Here are a few tips and tricks that I have learned that make things a little easier. I’ll update this page regularly as I learn new things. If you have an awesome tip that we need to know, please email me and I’ll add it here, with a credit!

Don’t have a bobbin for your thread?

Leslie at the Mix suggested using the box your kit came in as a thread holder. We made a reel about it if you want to see me making one! @themodstitcher reel

Stitch Direction:

When you are stitching something that you are filling in, similar to a coloring book, think about the direction that the stitches go. For example, if you are filling in a person’s hair, then the hair should go in a vertical direction generally, since hair fall down, not across. It may seem small but it makes a huge difference in the final piece.

Curved vs. Straight Lines in your design:

This may seem obvious but it’s worth noting that when you are stitching a straight line, your stitch lengths can be longer. When you are making a curved line, the stitches should be smaller so you can simulate the curve better.

Curves while filling with Satin Stitch:

When you are making a curve with Satin Stitch, the inner part of the curve will have less space than the outer part of the curve. This means you need to use the same hole on the inner curve while you move along the outer curve with new holes.

Keeping track of your thread:

I use my notes app on my mac, but any cloud-based note-taking program will work. All the colors I own are written down in numerical order. I also include the number of skeins I have, if I have any backups. It’s a super simple system however it helps me not to overbuy when I am in the store.

The other part of keeping track of your thread is being able to note which threads you run out of so you can use your shopping list in the store. I just add a running list of “Threads Needed” to my notes app as well. That way my sweet husband can pick up threads just as easy as I can if he’s the one out running errands.

Pre-Cutting Fabric:

When I first started, I found that it getting all set up for the project was enough of a hassle that I would just not begin. One aspect of that was the fabric. Once I pinpointed that speed bump, I just precut a lot of fabric squares in various sizes that would then fit into various sizes of hoops. I put the different sizes into labeled bags. Now when I want to do a project, I just choose the size and pop the fabric into my hoop!

Having a Pallette:

When I am working on a project, I take all the threads that I am using out of my organization bins and keep them on a tray, separate from the rest of my thread. I keep these threads out, and any new ones that I use in the project until I am completely finished with the project. This way if I need to touch something up, or can’t remember the specific gray I used weeks earlier, it’s all there together.

I also find this to be a good way to layout and plan the color story I want to use if it’s a more creative project. You can plan out what you want to use beforehand and then you have a working palette for the artwork. Easy Peasy!

Splitting 6-Strand Thread:

Personally, I actually use all 6 strands in 90% of my work. I just like that bold line, similar to using big fat markers versus fine-tipped ones. When I do want to do more delicate work though, I split my threads, usually down to 2 strands. To do this, pinch all 6 strands near an end and pull out one thread at a time from that end. It took me a long time to give in to pulling just one at a time, but after many tangles and wasted threads, I gave in and followed the sage advice of literally everyone. Pull one at a time.

Perfectionism:

One of my favorite things about embroidery is that you don’t NEED to be perfect at all. Tracing the image onto fabric doesn’t have to be perfect or precise. Stitching doesn’t have to be perfect. The less perfect it is, the more handmade and special it will be. Embroidery is a beautiful way to teach yourself to let go. So try it… let go!

Last updated: Feb 8, 2021