You've bought your kit or supplies and now you want to get started with the exciting bit, the stitching!
Step 1: I'm using one of my embroidery kits as an example for this tutorial, you need to take these 3 items from your kit.
fabric embroidery panel - batting - embroidery hoop
Step 2: Place the batting down first and then place the fabric panel over the batting. Make sure the fabric panel is centred on the batting.
Step 3: Unscrew the outer embroidery hoop and separate the inner hoop.
Step 4: Take the fabric panel and batting and place them over the smaller inner hoop.
Step 5: Now this is where it gets a little bit fiddly and you want to take your time and be happy with the placement of the embroidery design in the hoop. Well it won't be the end of the world if you don't, the sky won't fall in or anything, you might just need to start again with this step.
I like to feel where the smaller hoop is under the fabric and batting before I add the outer hoop.
Step 6: Once you are happy with the placement of the design. Take the outer hoop and place it over the inner hoop. This takes a little bit of getting used to when using batting but it is worth it for the finished look.
If you don't get the design centred where you want it in the hoop just start again with the last 2 steps. You will get there. I have found this is easier to do when I place everything on the work top and don't have any furry friends helping!
Step 7: When you use batting for stabiliser it will be quite tight in the hoop so before tightening the outer hoop with the screw just straighten the outer fabric and pull the fabric taut.
Don't forget to check the underside of the hoop, the batting needs to be nice and smooth too.
BE CAREFUL, do not pull the batting too hard, be gentle and tease out any creases. As long as you haven't tightened the outer hoop you should be able to do this without distorting the batting.
The photo shows a before and after shot of making sure the batting is nice and smooth.
Before:
After:
Step 8: Once you are happy with the placement and the fabric is nice is and taut, you can now tighten the outer hoop. Yay all done and off you go start stitching!!
I hope this tutorial will help with any questions about getting started with your new hoop art. If you still have questions please don't hesitate to email me info[at!]nogpepperme.com
Happy Stitching!
Jo, Nog and Pepper x