FD 201 Surface and Fabric Embellishment PDF

FD 201- SURFACE AND FABRIC EMBELLISHMENT I. MODULE TITLE: APPLICATION OF EMBELLISHMENT TECHNIQUES IN FABRIC AND CLOTHING II. MODULE INTRODUCTION: This module discusses the different types of embellishment, different classification and application of su...

FD 201- SURFACE AND FABRIC EMBELLISHMENT I. MODULE TITLE: APPLICATION OF EMBELLISHMENT TECHNIQUES IN FABRIC AND CLOTHING II. MODULE INTRODUCTION: This module discusses the different types of embellishment, different classification and application of surface embellishment and the tools and materials needed for embellishment. III. MODULE OUTCOMES: 1. Identify the different types of embellishment. 2. Discuss the different classification of surface embellishment. 3. Describe the different tools and materials needed for embellishment. IV. LESSON TITLE: DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATION AND APPLICATION OF SURFACE EMBELLISHMENT V. LESSON OUTCOME: 1. Identify the different embellishing technique 2. Apply the different embellishing technique in fashion 3. Appreciate the different aesthetics of surface embellishment Fabric surface embellishment: Fabric embellishments are the ornamentation that commonly added to fabrics to brand them to a greater extent than beautiful in addition to gorgeous, because of the nature of decorative patterns, which they create. Different kinds of surface pattern techniques are used for embellishing the fabric. Most mutual materials that is used for this procedure include fringe, sequins and beads, in addition to buttons. https://sosopoetry.blogspot.com/2018/08/fabric-surface-embellishment-techniques.html 1 FABRIC SURFACE EMBELLISHMENT TECHNIQUE 1. Applique Applique is the method of sewing pieces of fabric onto other fabric bases in beautiful designs. You can stitch the applique pieces by hand as well as by sewing machine 2. Patchwork Patchwork is the method of sewing small pieces of fabric (patches) of different patterns and colors together to make a big fabric piece. This technique is also called piece work; You can make stunning garments and accessories with patchwork fabric. 3. Embroidery This is the technique of decorating fabric with beautiful stitches made with embroidery thread or yarn. Hand embroidery techniques like Kantha embroidery, Sashiko Embroidery, Shadow embroidery, Chikankary embroidery all create unparalleled texture. Do you know that there are more than 60 different embroidery techniques in existence and the different filling stitches you can make in hand embroidery to add texture. The bullion stitch and french knots and other knot stitches are also great for texture. 2 4. Beading/ Beadwork Beads add glitter, texture and beauty to fabric. You can sew/glue beads to fabric. Learn more on the basic beading stitches you can use to sew the beads and the one which tells you how to make 10 easy to do bead embroidery flower motifs. 5. Fabric trims You can sew the different types of fabric trims like ribbons, braids to the fabric to add texture to fabric. 6. Couching This technique uses cords, threads and other materials which are then stitched on to the fabric surface. The thread is laid on the surface of the fabric in a pattern and it is sewn with small stitches by hand or by sewing machine. 3 7. Fabric painting Fabric painting uses a specially formulated paint to make designs on fabric. You can use the fabric paint to add a dimensional effect to the fabric as well 8. Fabric Patches Fabric patches are pieces of fabric embellished with embroidery, sequins, beads, fabric paint etc. which are attached to fabric surfaces with glue or sewing or heat-activated iron-on adhesives. These are great for mending holes on clothes as well as decorating them. Learn more on 10 ways of making fabric clothing patches and the 8 different ways to attach them on to clothes 9. Printing on Fabric Printing on fabric is a great way to add designs on your clothes. You can add any designs to the fabric without any sewing involved using your inkjet printer at home. Commercially there are many techniques for printing on fabric. There are other ways in which you can transfer images/pictures/photos onto your fabric. Learn more on 6 ways to transfer photos to fabric 4 10. Reverse Applique This technique involves adding a layer of fabric underneath the base fabric and cutting away a portion of the base fabric in the shape of the design so that the fabric underneath is revealed. You can add multiple layers of fabric underneath for a beautiful effect. Here is a post to learn more about Reverse Applique. 