After the launch of my Hand-Embroidered Swaddle Kits, I received many comments asking about a more beginner-friendly version of the tutorial and if it was even possible.
YES! This is a possibility! I've spent the last week creating a new tutorial for those who are on a more beginner level. Keep reading more below!
This tutorial is essentially the same as the first (find the original tutorial here) but with an easier embroidery stitch. Check out the video and let me know what you think! Keep reading below for a breakdown of the steps and some tips to help!
*I've made the supplies search a little easier and created a kit! It includes everything you need to get started including a personalized piece of stabilizer. Inside, you will find a link to an exclusive landing page, created just for you, where you can choose which tutorial you'd like to follow and find resources and help! Find the full kit here.
Supplies Used:
Swaddle Blanket (more on this below)-  Sugar House Swaddle or from my website
Water Soluble Stabilizer for Embroidery- this brand has been my favorite! This size roll can be used for many, many projects. It's also toxin-free and safe for babies!
Embroidery Hoop (10")- Amazon has sets of these for very cheap that work great for a variety of projects. Â I used the 10" in this project.
Embroidery floss- I usually purchase bundle packs online like this one. DMC is also a great brand if you're at your local craft store. Buy 2 to be safe.
The How-To:
Determine the size of the name you'd like on the blanket. Generally, I'm creating a name that is just big enough to fit inside my hoop, but not so big that I have to reposition it mid-way through. Cut out a piece of stabilizer that is big enough to fit inside the frame and hang over the edges, about 13" long. With your water-soluble pen, draw or trace the name you'd like on the water-soluble stabilizer.
Find out how I create the names in the video above.
Pick the corner you'd like to embroider. Fold that corner in half by bringing the two edge sides together, creating a point towards the corner. Iron a crease here for a center-point reference.
Fold your stabilizer in half, creating another center point. Place the stabilizer on top of the swaddle, matching up the two lines. Place the inside of your embroidery hoop underneath your swaddle and the top of the hoop overtop. Gently pull both layers through the sides of the hoop so it's tight, but not overly stretched. Your center point can still be seen from the backside. Keep referencing this as you pull the fabric carefully on each side to ensure that the center point remains in the middle of the hoop. Here you can see my stabilizer and swaddle are securely hooped:
Let's start stitching over the drawn lines. In the video above, I go into detail about how to achieve a backstitch! For reference, I'm using all 6 strands of the embroidery floss.
Back Stitch Tips:
Consistency is Key: Try to maintain stitches that are all about the same length throughout your work. This will help things to look better! As you go around curves, you will need to shorten your stitch length, but otherwise, try to keep them all about the same.
Straight Stitches: One of the most important tips that I have found with the backstitch is to place your needle exactly in the same hole as the previous stitch. If you're a little off in either direction, your stitched line will look off.
Tension: There needs to be a balance between pulling your stitches tightly but not too tightly. If they're too loose, they will look 'saggy' when you're finished. Too tight, and you will see holes in between your stitches and the swaddle may bunch up. This is where the practice aspect comes in to figure out the perfect consisent tension.
Practice Makes Perfect: Yes...I'm that cliche. But it's true! Practice, practice, practice. Try different materials and see what works and what doesn't work before diving into a swaddle.
Once finished, unhoop and VERY carefully cut away any excess stabilizer. Take care not to accidentally cut through the swaddle (speaking from experience), or pull the stitches too tight (also speaking from experience).
Soak the swaddle in warm water, gently rubbing around the stitches. Rinse well. Carefully ring out the blanket, then gently dry or hang to dry. If your work still feels 'crunchy' or the stabilizer is still on there, simply repeat this last step!
Let me know what you think! Tag me in your work on Instagram @southernsewingcompany
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