getting started
HOW TO TRANSFER THE DESIGNS
1. Layer a sheet of tracing paper on top of the embroidery design you wish to transfer from the book. Use a piece of masking tape to hold the paper in place. Trace with a mechanical pencil to copy the design onto the tracing paper.
2. Insert a sheet of carbon chalk paper between the fabric and the tracing paper with the chalk side facing down. Layer a sheet of cellophane on top of the tracing paper. Use a stylus or an empty ballpoint pen to trace over the design again.
3. The pressure from the stylus will transfer the embroidery design onto the fabric. Use a chalk pen to fill in any incomplete lines if necessary.
HOW TO SEPARATE THE EMBROIDERY FLOSS
1. Even if you plan to use all six strands of embroidery floss, it's a good idea to separate the strands prior to stitching in order to help prevent tangles. Start by folding the embroidery floss in half and use the tip of the needle to pull out one strand.
2. Separate the desired number of strands, then recombine them prior to threading the needle.
HOW TO THREAD THE NEEDLE
1. Fold the end of the embroidery floss and insert the needle. Pull the needle upward to form a crease in the floss.
2. Insert the folded end of the floss through the eye of the needle.
3. Draw the folded embroidery floss through the eye of the needle.
HOW TO START & FINISH STITCHING
1. Use the following method to start stitching without tying a knot: Insert the needle through the fabric from the right side of the work, a few inches away from the embroidery design. Leave a 1½" (4 cm) long thread tail, then draw the needle out along the embroidery design.
2. Stitch the embroidery design as noted in the individual instructions. To finish the thread, pass the needle under the stitches on the wrong side of the work a few times, and then trim the excess floss.
3. Rethread the needle with the 1½" (4 cm) long thread tail from step 1. Use the same technique to pass the needle under the stitches on the wrong side, and then trim.
