Embroidery Quilt Making

Do you like to do embroidery work? Have you done or have you considered embroidery quilt making as the next quilting or art project? Artists will be familiar with this technique as it is similar to pen and ink drawing.

I am directing the information in this article towards the quilter who is planning to use pen and ink drawing for a new or different technique for their embroidery quilt making projects.

You can draw your own pen and ink, copy, or trace from another drawing which has not been copyrighted. Then duplicate the drawing with your threads. Select the colors which will complement your quilt. Select straight stitching or different embroidery stitchery which will give the outline, filler, or texture you desire in the pen and ink drawing.

Stitching by hand, machine, or a combination of both will be your tool choices.

Transfer your drawing onto the quilting square using any of your favorite copying methods.

Use the computer and computer paper
Trace onto lightweight paper, stitch and tear away
Rub on
Use graphite pencil tracing directly on fabric
Any smooth paper will work
Light box

Do not use permanent ink if applying drawing directly on fabric. You will definitely want ink which is water base and will wash away or fade with time. If you wish you may want to think like an artist and consider the qualities of light and shadow and any effects which you wish to create.

If you are not a pen and ink artist, do not be overly concerned. The light or brighter colored fabric will represent the light area and the darker pattern or fabrics will represent the shaded areas. Look at your quilt from a distance and observe if effects are being created by the fabric or its content. Make any necessary adjustments.

Keep your first pen and ink drawings simple.

Review children's coloring books and story books and note the simple illustrations.
Do a drawing to note your abilities.
Abstract designs rather than realistic items may be used.

Keep your finished drawing nearby with its color markings to be your guide.

Having your original drawing with you is very handy when you are mobile. There are times when we grab and run with our quilting supplies and on arrival at our destination we lack our color codes. I keep a copy of my original in my purse.

Types of threads to use in quilting and embroidery:

Cotton - cotton fabrics
Quilting cotton - has a slick wrap around cotton for ease in stitching layers of fabrics
Polyester - stretchy fabrics
All purpose - for all fabrics
Fine cotton or silk thread- best for delicate fabrics
Silk threads - stretch fabrics
Metallic - great for decorating
Rayon - embroidery. Excellent for machine embroidery.

Types of needles:

Sharp - for cotton fabrics because it will penetrate the fiber strand
Ball point - for synthetic fibers because it separates and stitches between the strands of fiber
Metallic - the design of the needle eye allows the thread to pass with less breakage

Be creative quilters. There is no real need for hard rules. Understand how the needles, threads, and fabrics work with each other and build on their strengths. Embroidery quilt making is another creative step to making your quilts unique.

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Tricia Deed, writer for http://www.Infotrish.com brings you through internet marketing hobbies for your leisure, recreation, and business opportunities. I invite you to visit my web pages to review the various hobby companies. Do take advantage of their free giveaways.