Are You Using The Right Fabric? Which material or fabric to use for hand embroidery?

[@LoveMusic-pd5iz]

I'm now over 70...in my 20's I embroidered on handkerchiefs, home decor and my children's and friend's clothes. Along the way, I stopped my embroidery but want to take it back up again. I want to start with hankies and am so happy to find your great information.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

It's like riding a bike, you may be a bit rusty at first but you don't forget!

[@221b-Maker-Street]

How are you getting on? 🤗

[@LoveMusic-pd5iz]

@@221b-Maker-Street Thank you for asking! I gave up for several months, then started back up. Very slowly...cataracts are worse. I'm now looking for a larger magnifier! But I decided I won't give up this time. How is YOUR embroidery doing?

[@Janetkaylila]

Quick question regarding silk: I find when I sew on silk I get runs in the fabric. Anyway to avoid this?

[@solarwinds-]

Me too, I'm almost 70 and getting back into it. My friends used to ask me to embroidery on their clothes as well. I'm an old hippie you know.

[@Joanne555]

OMG! Embroidery on eggs!! What an amazing talent you have! I am not very creative but when I see your work and videos I want to try everything you do!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Yeah, I only did that twice!

[@ivorybow]

When you showed your embroidered eggs, all I could do was bow in respect. You are in a league I think neither I nor very many will ever achieve. Amazing!

[@anitaelghandor7295]

I embroided,50 years ago, forgotten quit a bit,thank you so much,for going over the best fabrics,to use😁😁🌟🌟🌟

[@kmorelli5627]

I have been watching your videos and want to say that you are an excellent teacher! Thank you for all the information. It has helped me so much! I’m retired and learning a new skill set.

[@marygillespie664]

You have the most soothing voice. Thank you so much for all the great information you shared on this video.

[@lydiabosley9152]

I have to say, I really appreciate your beautifully manicured nails and it is a privilege to watch your pretty hands at work! Also, the blouse you are wearing in this one is lovely, and I am waiting to hear (still watching the video) if you say anything about it, I'm guessing that you have made it yourself?

[@maryann2692]

God Bless you for giving us all the free designs ❤😊

[@Tillys_Travels]

You are definitely much more glamorous in later videos than earlier. I love your sparkling nail varnishes too. 😍

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I don't think anyone has ever described me as glamorous Claire! We try to improve everything constantly...:)

[@cathykrueger4899]

I love the eggs!!! I learned so much from this video. I have been struggling with what kind of fabric to use and I was limiting myself to just a few I knew were commonly used. Now I have a lovely excuse to head off to the fabric store. 🤗

[@sandyp2485]

Your denim jacket reminded me of a denim jacket done for my late husband many years ago. This jacket was the one he always wore when out on his motorbike. He wanted the whole jacket back embroidered and together we worked out a design. It was a spider web done in sunset/sunrise colors with a road leading to the center. It had something like 12 legs of the spider web of which two were taken up with the applique road made of Naugahide, and artificial leather. I stitched the web its spokes and rounds with three strands of DMC and at every intersection of spokes and round, I put in a French knot. It was a fairly large and long project as you can imagine, but it turned out fabulously--yes, even the French knots. He got many compliments from friends and even more from complete strangers; many compliments were accompanied by requests (which I did not accept because of the time involved and people don't like the price). That jacket lasted many washes over many years. The stitching was still bright when I sadly relinquished it to a charity shop after his passing. Aside from that I've put embroidery on pillow cases, some other clothing items, a few linen calendars, doll clothes, handkerchiefs, and a few kitchen towels. Years ago, when my husband and I had a huge tent that looked like everyone else's I wanted to cross stitch our name on the screen door; it had holes so I thought it would be easy. That never happened because between one camping season and another, a baby came and time was scarce. My current slightly different project is stitching the names of the grandchildren on the taffeta cuff of their Christmas stocking. I was first going to do it on my machine but then I thought of all the marvelous stitches that can be done by hand so I've been looking for just the right stitch and just the right alphabet to match their personalities. That taffeta will be a challenge of its own since that kind of fabric frays exceedingly easily. Plus, like velvet and leather, you only get one chance to place the stitch correctly or you get a hole that won't go away. (Don't ask how I know. 😂) Yes, I do regular cross stitching from charts or kits or crewel work. But I do love a challenge so my latest thing is finding chart reproductions of really ancient works from the 1600s and 1700s where huge varieties of stitches and motifs are used. And if I come across anything else that needs a needle and thread put through it, I will. I've not tried gold work but it's on my list of things to try along with various types of white work.

