How to Prepare Your Fabric for an Embroidery

Embroidery is all about decorating a piece of fabric to display beautiful imagery. This is usually done using thread and needle. You can also use other materials like beads that will bring out beautiful looking imagery. Embroidery can be done with your hands or a machine. The use of machines is quite common, and it will offer the best result.

There is a wide range of embroidery machines you can try out. Some are ideal for beginners. You can check them out on various review platforms that will also guide you in purchasing the best. There are several processes involved in embroidery work. You have to prepare your fabric correctly to get the best results. Here is how you should go about it.

Ironing

Press down on the fabric while it is slightly damp so you can embroider a cloth without wrinkles. When ironing, make sure the cover of the ironing board or iron is free from dirt. If you suspect dirt, keep a clean ironing cloth on top. You can also sprinkle a little starch to stiffen the fabric slightly. This is an optional step if you are not using the interface.

Cleaning the Edges

To prevent the raw edges from fraying while sewing the embroidery, clean all the edges of your work with a zigzag machine or an overlapping stitch. You can serge the ends if you have a good serger. The other option is to hand sew the edges using a whip stitch. Some people use tape to seal the ends, but this is risky as the glue can discolor the fabric. Using a fray check is also a quick fix option.

Interfacing

Professionals fuse a lightweight interface with the back of the fabric; this will give loose materials the necessary strength to prevent fraying. There will also be less coloring from loose threads showing on the front of the fabric. Always choose an interface that is lighter than cloth.

Pre-Washing

Consider the use that will be given to the item you are embroidering. If it’s a bag or purse, you won’t have to pre-wash the fabric before starting the project. But if the item is to be washed multiple times like a toddler’s dress, you’d better pre-wash the material according to the specified care instructions to test shrinkage and colorfastness. Rinsing will remove the unwanted size. Be careful not to use softeners on the cloth. Following these tips will help you get your fabric ready for embroidery.