5 Methods To Mark an Embroidery Pattern on Fabric

There are numerous ways to mark a custom embroidery design on a fabric, out of which one will become your most favorite. Even if you only use one method, it is a good practice to be familiar with all the other methods. The choice of your technique also depends on the colour and weight of the fabric you are using.

You need to try as many methods as you can. Have all the essential supplies on hand so that when the time comes, you are well-aware of a certain technique.

Tracing

When you are working with a thin fabric, you can transfer the designs directly to the fabric with the help of light material such as a lightbox or window and mark the lines using a chalk-based or a water-soluble transfer pen or pencil. For instance, a finely sharpened pencil will do the job.

You can tape the pattern to the glass and cover it with the fabric when you are transferring a design using a light source such as a window. You will see the design through the fabric and can trace the lines using your marking pen or pencil.

Tracing Paper

Tracing is another method that works perfectly on fabrics. You soaking is not required in this method.

In this technique, you need to trace your pattern onto a lightweight tracing paper. Baste the paper onto the material. After that, stitch through the fabric and paper.

Water-Soluble Stabilizer

On a dark fabric, if you have a detailed design or pattern, a water-soluble stabilizer method is the best option. With a water-soluble stabilizer, you can directly print the pattern onto it, then place it on your embroidery design.

After you stitch through the stabilizer and fabric, soak your embroidery in warm water. The stabilizer will then dissolve away.

Make sure that your fabric is washable and your embroidery design is colourfast as the method requires soaking.

Pencils and Pens with Heat Transfer

Pen and pencil with heat transfer is also a good option for marking your embroidery design on fabric. They are also good for light and heavyweight fabrics.

Pens and pencils with heat transfer are available in different thicknesses and colours. The ink is activated with the help of the iron heat.

The markings are permanent. The lines of the patterns will not vanish. You need to cover the embroidery completely with the marked lines, so they are not visible. To get the finest results, you can use a fine-tipped transfer pen.

When it comes to using a heat transfer pencil or pen, trace the design on a lightweight paper sheet in reverse. Reverse tracing creates a minor design image that is marked on the paper due to the pressing process.

The quickest and easiest way is to print the pattern, turn it over. Then trace the design at the backside of the paper with the help of a heat transfer pencil. When using a pencil, make sure that they are crisp and sharp. The pattern lines that are transferred to the fabric must be as thin as possible. This way, they won’t peek out from under your embroidery.

Place the paper against the fabric pressing with a hot iron when you transfer the fabric design. Then lift the iron off of the paper before taking it to the next surface. A point to note is not to iron back and forth along with the paper when the image distorts.

Transfer Paper

Another method to transfer designs to thick or dark fabrics is using wax-or-carbon-based transfer paper. It is often referred to as dressmaker’s carbon paper. The lightweight transfer paper is coated with powdery on one side, colour ink that is specifically made for the fabric used. It will wash away the finished design piece.

It is a good practice to use a light-color carbon paper to mark designs on dark fabrics and a dark carbon paper for light-color fabrics. Using the light colour is a good option as if the ink is a bit stubborn when you wash it. This technique is also good for embroidering on wood.

When transferring the design using the transfer paper, you need to lay the fabric on a hard area faced up, such as the kitchen counter. Place the transfer paper at the centre and over the fabric with a waxy ink. Then, place the pattern on the top of the transfer paper. You can transfer the design using the to the fabric with the help of a stylus, an empty ball-point pen or a stylus.

Make sure you press it hard enough with the stylus to transfer so that the design can transfer to the fabric with the paper layers.

Conclusion These are five pragmatic methods to mark the embroidery pattern on the fabric. If you have any questions related to the topic or logo digitizing in general, feel free to reach out to us at MigDigitizing. We will be happy to assist you.

John is a contributor and blogger who loves to share his experience and knowledge about all there is on the internet