[@fiberjazz]

Embroidery on egg shells? With beaded spangles??? You are my hero!!! 💖 Thank you for the great overview of all these fabrics and their uses; seeing your projects on the different fabrics and your descriptions of the hand of the fabrics are especially helpful. The unusual fabrics are really tantalizing. The sheer muslin-like fabric with the goldwork and beetle wing embroidery makes me swoon. The cotton velvet with the goldwork is also gorgeous. I think I need to learn how to do goldwork so that I can give some of these a try!

[@jamiecampbell2637]

Thanks

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you for your support Jamie x

[@laurent3415]

Thank you for spelling out the names of fabrics that might not be common. That's super helpful when looking for fabrics that are mentioned in videos.

[@MishaMishaSoprano]

🎯💯

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

A fun chat to listen to while I hand quilt! Thank you for this video, it was informative!!

[@GanganDi]

This was so fun! I love the embroidered eggs! Very creative!

[@paulafrypaulaf2660]

Very interesting. And the eggs are lovely!

[@yarnexpress]

When I was first learning embroidery I would practice on well washed pillow ticking. The stripes are so helpful. Something I saw & always wanted to try. A reproduction of 18/19th century American Sampler stitched on burlap. Since the cross stitch is counted using burlap, results in 4' to 6' sampler. The thread used was tapestry wool. Given my aging eyesight, I'm thinking I'll give it a try.

[@mireadossantos4610]

Amazing your work on the eggs, very interesting 😊

[@scottfamily865]

I’m amazed at your blouse. I joined your channel over it. It looks like you took a nice blouse and embroidered it so beautifully, I love it!

[@christineheslin5702]

Thank you Professor Homfray

[@carolentringer8836]

Wow! The eggs are very pretty. So much great information. Thank you. 🪡

[@tchamp2ya]

Always enjoy your videos. ❤

[@anndotsey1910]

Sarah, thank you so much for this very comprehensive tutorial on different types of fabric and their application for embroidery. I am 77 years old…an old dog, who has just now learned some new tricks. I am currently trying my hand at wool appliqué and embroidery. Do you have a tutorial on just that?

[@Jen-CelticWarrior]

I think it could be interesting to do embroidery on multiple translucent layers of fabric and then place them on top of each other. This would be rather like doing glazes of acrylics when painting.

[@inekeklijn]

Nou je hebt al veel geprobeerd, en zoveel prachtige werkstukken wauw, thank you😍

[@darleneladeau9335]

Linen is one of my favorite especially with counted cross stitch. I’m loving learning more designs that you are explaining. I’m an a avid Quilter and counted cross stitcher. ❤

[@svetlanabarrow6026]

Thank you Sarah! So many great ideas. Those Easter eggs you made such an intricate work. Amazing!👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@jennypockets]

Calico, such a versatile underrated fabric. I love it, it's so easy to use. As for synthetics, very good quality needles are a must.

