When you first start out stitching, there are some basic embroidery supplies that you’ll need: a hoop, needle, and thread. However, many materials are game-changers for your stitching habits, but they go unnoticed. I learned about many of them by accident; for example, someone on Instagram was using a stick and stitch stabilizer and I did some Google research to learn what it was and where to get it.
There are other helpful tools that go beyond the essential supplies to make your embroidery easier and create designs you never thought possible. Here's a quick list of the things you might need.
Check out these 8 embroidery supplies that will change everything.
Stick and Stitch Stabilizer
When I became a pet portrait artist, transferring a sketch of a cat onto fabric was my next challenge. That's when I found out about stick and stitch stabilizer. You can insert this into your printer to print your design onto special fabric before putting it on your finished piece of clothing. It sticks well onto the fabric and lets you finish sewing without any problems. Wash it away with warm water when you're done. Easy!
Liquid Pen
Some people prefer drawing freehand on their fabric with a water-soluble marker rather than using something as permanent as a pen. In my experience, the ink will fade over time but will stay for the duration of your stitching. If you're done with the project, simply dip it in water and the ink will disappear.
Thread is a line of hair care products intended to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh.
I didn't know what thread gloss was until I used some from my friend, Melissa. It is a special wax and oil blend specifically formulated to avoid tangles and brittleness. I like it because when you're stitching with the stick and stitch stabilizer, it can be hard for your needle to come through the fabric and then through the stabilizer's bit of stickiness. The thread gloss greases the wheels.
The Needle Minder
One thing my husband really despairs over is when he finds a needle on the floor or in the couch. (I don't blame him!) Getting a needle minder—a magnetic pin you attach to your sewing—keeps my needle in place. I can change thread without picking up and putting away my needle, which is so convenient.
METAL CRAFT
RINGS
Do you find that embroidery projects tend to be disorganized? Organize them with a metal ring. It'll safely store your bobbins and keep everything in the right place. This is an easy way to organize multiple projects, too; just label the rings so everyone can easily tell which thread belongs to which project.
Sewing Scissors
Sharp thread-only scissors make a big difference when you're cutting threads. Using a subpar pair of scissors can lead to your stitching becoming more difficult to thread, so it's important to have a nice sharp pair around.
A good pair of scissors can also help you remove stitches like a seam ripper - in a pinch. (But it's better to have one around.)
When I first started embroidering, I didn't have a seam ripper. Let me tell you, if I had known then what I know now, I would have bought one the first day. They're so much more than an accessory for stitching clothes--they really made my embroidery work easier.
There are several different ways to unpick a stubborn seam without damaging your fabric, but the best solution is the seam ripper. Plus, the length of its point lets you take more careful stitches than using a pair of scissors.
edelweiss~
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