Embroidery! Is this easy to take up as a hobby?

Embroidery is the art of creating beautiful and intricate designs on cloth. Designs take shape with the help of basic thread, beads, sequins or quills. Embroidery has been in vogue since the period of Ancient Egypt, India and China. Houses adorned with exquisite embroidered objects have been a symbol of prestige and wealth since ages. Modern times have seen the advent of many internet sites offering free embroidery patterns and freebies on their site which has made it easy to create embroidery marvels.

Varieties of Embroidery

Exquisite embroidery art can be created by exploring the different varieties of embroidery.. They are as follows:

Counted Thread Embroidery-

This variety of embroidery is based on the underlying fabric on which stitches are made by taking into account the number of threads which are calculated in advance. This is seen in canvas embroidery.

Free Embroidery-

This variety of embroidery does not depend on the underlying fabric.

Hand embroidery-

Hand embroidery is done manually with hand. It is a traditional form of art that is passed through generations. Each country has its own unique form of hand embroidery that conveys its cultural and traditional heritage.

Machine embroidery-

This form of embroidery is done with the help of age old sewing machine or with the help of computer generated designs. The first computer generating embroidery design system was introduced in the 80's.Since then it has gained popularity and nowadays you can create wonderful designs with the help of the computer. The selected patterns can be easily transferred to the embroidery machines that are computerized with the help of compact discs or cables. The price range of computerized embroidery machine is about 200$. It can be more than 100,000 $ for large scale production.

Customized embroidery-

This type of embroidery helps in creating customized logo and design embroidery on your favorite wear. For every occasion and event, whether it a sports or political campaign you can customize embroidered designs, logos or monograms on your dress. You can choose from a variety of designs offered by the companies offering this service.

EMBROIDERY SOFTWARE

Embroidery software deals with software programs that can create digital embroidery designs that you can simply download to your embroidery machine. These programs help in designing and editing designs as required in a matter of minutes. Embroidery digitalizing software plays a crucial role in embroidery designing. This software brings life into your art with the help of tools like 3D simulator, Edit 11, photo stitch, Auto interactive digitalizing and fonts. Design Maxx by Sierra is one such software. The embroidery digitalizing software has revolutionized the world of embroidery designs. You can even convert your photo into a ready to stitch embroidery design within minutes. All you need to do is to download the software and then scan your image on to the screen, make necessary adjustments, choose the kind of stitch type you want, save the data and transfer it into your embroidery machine to start sewing.

Some of the embroidery software popular in the market is as follows:

• Singer PSW 2.0 Sew-Ware
• Singer PSW 2.0 Options
• Embroidery font's software
• Monogram SP embroidery Software
• Singer future options
• Pantograms Fancyworks studio
• Pantograms Embroidery Type, Library, Volume 1
• Drawings version software
• Janome Giga Hoop kit
• Generations Automatic digitalizing software
• Explorations embroidery software
• Buzz tools embroidery software tools
• Monogram wizard
• Thread box
• Brother PE design 6.0 Workbook and CD

TOOLS and Techniques in embroidery

The basic tools that you need in embroidery are as follows:

• Embroidery scissors
• Embroidery nippers
• Needles
• Embroidery tweezers
• Embroidery nippers
• Seam rippers
• Stitch erasers
• Woolen pallets
• Frames
• Embroidery threads

Choosing the right thread and needle for any particular stitch is important. Special needles with larger eyelets are available for larger threads. For canvas work blunt tapestry needles are used. The wooden frames help in keeping the fabric stiff and in position. You must buy this defenitely.

The techniques used in embroidery are as follows:

Appliqué work-

• This is an embroidery technique in which you add or apply one fabric over another.

Running stitch-

• This kind of embroidery is simple and helps in defining details and outline.

Fill stitch-

• This type of embroidery helps in making patterns

Beading-

• To create a classic look, beads, sequins, crystals, mirrors, svarowski crystals are added to the fabric.

Cornely machine embroidery-

• This machine embroidery technique helps in filling large areas with chain stitch

Monograms-

• customized embroidered motifs and logos can be done

Tambour beading-

• It is used to apply sequins and beads. This technique of embroidery consists of a needle that is hooked.

Tassels-

• Tassels can be added with the help of hand or tambour technique of embroidery.

Pekinese stitch-

• This kind of stitch is found in Chinese embroidery work. It gives a good look.

The various other stitches that you find in embroidery are as follows:

• Split stitch
• Rambler rose stitch
• Algerian eye stitch
• Wheat stitch
• Seed stitch
• Open herring bone stitch
• Shadow embroidery
• Plain blanket stitch
• Bokhara couching stitch

EMBROIDERY TIPS

The following tips will help you to start embroidery:

To select embroidery as a hobby, you must first be fascinated by it. Patience is needed. Complete book of needle craft by Vera .P.Guild is a good guide to embroidery work. Free embroidery patterns are available online. Start with a small basic stitch and then proceed to complicated ones. Buy proper embroidery tools. Practice will make you perfect, never give up!

By making use of the embroidery digitalizing software, free embroidery patterns, and embroidery machines that can generate customized designs, you can create an array of wonderful embroidery designs with ease.

Many people are under the wrong impression that the art is very difficult and only a selected people can do it. However this is not the reality. Lot of people has been able to do it by their own interests. You only need perseverance and put the required efforts to learn the art. If you are successful in this then you will learn the art. There are lots of embroidery classes for beginners to learn the art effectively. If you can refer the local newspaper or telephone directory you will be able to find them. Most of themare short term courses and wont take much of your time. Even if you attend those classes you won't be able to learn the art unless you practice properly. Similarly you must be patient and as well as studious enough to grasp whatever is taught.