[@Rosemary-go9wj]

Wow! Embroidered eggs! I'm amazed. 😮

[@ekaterinanazarenko1193]

Thank you so much for sharing your invaluable experiences with all of us! I will be eternally thankful to you for your KZbin Channel, your books and everything you make ❤

[@Thiriously]

I got into embroidery more for using it as decoration on other things. In particular for minky plushies. However, I don't have the tools to do it the usual way which is with plastic and stablizer and all that with a sewing machine. So instead I'm stitching it by hand and intend to heatnpress and sew it on when I'm done. I'm actually embroidering right now on Midweight stablizer that my best friend sent me. I have mostly just minky and faux fur (a very small collection) and I didn't really have cotton or felt or anything to use as I'm just barely venturing into fabric and sewing. It's actually working pretty well so far. The stablizer is delicate and transparent but I'm using wash away transfer stablizer. So I print it out, stick it on to the stablizer and embroider. So the actually process is pretty sturdy (though I really dislike using the transfer because it's sticky and a little thick.) I really look forward to trying the stick and pounce method. i.imgur.com/gsGTuGDl.jpg - This is a link to what I'm working on. They're for a little kitty plushy for my best friend. It'll be my first fabric plushy and hopefully it'll leave me with some left over Anti-pill fleece to play with ^-^ Let me know what you think, I've struggled a while trying to figure out how to do this by hand. I really struggle to get my satin stitch straight so instead I used the split stitch technique you taught me and left that as a border. I didn't try it til the eye so unfortunately the second eyebrow is going to be a bit of a nightmare. I really hope the prick and pounce could work for this sort of design because getting the needle to come up exactly where I want to is really difficult with how thick the transfer is.

[@barbaracabrera207]

Great video. Thanks for the unusual ideas. Embroidery on a real egg!!! Crazy cool. And beautiful. Austin,TX USA

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Yes it was a bit of a mad moment Barbara!

[@debgriffiths6357]

Incredible video. Thank you so much. Very informative & inspiring. You are SO creative. Loved the egg work!

[@susannekalejaiye4351]

I think I watched my first of your excellent videos last week. Now I've downloaded some of your free patterns (and will observe your requests) and tomorrow I will buy some floss. Fabric abounds here. My earlier embroidery forays have been less than satisfactory, but I so appreciate your clear presentations and I think I need the "simple" things. Fabrics abound in my stash, linen, cotton and a few other things. I spin (hand spinner - mostly wool, preferably rare breeds) and have done some cotton, silk, linen, nettle... Understand your reaction to synthetic fibers! The slubs in the silk you mention is because the silk was not reeled. The silk I spin hasn't been reeled either - I neither have the set up nor interest to reel silk. Anyhow. thank you again for providing genuinely interesting content in a very approachable and personable manner.

[@cordulagawenda7804]

Oooh what a beautiful blouse 😍🥰🥰🥰 a self-made work of art ❣great ❣great ❣great ❣ You are a real artist!👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I have to confess I didn't so the embroidery on the blouse Cordula, some other talented person did!

[@cordulagawenda7804]

Oh sorry, but I'm sure it could be yours❣👍🏻🥰

[@mireadossantos4610]

I use calico for embroidery, painting and patch work. I like the natural look of it that's the reason why I use it most of the time.

[@ld844]

Oh this is great, thank you! This is a question I have often asked myself.

[@solarwinds-]

Oh goody! I was glad when you said Calico was a good one to use. It's plentiful and cheap around here. I like the way it looks too. I use it to see if a clothing pattern fits me so I got lots on hand. I may not have to buy any.

[@mailie6403]

A very enjoyable video to watch. The eggs are precious.

[@wandagrayson646]

I wished I’d seen this video when I first started. So helpful. Just one thing you didn’t mention is silk organza for tambour and stumpwork. Definitely don’t want to use the synthetic organza for tambour. Btw, I love the set!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Glad someone has noticed the new set Wanda, it took us ages! We talk about tambour materials separately in the tambour videos; it's a whole beast of it's own!

[@joycemagdalene7950]

Hello Sarah! I am glad to see you again. Thanks for all the wonderful info.

[@heden1460]

This is funny because I was just looking at some cross-stitch patterns that called for canvas and I didn't know what it was. Beautiful work. the work on the eggs is amazing. I didn't know that could be done.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

If you can make a hole in it you can stitch on it Heather!

