For many of us, trying to accurately print a template onto fabric is the most difficult part of working an embroidery design. It can feel almost impossible to trace through thicker materials and other methods can also also go awry. Save time and effort by using a rubber stamp to print out your pattern – they are quick and easy to use, with endless designs to choose from. Here are three festive ideas to get you started!
Create cute rubber-stamped embroidery panels
Lay out the white cotton fabric and press with a hot iron. Pick your desired rubber stamp and press it into a pale shade of ink. Position the stamp above the cotton, making sure there is at least a 5cm border around the design on all sides, and press the design down firmly on the fabric.
Repeat step 1, stamping the design as many times as required, re-inking between each impression and leaving a wide border between each image. This will ensure each design can be cut out each accordingly to create the lavender sachet, pouch and gift bag.
Allow the ink to dry fully before placing the fabric in an embroidery frame. Cut lengths of embroidery thread to 40cm and begin to stitch over the first stamped design, using two strands at a time. Use a short backstitch to work over basic outlines, and French knots to cover dots. Shading can be created using a long and short stitch.
Once the design is complete, release the fabric from the frame and move it across to allow the next print to sit in the centre. To protect the delicate threads of the first design from the frame place a scrap piece of material over the area before tightening the hoop.
Once all of the stamped images are stitched, press the fabric again on the reverse and cut into panels. Turn the edges of each panel under by 5mm and press the hem, securing with fusible interfacing if desired. The embroidered panels are now ready to use as decoration on a selection of gifts.
Create a robin sachet
Cut a 12cm by 22cm rectangle of striped lilac cotton, fold in half and