These are the basics of making your very own embroidery art, step-by-step. This is by no means the only way to do this, but these are the basics. It’s how I do 95% of my own work so I can say it works for me. I hope it works for you too!

Finishing:

1. Once you finish your piece, admire it and give yourself a pat on the back.

2. Remove your ink lines in the way recommended by the pen manufacturer. I use a hairdryer since I use the erasable pen I recommend in the “Favorite Tools” article.

3. Pull the fabric as taut as you can, making sure to keep your design centered.

4. Flip your work over so you are looking at the back of it.

5. Sew a running stitch along the extra fabric that is on the outside of the hoop all the way around.

6. Cut the thread with long enough tails so that you can tie it in a tight knot.

7. Tie a tight knot. Having an assistant to hold the knot halfway through will help here.

8. Cut excess fabric away if you have a lot.

9. Snap a photo and use the hashtag #themodstitcher so I can see your work!