Molly and Mama

Studio for Pretty Stitches - Inspiring ideas for Felt, Stitchery and Patchwork

  • Home
  • Start Here!
  • PATTERNS
    • PDF Pattern Shop
    • Paper Pattern Stockists
    • Pattern Corrections
  • TUTORIALS
  • Classes
  • BOOK
  • Contact

How To Transfer An Embroidery Design To Fabric

August 23, 2020 By Lauren at Molly and Mama Leave a Comment

Welcome to part two of my Beginner’s Tutorials for Embroidery. In the last post we looked at all the supplies you will need to get stitching. Now we’re looking at ways to transfer your embroidery design to fabric.

First you’ll need to decide on a design to stitch. This free design below has been used to illustrate the embroidery process in these images and is yours for free when you sign up to my newsletter list.

Here’s the same design, using a different colour palette and backing fabric.

Next, you’ll need to decide what fabric you’re going to embroider. Woven cottons are best. And light coloured fabrics are easier to transfer designs onto. But there are several transfer methods and several different pens you can use, so you are sure to find a method that works best for you.

Trim your fabric to a size that will fit nicely into the embroidery hoop you will be using to stitch with. You can use pinking shears to cut a zig zag edge, to help stop the fabric edges from fraying if you wish.

If you’re going to use fusible stabiliser on the wrong side of your fabric, it is a good idea to add it now. Though it does make it more difficult to trace an embroidery design through, it can be more difficult to remove the pen lines if they’ve been exposed to the heat of an iron. And they will erase completely if you have used a heat erasable pen (I have made that mistake once or twice before).

Cut a piece of stabiliser that is slightly smaller than the fabric piece you will be embroidering on. Follow the manufacturers instructions to secure the stabiliser to the wrong side of your fabric.

Find a Light Source

Have a print out of your embroidery template ready to trace. It’s easiest to trace a template that is back lit (has a light source behind it). I use an electric light pad that lights up. I place the template on it, and then centre the fabric over the light pad before tracing. I secure the template and fabric with washi tape or low-tack adhesive sticky tape.

You can make your own light pad by placing a light source like a torch into a large plastic container. Then sit a sheet of glass (like a cutting board or picture frame glass) on top of the container. This should provide you with a stable surface and good light source for tracing.

Alternatively, you can tape your template to a brightly lit window. Then tape the fabric in position over the template and trace the design using your favourite pen.

Which pen should you use for the design transfer?

There are a number of pens on the market and they all have their advantages (and sometimes disadvantages). They can also have varying results depending on the fabrics they are used with, the fabric weave, the fabric’s chemical content and the colour ink in the pen. I would recommend testing your pen or transfer method on a small section of your chosen fabric, before transferring the full embroidery design.

Sewline Duo Pen System

The Sewline Duo pen system has become my favourite way to trace embroidery designs. You use the hot pink, ceramic tipped pen to trace your design.

After you have finished embroidering your design, you can remove any unwanted lines by drawing over the ink lines with the wedge tipped eraser pen. The clear fluid in the pen dissolves the ink right before your eyes! This system is great for areas that are not too large.

I enjoyed using this pen system to complete this pastel embroidery on a white background.

Heat Erasable Marker

Heat erasable markers are terrific because the lines can easily and swiftly be removed with the heat from an iron or even a hair dryer. So you can cover large areas like quilts, very quickly. However, be careful to keep your fabric away from heat if you haven’t finished your embroidery!

Pilot Frixion Pens are readily available, cost effective and come in a useful range of colours. I found the orange pen showed my wreath design well on this square of blue linen fabric.

Here’s the finished design, stitched with only white thread, and then pressed from the back to remove the ink.

It is important to note that the ink from these pens does not dissolve completely, merely changes colour, which can lead to fine ghost lines remaining on your project, depending on the fabric colour used. So again, always be sure to conduct a trial on your fabric.

Water Erasable Marker

A water erasable pen can leave a lovely light and fine line to stitch, especially if the pen has a ceramic (instead of felt) tip. The pen pictured here is a Sewline Styla. However, if you iron the design after stitching, the pen lines can become difficult to remove. Sometimes I find the blue ink feathers out on the fabric and requires several attempts to remove all traces of the ink.

A clever trick for removing water erasable pen lines is to use a damp paint brush or a water brush (pictured below and favoured by artists). It has a water reservoir in the base that you can release into the brush tip by gently applying pressure to the sides. It’s a terrific mess and fuss free option.

Please note though that a water erasable pen would not be suitable for use on fabrics that are prone to water marking.

Iron On Transfer Pen

This is another clever (albeit permanent) way to transfer your embroidery design onto fabric. Trace the design onto a piece of printer paper.

Using the instructions that come with the pen, place the design face down over the right side of your fabric and iron the paper to transfer the design. Remember that your design will be transferred in reverse so you may need to print your template as a flipped mirror image, or flip your template before tracing. I find this method easy, though the transfer lines are thicker. This method worked wonderfully on this linen.

Here’s the stitching in progress.

