Instructions
- Step 1: Apply the topping and stabilizer Apply a water-soluble topping to the design area of the towel while positioning a cutaway stabilizer on the opposite side, out of sight. The topping will ensure your design won’t be lost in the material and dissolves in water, while the stabilizer gives structure and is permanent.
- Step 2: Center the work area Center the work area of the towel, where you applied your topping and stabilizer, inside the embroidery hoop.
- Step 3: Select a heavy thread Select a thicker or heavier thread when stitching on a thick cloth such as a towel to see the design better.
- Step 4: Thread the needle Slip the thread through the eye of the needle letting a few inches dangle, but don’t double up on the string.
- TIP: Keep the amount of thread you are working with short to prevent tangling and cut and knot the end.
- Step 5: Stitch the design Follow the design pattern using a variety of stitches, the easiest and most common being the back stitch. This may take some time, so be patient.
- Step 6: Finish the embroidery Cut any remaining thread with a pair of small scissors and trim the stabilizer. Finally, pop the towel in the washing machine on a delicate setting.
- FACT: The AIDS quilt contains over 91,000 names stitched onto 1.2 million square feet of fabric.
You Will Need
- Topping
- Cutaway stabilizer
- Embroidery hoop
- Heavy thread
- Embroidery needle
- Small scissors
