Who needs embroidery instructions? How hard can it be? You just put some thread in a needle and stick the needle through the fabric until you have the design you want, right? I must admit, when I first thought about learning embroidering, I thought, how hard can it be? Well, like anything else, it doesn’t have to be hard, but if you have instructions to follow, you can be guaranteed of a finish product you can be proud of. Do I still need embroidery instructions? You bet! I always seem to find something new when I read each and every article I find on the subject.
Below are embroidery instructions that were given to Victorian ladies. As you read them, you may find that some things have changed (such as fabrics or fabric names) but for the most part, the information is as pertinent today as it was back then.
Embroidery Instructions Available To Victorian Ladies
Proper embroidery instructions make the art of embroidering with cotton on linen, muslin, cambric, piqué, & c.c., very easy to learn. By strictly attending to the following instructions, you will find you can make beautiful art that you can be proud of.
The size of the thread and needle must correspond to that of the material on which you embroider; the needle must not be too long, and the cotton must be soft. Messrs. Walter Evans and Co.'s embroidery cotton is the best. Skilful embroiderers never work over anything, because when you tack the material on paper or cloth each stitch shows, and if the material is very fine, leaves small holes; but for those that are learning we should advise them to tack the material to be embroidered upon a piece of toile cirée. If you work without this, place the material straight over the forefinger of the left hand; the material must never be held slantways. The three other fingers of the left hand hold the work; the thumb remains free to give the right position to each stitch. The work must always, if possible, lie so that the outline of the pattern is turned towards the person who works. For the sake of greater clearness one part of the following illustrations is given in larger size than nature. Preparing the patterns is one of the most important things in embroidery, for the shape of the patterns is often spoiled merely because they have not been prepared with sufficient care.
More Embroidery Instructions
If your embroidery project includes flowers, leaves, or other plant subject matter, be sure to read
Principles of Stitch Direction.
By using proper stitch direction, your flowers and other plants will look very realistic!
How to embroider flower stems properly was a concern of all Victorian ladies. This was evident by the number of articles that were written specifically on this subject. Here is an article called
“How to Embroider Flower Stems”
which still holds merit today. Be sure to read this article before you begin your next floral project. You will be able to see a difference in your embroidered pieces once you begin using this information.
To learn specific embroidery stitches or to re-acquaint yourself with various stitches, see the Embroidery Stitchespage. Here you will find over 125 stitches listed. Many are described and have illustrations and instructions. Those that do not, will have soon.
page explains what Victorian ladies used and how they used it. Although products have changed since then, many of the "secrets" are as relevant today as they were during Victorian times!
Unless you have purchased a pre-printed design, you will need to get the pattern on your material. Most embroiderers find this the least exciting part of doing a project but it has to be done. Check out the Transfer Methods page to find a number of ways to do this. Everyone has a favorite. What will yours be?
And last, but not least, check out the Special Designs page. There you will find instructions for embroidery of specific items such as the strawberry, different types of flowers, and other special items. More designs will be added in the future so if you don't see what you want, be sure to check back often.