[@LindaTate-vb5fw]

Thanks so so much. Now I know I can try anything!! Just live your videos.

[@valeriesilva4573]

Really love the work on the eggs beautiful!

[@rebeccal786]

This is a wonderful video. I learned so much. Thank you. I know you expect us to be blown away by your last item - which I am - but I’m also blown away by all of your samples. You are a great artist and teacher. Thank you for including links to your various projects. I’m looking forward to trying them.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you Rebecca!

[@MamaEuny]

I love English smocking and always try to think of innovative ways to play with smocking. I once made smocked leaves using that gold colored metal mesh. Just made them really long so they pleated up to a normal shaped leaf...similar to an ash tree leaf. I used the smocking stitches with silk twist ( similar to perle cotton) to simulate the leaf veins. It was so much fun to see the idea in my head come to life.

[@rms5032]

I LOVE the peacock feather! Beautiful!

[@judihart9658]

Any fabric I want.😊🙂💖👍😎

[@mariasetti2496]

Thankyou Sarah.Its great to have all of this information on one chanel.Love the feather on the jacket.

[@joannakracher9507]

What about paper/cardboard? I am a beginner and I use cardboard for now to practice my stitches, before I move on to more valuable materials. I cut open empty tissue boxes and use whatever is printed on them as patterns. It works and it actually looks nice, even though I am just a beginner, so I can only imagine what you would be able to do with it. The only problem I had with paper is that you don't see where the needle is about to poke through, but I stab the cardboard from above and then put the needle through the prepared hole from below.

[@ButtonsH]

Very informative thank you Sarah and yes U agree I was expecting to see organza as well. Great explanations about all the fabrics - to a newbie this is most helpful.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Thank you ButtonsH, glad you found it useful! Organza comes under the sheer fabrics part!

[@bgood6930]

You are a treasure Sarah! Thank you for your invaluable advice. You are so through.

[@konulaslan]

I saw embroidery on leaves but on eggs, that's quite new to me. 👌👌👌👍👍👍👏👏👏😍😍😍 You're absolutely right: we can embroider on anything that our needle is able to go through. 25.03.2022, 23:11

[@windlessoriginals1150]

Thank you

[@NannyOggins]

Oh my goodness, those Indian shoes! I don’t think I will be using velvet cotton is about my limit atm! Thanks very much Sarah, I really enjoy the little bits of historical info you give us. I’d welcome a video about ancient technique’s and materials if you ever want to make something a bit different!

[@veemcg3682]

Just enjoyed this lovely video and happy to become a new subscriber and watch some more of your videos Sarah! I'm keen to begin embroidery again as it is something that I used to enjoy man years ago. God bless from vera in Northern Ireland

[@helenmartinmusictuition]

Wow! The painted goldwork egg is amazing. Stunning. Really beautiful. Congratulations, outstanding creation ❤️

[@marygillespie664]

What about the blouse you are wearing? It looks quite beautiful.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I meant to mention the blouse and I forgot Mary! Embroidery on sheer fabric :)

[@SharonH11100]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery I was waiting for you to talk about that too. The lovely blouse is very flattering on you💁🏼‍♀️💞

[@theresamuetzel5587]

This video was sooo helpful. I have acquired several different fabrics and i have lots of thread, and i have been very confused as what thread goes with what fabric. Thank you so much!

[@richaharlalka8070]

Could you pls share basic instructions on how to embroider metallic thread on tulle fabric. Would be a great help ❤

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

See my video on using metallic threads...

[@DarlaKeller]

Thanks for such a thorough review of fabrics and their uses; your take on the experience of stitching on them

[@anniehague1554]

Thank you so much. This tutorial, like all of them, opens up my fabric collection and the possibilities. Best regards.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

You can stitch on anything Annie!

[@loribreeuwsma]

I did stitch on birch bark and made a bracelet out of it. I had done quill work first and figured, why not thread. That was about 25 years ago and it is still going strong although I don't wear it that much. Love the eggs, very tricky to do. Thank you for all the tutorials, I am very glad I found your channel.

