Step 1 Pattern transfer
Some medieval transfer methods: "Prick and pounce" Tracing via "lightbox" Drawing directly on the fabric. (usually done by a scribe) Sewing the pattern with a sewing weight thread through thin paper Modern transfer methods: Something similar to H2Ogone Iron-on transfer pencil and pens (not recommended) |
Ideally, if you are going to stretch the fabric on a frame, you do so before you transfer the pattern, to ensure the stretching doesn't warp the shapes on the cloth. If you are using a hoop or something gentler like a q-snap frame, it is not necessary to frame it first.
Use ink. It's okay, really. Sharpies, gel pens, whatever. If you are going to use pencil, choose a hard lead so the graphite doesn't transfer onto your floss. The disappearing ink pens available at sewing stores probably aren't the best choice because this will take you longer than you think. The iron-on transfer pencils can also dye your floss as you stitch, be very careful with this if using pale floss.
For darker fabrics, you can put your pattern on tracing paper or parchment (baking) paper, then using sewing thread, go around the lines of the pattern. When you have outlined the pattern using sewing thread, you can then pull the paper off and proceed with the embroidery.
Use ink. It's okay, really. Sharpies, gel pens, whatever. If you are going to use pencil, choose a hard lead so the graphite doesn't transfer onto your floss. The disappearing ink pens available at sewing stores probably aren't the best choice because this will take you longer than you think. The iron-on transfer pencils can also dye your floss as you stitch, be very careful with this if using pale floss.
For darker fabrics, you can put your pattern on tracing paper or parchment (baking) paper, then using sewing thread, go around the lines of the pattern. When you have outlined the pattern using sewing thread, you can then pull the paper off and proceed with the embroidery.
Step 3.1 Gold
This is where the Elizabethans do their gold/silver work.
This is where the Elizabethans do their gold/silver work.
Step 4 Background
Now it's time to fill in that background. Here is where Elizabethans add spangles, and the Anglicanum stitchers start their gold work. And everyone else with a background just keeps on keeping on. The Bayeux stitchers finished in Step 3, lucky bastards. |