There are many fancy ways to embroider names on fabric, but if you’re looking around online, you might get a panic attack looking at them all and trying to wrap your head around the instructions (and if you’re like me, you may just end up shelving the idea altogether for many years!).
The two most obvious options are by hand embroidery and also machine embroidery. If you happen to have a machine with an embroidery hoop attachment plus the various fonts programmed into it, that’ll be one way to get started. Learning how to embroider with a sewing machine itself comes with a steep learning curve, though.
The fastest way to get started is to go old school and embroider the name on fabric by hand. You only need the following items:
- Embroidery needle
- Embroidery thread/floss (I generally use DMC thread. For best results, choose a color that contrasts with the base fabric)
- Fabric base (cotton or linen is preferable for newbies)
- Scissors/thread cutter
- Fabric marker
- Embroidery hoop (optional)
- Iron-on stabilizer (optional – great for use with more delicate fabrics)
Start out by writing out the name freehand, using the fabric marker. Simple block lettering works just fine – if you want to do cursive print, go ahead! Whatever sparks your creativity =) Keep your writing to a decent size with clearly-defined letters – if it’s too small, you’ll have a hard time doing the embroidery (especially if it’s your first attempt). Start with a simple name or nickname (just so you don’t get frustrated at your first ambitious attempt with a super-long name).
If you are using an embroidery hoop, place the fabric between the inner and outer hoops and secure everything together – make sure the fabric is stretched taut before you start embroidering.
Thread your needle. If the name is in large print, you can use multiple strands of thread. Otherwise, one strand is a good place to start. Tie a knot at one end of the thread, choose your starting point and pierce through the fabric from the wrong side.
Use a simple backstitch to go over the name you have written. From Point A (your starting point), bring your needle down to Point B. Pull the stitch tight (but not too tight!) and bring the needle back up at point C. Bring the needle back down at Point A and up at Point D. Repeat the steps all along the writing. Once you have finished, tie off a knot on the wrong side of the fabric. Press the stitches with an iron to secure them and smoothen out any puckers around the embroidery.
That was pretty easy to do, right?
Other options once you’ve mastered this embroidery method:
Draw out the names/words in very large block letters, create an outline around each letter with a simple straight stitch or backstitch, then fill them up with a satin stitch.
You can also use a chain stitch or a stem stitch to trace over the name for a slightly fancier look.
Add on embroidered flowers, leaves or other designs (like a heart!) to decorate the name.
Have fun!