Other Methods

There are certainly other methods for transferring embroidery designs and templates to fabric. You can always use a fine point permanent waterproof marker. This is great for projects that will be satin stitched, or where the guide lines for the design won’t be seen when the stitching is complete.

If you need to transfer embroidered details to felt (or other fabrics with rough surfaces), sewing directly through the design that has been traced onto tracing paper is a simple way to get really accurate results. I have written a blog post about it HERE.

If you’re using very dark fabrics, dress makers carbon paper is very useful. You can also print your design onto adhesive products that you can then stick to the front of your fabric, stitch through, and then dissolve in water after the embroidery is complete. The Sulky Solvy product is great for this.

Air erasable pens are also useful for marking designs that are going to be stitched swiftly.

I don’t like to use pencils as I find the graphite can be disturbed as you stitch the design and this can smudge on the fabric or muddy the floss colour. However, Sewline produces pencils specifically for sewing projects and I have found these to work well, especially the coloured pencils like white and pink.

If you have other methods, please be sure to share them. Get in touch or leave a comment. I hope you’ve found the suggestions helpful.

Now that your design has been traced onto fabric, you’re all ready for stitching. Head to my beginners tutorial to find out how to get started. You might also like my Embroidery Stitch Basics tutorial that outlines a range of the basic beginner stitches.

And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter to receive this embroidery template for free!

Happy stitching, Lauren x

Explore more, easy to follow, instant download PDF sewing patterns in the Molly and Mama store.

This post was written by Lauren Wright and appeared first on Molly and Mama https://www.MollyandMama.com.au

Filed Under: Embroidery For Beginners, Tutorials Tagged With: embroidery, transfer pens, transferring embroidery designs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

  • Christmas (37)
  • Christmas Stocking Sew Along (6)
  • Easter (10)
  • Embroidery For Beginners (6)
  • English Paper Piecing (9)
  • Felt Fun (12)
  • Forest Family Quilt Along (10)
  • Holidays (11)
  • Molly and Mama Patterns (54)
  • Pattern and Book Reviews (38)
  • Projects (40)
  • Quilting Help (3)
  • This and That (49)
  • Tutorials (49)

Cart

mollyandmama

Studio For Pretty Stitches
🐝🌸 You’ve seen my pretty floral Serious Se 🐝🌸 You’ve seen my pretty floral Serious Sewist’s Set, but here’s a sweet Liberty Wiltshire version. I love @libertyfabrics tana lawn, especially when it’s paired with linen.

Find out more about this new pattern in the listing details. Tap the photo or head to the shop link in my profile. 

#mollyandmama #serioussewistsset #libertyfabric #libertytanalawn #iloveliberty #libertywiltshire #felt #woolfelt  #feltapplique #appliquebee #feltbee #scissorkeeper #scissorcharm #hexies #hexagons #englishpaperpiecing #epp #handstitched #slowsewing #aurifil #aurifloss #aurifilfloss #embroideryfloss #aurifilartisan
I’m loving @mabletandesigns new collection ‘B I’m loving @mabletandesigns  new collection ‘Birds & Blooms’ for @pbsfabrics. And hand quilting with @aurifilthread embroidery floss is a dream! Can you guess which of my patterns this will become? 

#mollyandmama #mabletandesigns #birdsandbloomsfabric #pbsfabrics #australianflorafabric #australianafabric #cockatoo #parakeet #parrot #stellacushions #fatquarterbundle #fabriccollection #fabricpull #aurifulthread #aurifloss #aurifilartisan #embroideryfloss #aurifilfloss
🐝🤍 It’s here! Thank you so much to those w 🐝🤍 It’s here! Thank you so much to those who have already purchased the Serious Sewist’s pin cushion and scissor charm pattern set. Tap the photo for a direct link, or head to my profile. 

#mollyandmama #serioussewistsset #felt #woolfelt  #feltapplique #appliquebee #feltbee #scissorkeeper #scissorcharm #hexies #hexagons #englishpaperpiecing #epp #handstitched #slowsewing #missrosesisterviolet #rileyblakedesigns #iloverileyblake #rileyblake #roseandvioletsgardenfabrics #aurifil #aurifloss #aurifilfloss #embroideryfloss #aurifilartisan #fatquarterbundle #roseandvioletsgardenfabric
🦜🌼 On the cutting table this week is this su 🦜🌼 On the cutting table this week is this summery fun Australiana collection called Birds & Blooms from @mabletandesigns for @pbsfabrics. It’s described as combining classical botanical illustration styles with a modern, trend-worthy colour palette. And it’s so true! Check with @pbsfabrics for stockists near you. 

I love all of Mable’s designs, this one especially! What should I make? 

#mollyandmama #mabletandesigns #birdsandbloomsfabric #pbsfabrics #australianflorafabric #australianafabric #cockatoo #parakeet #parrot #gumblossom #fatquarterbundle #fabriccollection #fabricpull #aurifulthread #aurifloss #aurifilartisan #embroideryfloss #aurifilfloss
How sweet does Miss Maisie Pin Cushion look sittin How sweet does Miss Maisie Pin Cushion look sitting here on this cute ‘I Spy’ style doll’s quilt?  It’s based on the Rising Sun mini quilt pattern from @blossomheartquilts’ book ‘Mini Masterpieces’. You can see more photos and find links to the book on my latest blog post (there’s a link in my profile). 