11. Monogramming This involves embroidering the initials of a person’s name in a particular way and is a very popular technique of embellishing clothes and accessories to customize and personalize them. Learn more here different ways to create and add monograms to fabric, tips on embroidering letters and Monogramming rules and designing your own letters for embroidery 12. Sewing Machine Embroidery You can use embroidery sewing machines to make incredible designs on your fabric. Learn more about sewing machine embroidery here Free motion embroidery involves making embroidery designs using your regular sewing machine with a darning foot and hooped fabric. This easy to do embroidery can make some amazing embroidery patterns and great texture as well. Learn more here post on free motion embroidery for more details 5 13. Rhinestones Rhinestones are flat backed beads which can be sewn or glued on to the fabric to add sparkle to garments and accessories. For more ideas, please check post on different ways to add rhinestones to fabric 14. Sequins work You can add a lot of sparkle and texture by adding sequins to fabric (sew them or glue them) Learn more here 10 different ways of attaching sequins to fabric 15. Goldwork and zari work Goldwork uses metal threads in gold and silver color to make embroidery patterns on fabric. This is a beautiful embroidery technique. Zardosi work uses a special type of gold string to work the embroidery designs. The needle and thread are inserted through the hole in the zardosi strings and the work is completed like this. Learn more here Zardosi embroidery work and the 10 basic embroidery stitches used and 12 types of metallic threads you can use for metallic embroidery 6 16. Bobbin work This is a technique of doing embroidery with thick threads in the bobbin. The work will appear on the underside of the fabric facing the needle. This is a wonderful way to add texture to fabric. Learn more here post on bobbin work for more details 17. Dyeing Dyeing involves adding color to the fabric by way of soaking it in a solution of dye. You can dye a fabric fully or partially. Batik, tie and dye, shibori dyeing are all variations of dyeing fabric to bring about beautiful patterns on fabric surface. Check out these posts on dyeing clothes – What is tie dye – 8 different types of tie dye ; How to do tie dye ; 10 easy tie dye designs – tutorial on how to do them. How to dye fabric with natural dyes ; 10 best dyes for fabric dyeing and How to dye clothes. 18. Stamping This is a variation of DIY block printing – you stamp on fabric surface with fabric laden stamps – you can DIY stamps or buy from stores. Fabric paint ink pads are also available. Check out the posts on the 7 best stamping techniques and the best ink to use for stamping and a tutorial for making your own fabric stamps. If you like to make simple but beautiful stamps with potatoes check out this post “Potato stamp printing“. 7 19. Distressed fabric Weathering or distressing fabric is a technique of making the fabric look old by using various methods like using a pumice stone or wire brush to wear the thread or using paint to make it look used. Check out the 15 ways to distress fabric as well as the correct way to rip fabric while leaving horizontal thread intact FABRIC MANIPULATION TECHNIQUE 1. Fabric Flowers You can make beautiful flowers using fabric pieces to decorate your garments. The fabric scraps you have at hand if you have been sewing for some time can be transformed into beautiful almost real looking fabric flowers very easily. Find out more here 10 different types of fabric roses for more details. Learn more here in making flowers with felt; How to make DIY felt roses and for making fabric flowers 8 2. Fabric bows Fabric bows the same way as fabric flowers add to the beauty of clothes. Learn more the 7 different ways to make bows with ribbons and also as many as 8 ways to make fabric bows 3. Faggotting This is a technique for adding ribbons and lace trims to the fabric with pretty embroidery stitches. Hemmed edges of fabric panels are together or to trims with criss crossed stitches. 4. Insertion You can add lace between fabric panels; Lace will add transparency and texture to smooth fabric and will transform the look of ordinary fabric surface. You can join fabric pieces together decoratively with insertion stitches. Learn more about the two ways of doing insertion stitches here Learn the different methods for lace insertion. 9 5. Piping Piping is a technique of adding a special type of trim which is made by inserting a cord inside a bias fabric strip. The piping is added to the seam as a decorative trim. Learn more on making and sewing piping. 