider without a hoop?

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wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Yes, but it won’t be as easy. The purpose of the hoop is to maintain tension on the fabric and keep it stable while you work. You’ll need to find some other way to hold the tension, e.g., by pulling the fabric taut with one hand while you work or by pinning your work down.

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Can you teach yourself embroidery?

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Definitely. You’ll probably need to follow tutorials or use beginner patterns with detailed instructions when you're starting out, but it’s generally not that difficult to learn on your own.

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What do I need to get started with embroidery?

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wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

The basic things you’ll need are an embroidery hoop, embroidery floss and needles, small scissors, a fabric marker, and whatever fabric you’d like to work with.

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Question

How many strands of embroidery floss do you use? All six at the same time?

Community Answer

It depends on the type of embroidery you're working on. For cross stitch, use 2 strands. For other types of stitches, usually 2-4 strands is ideal.

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Question

How do I embroider a heart stitch? Is the chain stitch similar?

Community Answer

Yes, these stitches are similar. To heart stitch, insert the threaded needle through the back of your fabric where you want the bottom point of the heart to be. Then, pull the thread taut and insert the needle back through the fabric where you want the top center of the heart to be. Then, bring the needle back up through the fabric at a 45 degree angle at the point where you want the top left lobe of the heart shape to be. Keep the thread somewhat loose and then insert the needle back down through the fabric in the inside of the heart right beside where the top of the left lobe will be. Repeat this for the right side of the heart.

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Question

How do I tie a needle knot?

Community Answer

Pinch the end of the thread between tips of thumb and index finger. Wrap it once around index finger. Roll the thread off your index finger with your thumb, pulling down to the end of the thread. You should end up with a knot at the very end of your thread.

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Question

How many strands of thread do you use in the needle?

Community Answer

It depends on how thick you want your pattern to be. I generally use 2.

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Question

How do I do de-la-mere embroidery?

Community Answer

This style of embroidery features fine, delicate details spread evenly on a piece of fabric. Practice making delicate flowers and stems.

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Question

How do I do a cut tacked loop stitch?

Community Answer

Insert the needle through the back of the fabric where you want the bottom of the loop to be. Then, bring it back down through the fabric right next to where it came out. Leave enough slack for the loop. Do not pull the thread taut after you go back down through. Then, bring the needle back up through the thread where you want the top of the loop to be and pull the thread until the loop is the desired size. Bring the needle back down on the other side of the loop to hold it in place.

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Question

How do I cut embroidery thread?

Community Answer

Measure the length you want (for example, 6.5 inches), then use sharp sewing scissors to cut it off. You may wish to cut so it leaves a little extra for tying a knot, if that's needed.

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Question

Can I embroider on jeans or shorts?

Community Answer

Yes, you can embroider denim. While it is easier if the material is thin so that the needle goes through the fabric easily, you can use a strong and larger needle for denim that goes through the fabric with greater ease.

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