putting your image onto a block

First of all, look at the pattern carefully, follow the outlines with your eye, make sense out of every line and know what purpose it serves. This avoids confusion while embroidering later.

The patterns should be traced onto fabric with a washable transfer pen. They are available at most quilt shops, craft stores or fabric stores. A light table is recommended, but if you tape the fabric onto the top edge of the paper then tape that to a brightly lit window, that will work too. Trace carefully and completely, lifting the fabric often to make sure you have included all of the design.

I recommend a 6-inch, spring type embroidery hoop, changing positions often. Don't leave the work in the hoop when you aren't working on it to avoid stretching the fabric. Do not allow the fabric to become wet or damp or the outlines will smear and the pattern will be rendered useless.

Use your favorite brand of 6-strand embroidery floss; all patterns use 2 strands of floss, except for the faces, where 1 strand keeps them looking delicate.

When your embroidery is completed, follow the instructions given with the transfer pen you purchased to remove the ink.

After you wash the block, roll it in a bath towel to remove excess moisture, do not wring. Lay flat on a dry towel to finish drying. Do not stack one on top of the other while wet. When dry, press with a warm iron if necessary.

There are but a few rules in doing any hand work, my favourite is always measure twice before cutting and on that applies to the above blog, practice on some scrap first, have fun XXoo S