Miss Maisie is part of the Miss Molly And Friends Pin Cushion Pattern in my store. Tap the photo for a link. She’s quick to stitch, lots of fun to make and comes with two other friends; Miss Molly and Miss Kitty. 

#mollyandmama #missmollypincushion #missmollyandfriends #missmaisiepincushion #felt #woolfelt #feltpincushion #applique #appliqué #appliquequilt #ispyquilt #minimasterpiecesbook #blossomheartquilts #aurifilartisan #aurifilthread #aurifilfloss #aurifloss #blanketstitch #rawedgeapplique #quiltersofinstagram #makersgonnamake
🪡✂️💗 Thank you so much for your wonderfu 🪡✂️💗 Thank you so much for your wonderfully positive response to my Serious Sewist’s Set. The pattern is now live! Visit the link in my profile to head to the store 🐝💕.

#mollyandmama #serioussewistsset #serioussewistspincushion  #felt #woolfelt  #feltapplique #appliquebee #feltbee #scissorkeeper #scissorcharm #hexies hexagons #englishpaperpiecing #epp #handstitched #slowsewing #missrosesisterviolet #rileyblakedesigns #iloverileyblake #rileyblake #roseandvioletsgardenfabrics #aurifil #aurifloss #aurifilfloss #embroideryfloss #aurifilartisan #fatquarterbundle #roseandvioletsgardenfabric
💗 Have you started the year with some English p 💗 Have you started the year with some English paper piecing? The weekly #sipteaandepp party is continuing with the lovely Larisa from @stitchingnotes and this year I’m making way for the very talented Irina from @nordiccrafter to become the new co-host. Please go and visit the profiles of these clever creatives to learn all about what 2021 holds for #sipteaandepp. The girls have some exciting plans in place and I know you’re going to love it!

This week’s theme is all about Introductions, where you’re encouraged to share a few random facts about yourself. So here’s a little about me. 

🤍 Before starting this wonderful journey into sewing, I was a primary school teacher

🤍My first degree was a bachelor of Behavioural Science / Psychology

🤍 I’ve been crafty for as long as I remember but I also love art, illustration, gardening and baking

🤍 I’m not a traditional tea drinker (which was a little strange as the co-host of #sipteaandepp 😂 

🤍 I’m inspired mostly by colour and nature. I’m drawn to anything muted, delicate, pastel, pretty, dainty and floral. Yet nothing in my home or wardrobe would give you that impression! 

With so many new followers joining me in the new year, I’d love to know more about you. And if you have any questions for me, feel free to ask! Lauren 💗
🌸💚 I’ve had lots of requests for informati 🌸💚 I’ve had lots of requests for information about pattern releases and more. The best way to stay in the loop is to sign up for the fortnightly newsletter. That way you’ll also get the new release discount code. And you’ll even get this embroidery design as a FREE PATTERN! 

It’s just a friendly space where I share previews of my current projects, a tutorial or pattern, and some of your makes for added inspiration. I’d be thrilled to have you join me. I’m also working on the next free pattern, which gives you a taste for what my projects are all about - beginner techniques with beautiful finishes, so everyone can experience sewing success! 

Head to my profile for the sign up link. There’s a new felt freebie coming soon 💗

#mollyandmama #embroidery #freeembroiderypattern #freeembroiderydesign #handembroidery #handstitched #freepattern #freeproject #floralwreath #floralwreathembroidery #flowerwreath #flowerwreathembroidery #aurifil #aurifilthread #aurifilartisan #aurifilfloss #embroideryfloss #spoolofthread #embroiderersofinstagram #embroideryhoop #embroideryhoopart #stitchersofinstagram #makersgonnamake #makersgonnashare #craftersgonnacraft #happystitching #slowstitching
Honey bees are so amazing! I really wish I wasn’ Honey bees are so amazing! I really wish I wasn’t allergic. So while we gave my father in law a hive, we keep native Australian stingless bee hives instead. And they are the friendliest little creatures. I love finding sewing inspiration from our garden 🐝💐

This scissor fob is part of the Serious Sewist’s Pin Cushion Set. Find it in the store or tap the photo for a direct link 🥰

#mollyandmama #felt #woolfelt #feltapplique #appliquebee #feltbee #scissorkeeper #scissorfob #scissorcharm #hexies hexagons #englishpaperpiecing #epp #handstitched #slowsewing #missrosesisterviolet #rileyblakedesigns #iloverileyblake #rileyblake #roseandvioletsgardenfabrics #aurifil #aurifloss #aurifilfloss #embroideryfloss #aurifilartisan #fatquarterbundle #serioussewistsset #roseandvioletsgardenfabric
Follow on Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
© Copyright 2020 - Molly and Mama