How to Design Simple Embroidery Pictures

Designing your own embroidery patterns can allow you to create meaningful and personal designs. Embroidery pictures tend to be of your child’s artwork, pictures of your pets, or any image that carries sentimental value. Simple embroidery pictures are often found on baby onesies, adult t-shirts, towels, and pillows.

Supplies needed:

• Paper


• Pencils


• Colored pencils


• Photo editing software


• Printer


• Dressmaker’s tracing paper


• Carbon paper or thin paper


• Fabric


• Embroidery floss


• Embroidery needles


• Small scissors


• Embroidery hoop

1. Find a photo or picture that is your inspiration for your embroidery pattern. Examples of a picture to be used for embroidery can be a garden flower or even a design that you have drawn. If you do decide to draw your own design, keep your lines simple and clear.


2. Open and resize your image with photo editing software. Print out your image.


3. Using thin tracing paper, trace your image; you can also tap the image to a well-lit window. Standard pencils or colored pencils should be used to trace your image, depending on your embroidery picture.


4. Transfer your designs to fabric by using carbon or dressmaker’s tracing over the fabric. Lay the embroidery picture on top and trace through all of the layers. You can also pin the tracing paper design to your fabric. When the embroidery is complete you can tear away the tracing paper.


5. Use two to four strands of embroidery floss to work your design. A variety of stitches can be used to add texture and depth to your embroidery design. Satin stitches are used to fill large areas, chain stitches can outline shapes, and lazy daisies and French knots accent your design.