By Alyssa Dyar
Ignite Studio’s Embroidery Kit has everything you need to get started practicing hand-stitched embroidery. The art of embroidery is as old as the production of fabric and as ubiquitous, too. Historically a sign of social status, power, or wealth embroidery continues to embellish our lives telling stories, expressing identity, or celebrating beauty.
What’s in Ignite Studio’s Embroidery Kit?
- An assortment of embroidery needles
- Embroidery thread
- Muslin fabric
- Scissors
- Needle threader
- Thimble
- Embroidery pen
- Different sizes and shapes of embroidery hoops
The kit also has a book in it to help you get started. Zakka Embroidery by Yumiko Higuchi has many patterns and projects inside to choose from as well as instruction on basic stitches and materials, tools, and thread recommendations.
How to use the Embroidery Kit
To get started, secure your fabric in your embroidery hoop using the screw to loosen and then tighten the hoop around the fabric.
Embroidery hoops
Next choose the pattern you want to embroider onto the fabric. You can pick one from the book or make your own. Use the chalk pen to trace the pattern onto the fabric. You can draw it on the back of the fabric if you like (the pattern will mostly show through the fabric) or draw it on the front. The chalk drawing will wash out.
Next, choose your thread and separate the strands so that you have thinner thread to embroider with. Having a thinner thread gives the pattern a clean look and assists in finer details being seen. Embroidery thread comes as an eight-stranded thread. Most patterns recommend using 3 of those strands at a time, depending on the size of the pattern and the stitch.
8 stranded thread being separated
After threading your needle, you can get started stitching! Embroidery takes patience, coordination, and planning. It’s a great activity to practice fine motor skills and dexterity–a past-time for the ages at any age!
Interested in checking out Ignite Studio’s Embroidery Kit? Make a reservation to use the kit library at Ignite Studio by calling us at 317.579.0331 or email IgniteReservations@hepl.lib.in.us. Share what you’ve been making by connecting with us on the Hamilton East Public Library Facebook page using #IgniteAtHEPL, and consider joining our Ignite Community Discussion Board. Happy making!