[@ragathnor326]

Even weave linen is also good for cut and drawn thread work. Be aware that not all linen is even weave. Linen made for garments is not even weave and if used for counted work you stitches will be rectangular. You can do counted work on eveweave as fine as 50 ct...with magnifier of course! Lovely video with lots of information. Am glad that I discovered your channel.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

I do talk about those points in the video Ragath, it is the thing I get asked the most about linens I think!

[@jacquiliddell7680]

Very impressed with the eggs, I have found you and subscribed so just wading through your vids x

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Welcome onboard Jacqui!

[@annazann7236]

Interesting. I'd like to learn embroidery for a practical use, not as a pure decoration piece. It means embroiding anything but standard plain weave cotton or linnen, as majority of my clothes are mare from other materials. Currently testing different stitches and thread thickness on boiled wool :)

[@amandajane8227]

I have just used a piece of scrap wild silk. That was a joy to embroider. Shame I have very little of it left.

[@martaculp6742]

I just loved the gold work on the egg! So creative. Thanks for the explanation on different materials, very informative .

[@fleurdrose5504]

Really comprehensive and enjoyable! Thanks, I have learned much from your many tutorials.

[@MDPDIY]

Vídeo muy bueno y muy detallado. Muchas gracias!❤️🌹

[@jwaifihogjojtio9198]

Wonderful Sarah

[@ladylee8364]

wow im so impressed with the egg thank you for sharing and your videos are wonderful im learning so much as im a neewbie to embroidery

[@farrenrohana]

I'm about to stitch a shawl I'm making out of faux suede. The fabric hasn't arrived yet but I think I'll probably be backing it with something. Wish I could attach pics here. You should see the weeping willow tree I did on my jean jacket.

[@elizabethsawyer5906]

Thank you so much . Those eggs are fabulous and the explanation about the different fabrics was very helpful.💕

[@clairebacchi360]

You are a fabulous embroiderer. I love all your helpful advice. Thank you so much 😊🌻🌼🌺

[@ΔΗΩ]

🌺Wonderful video thank you!!!

[@DraculDantes]

I’ve been collecting several of your videos to reference for a project I hope to practice for and finish. These have been very helpful and certainly boost my confidence with stitching. Thank you for all these informative videos!

[@katyb2793]

😱😱😱 the eggs are amazing!!

[@helenreidt3315]

Thank you...I have been a cross stitcher for years but am branching out to 'proper' embroidery so this is great info.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

You have all the skills then to leave the safety of the holes Helen!

[@kayculwell3879]

I've been embroidering on a lot of denim lately, love the video.

[@sandramyer7081]

Which are better to use a common fabric to start - what is calico? that you recommended? Also the needles are preferred with your embroidery? Too many questions😂❤️💕

[@maaikepowell6009]

I have just found your channel Sarah - thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful knowledge. You cover so much and it’s so interesting!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Welcome onboard Maaike!

[@meenakhandelwal7213]

Thanks sarah for valuable tips

[@hazelfrancis9678]

Thank you, such great information.

[@lorismith6517]

Wonderful Sarah! Thank you for the tips for stitching on velvet. I have a project I want to try on that fabric.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Buy cotton velvet not silk velvet Lori if you can, you will thank me later! :)x

[@lorismith6517]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Thank you Sarah! I will be sure to follow your expert guidance!

[@adhaincroi]

Thanks it was lovely to see all the different fabrics and media. I stitch quite a lot but my primary passion is jewelry and I have actually stitched on the fine metal mesh with thread and a studier metal mesh with thin wire, telephone wire has lots of colors and gives a great effect. I haven't had a chance to try bending it much, but with fine with the thread makes for interesting beads and wraps for other metal components. The sturdier is probs more suited to sculptural pieces or smaller flat pendant or earring pieces.

