Easy embroidery in 4 simple steps

Michelle Staub, pet embroiderer extraordinaire, is here to make your sewing life easier! It was the autumn of 2014 when Michelle, founder of Stitching Sabbatical, decided to sew a portrait of her cat Purrl, after being shocked to discover that no one else offered this customising service already. This was the first of many pet portraits – in fact, Michelle now has over 600 hoops to her name! But what are the secrets to embroidery success? Read on to find out…

1.

One essential element of embroidery is the fabric and fabric tension: “I use cotton twill which is thicker, has the perfect amount of stretch, and is ideal for both heavy and delicate stitch work,” says Michelle. “But if you use a material that is too thin or stretchy, the stitches will cause the fabric to bunch up and the finished hoop won't look as neat or professional.”

2.

For those of you who enjoy thread painting, Michelle suggests: “Use a smaller needle, ideally a size nine or ten, and one strand of embroidery thread at a time. This will ensure that you create precise details.”

3.

If you're stitching on large hoops, or if holding them tires your arms – I know it makes mine ache – consider investing in an adjustable floor stand. Michelle's stand is from Loops & Threads, and it clamps any embroidery project in place while you sit comfortably at your desk.

4.

There are so many types of fabric and thread for embroidering – sometimes it's difficult to know what to use! But what does Michelle have? “All of my work is hand stitched on clean cotton twill fabric, and embroidered with DMC cotton floss.”

Read the full interview with Michelle in the November issue of Sew – on sale tomorrow! The Instagram star chats about how she turned her hobby into a business, and the wonderful world of social media.