[@IrishTextileCraftsandMore]

Thank you for your videos. I am going to give embroidery a try. I needle felt and wet felt. So now I will try this. Your great at educating and easy to listen to..

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Embroidery on felt looks really good Krista!

[@cindyevans219]

Love your eggs !! So Precious … i read somewhere on the web that somebody stitched on bread 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️…lol. Who am I to judge 😜 thank you for sharing 🌸🌺🌸

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Google it Cindy, it's pretty funny!

[@judithhope8970]

This was very interesting thank you. Are spangles what us old people call sequins? I've only recently discovered you and have been binge watching. You are so clear and concise and demonstrate everything so clearly. Thank you so much. xx

[@pamfrank3962]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Very interesting and informative.

[@kayrichardson6040]

This is a wonderful video, Sarah, and I love your blouse!

[@marijkeschellenbach2680]

Do you add the backing, doubling the fabric in essence, while you are stitching or after the work is done, like in quilting. Your instructions on all of your videos, which I have been binge watching, are just terrific. Lots of stuff I didn't know and glad I learned about!!!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

Before you start stitching! Check out my video on backing fabric...

[@marijkeschellenbach2680]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery So sorry, I had not seen this video until I started binging all (I think) of your videos. I had never heard of backing embroidery but it sure makes a lot of sense after you explained why. Thanks for all of the excellent information and tips you provide for us.

[@sylviethibodeau4308]

Love, love, love all your videos! So informative. I’ve stitched on, Aida, eve weave, linen, silks and tulle. After watching this video, I am eager to try some unconventional fabrics! Thank you!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

It sounds like you have lots of experience Sylvie and are ready to challenge yourself!

[@babablackiesheep]

I've seen some beautiful colors of cotton duck fabric. Is that able to be stitched on?

[@junee9466]

Thanks so much, Sarah! This is exactly the video I have been hoping for! Fantastic, so helpful.

[@Cooky_5580]

Very helpful!

[@christinenewell2679]

Very excellent video, thank you very much. I’ve used all sorts of fabric over the years but I’ve never used an egg!!!!!! I must tell you about a disaster I had one time with velvet…… I had bought many yards of velvet to make a single curtain for my front door. It was floor to ceiling in the hall and I had to sew 2 lengths together. You can guess, I’m sure:), what happened, I machined sewed one length to the other UPSIDEDOWN. When you shook it out and hung it over the ironing board, one looked the gorgeous, deep red and the other looked dark orange. I can still hear my mother’s voice saying, “I told you velvet could be tricky”. Lesson learned for sure but I have to say, 40 + yrs, washed many times, line dried and still as gorgeous as it was when new. Granted it’s against a dark wall and it’s had no sunlight damage, yes I still love it and it has a good time at Christmas. I was pricing velvet recently and was shocked…. my old curtain would have been out of price range 2021! I absolutely love all your videos, have only recently discovered them so thank you for giving me so much pleasure.

[@jeanettereynolds3151]

An egg? Must have missed something lol

[@christinenewell2679]

@@jeanettereynolds3151 if you watch it to the very end you will see that Sarah ‘blew’ an egg, dried it and pierced little holes to stitch through. She has done two of them and made them into very pretty, delicate ornaments for hanging on branches or a Christmas tree. (I use the polystyrene ones)🙂.

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

You need to watch the whole video Jeanette!

[@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery]

An easy mistake to make Christine!! Did you undo it and turn it around?! I was making a pair of trousers once and made two left legs.... I'm glad you are enjoying the videos, welcome onboard!

[@christinenewell2679]

@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery yes, I had to unpick the whole length of the curtain and turn it around😱. It put me off dressmaking for my two little girls using velvet.

[@hungeroflions]

10/10 great information!

[@cacaualbert]

Love it Sarah, Thank you so much❤, I stitched some paper, and ceramics can be stitched too, (holes must be made previously, of course) another thing was some fiber emballage I made, I embroidered to create texture. Once, I saw some colleage embroidering leaves. 😘