6. Tucks Tucks are folds in fabric that are sewn in place. Pintucks is the most commonly used in blouses, polo shirt and children’s dresses. As the name suggests these are tiny folds which are sewn in place close to the fold. They contain the fullness of fabric as well as add texture. Pintucks are made using a pintuck foot and double needle stitching. Learn more on double needle stitching and Pintucks and other 9 types of tucks 7. Ruffles Ruffles are pleated or gathered fabric or trims used to decorate garments and accessories. Learn more gathering fabric here. 10 8. Decorative Edge Finishes Edge finishes need not be boring. You can finish the fabric edges with embroidery loops or buttonhole stitches. Learn more edge finishing techniques checkout this post. 9. Decorative Hem finishes You can add beauty and texture to the hem of your garment in many ways. Checkout this post on the different types of hand hemming stitches for tutorials on this. 10. Using roulette loops Roulette loops are very thin fabric tubes made with fabric strips. You can easily make the roulette loops yourself and use it to decorate fabric. 11 11. Ruching Ruching is basically gathering fabric so that there are patterned folds in the fabric; It is also called puffing in heirloom embroidery. Ruching is usually done along the bodice of dresses and sleeves along the centerline which is ruched creating attractive folds on either side of the center stitching line. You can ruche fabric by sewing the fabric with elastic. This is usually done with thin, sheer and transparent fabric as an overlay or a drapable cloth. Checkout the detailed tutorial for ruching fabric here. 12. Smocking Smocking is an embroidery technique used to gather fabric so that it can stretch. Before elastic, smocking was commonly used in cuffs, bodices, and necklines in garments where buttons were undesirable. Smocking developed in England and has been practiced since the Middle Ages and is unusual among embroidery methods in that it was often worn by laborers. Smocking involves stitching together gathered folds of fabric with pretty embroidery stitches in a definite pattern. Smocking is a means of controlling fullness as well as adding beautiful embroidery to the fabric. Learn more on smocking 13. Shirring This is the technique of gathering fabric by using elastic thread in the bobbin. Shirring in parallel lines can produce beautiful texture to the fabric. Learn more here tutorial on the best way to do shirring. 12 14. Fabric origami Fabric origami is making origami ornaments by folding fabric pieces in definite folding patterns. You can use this to decorate fabric. 15. Ribbon embroidery Ribbon embroidery is embroidery done with soft silk ribbons. You can make beautiful floral designs with ribbon embroidery. Learn more on different types of ribbons , basic stitches used in the ribbon embroidery as well as 10 easy diy ribbon embroidered flowers (tutorials). 13 16. YoYos A fabric yoyo is a gathered circle of fabric pieces with small running stitches. The resultant fabric yoyos which resemble flowers are great for decorating fabrics. There are many ways to make yoyos- even heart shaped ones. Learn more on tutorial to make yoyos here. 17. Decorative pleats Pleats like box pleats, inverted pleats are all great ways of making the fabric look beautiful. Learn the different types of pleats here. 18. Tassels Tassels are loose threads gathered together at one end. They are great for embellishing the hems of scarves and shawls. Adding them to the end of drawstrings are common as well. Learn the different ways of making tassels and the 8 ways to make bead tassels and other edge beading. 14 19. Mirror work Attaching mirrors on fabric can make your fabric sparkle. Learn on different ways to attach the mirror on to fabric and the tutorials to stitch 10 simple mirror embroidery designs 20. Shrinking fabric Shrinking different layers of fabric differently will produce texture on the face of the fabric. This technique is better detailed here 21. Adding textured fabric as accent features When you have a garment with a smooth surface you can add texture to it by adding fabric pieces with texture like denim, pleather, leather, canvas, embroidered fabric to make yokes, collars or top hem of pockets, sleeve cuffs etc. There are so many readymade fabrics with wonderful texture – Out of these check out the 30 best fabrics with texture here. 15 You can also add stiff fabrics to change the structure of the fabric. Check out the list of the 10 best stiff fabrics here. 22. Embossing This refers to making an impression of images or designs on the surface of a fabric with the help of heat and pressure. This is also called Blind Printing, and Relief Printing. A raised or lowered imprint of the design is made with stamps and application of heat. Checkout the post on doing embossing on velvet by yourself. 23. Open work Drawn thread embroidery involves pulling out thread from the fabric and knotting the thread left in bundles or using decorative stitches over the drawn thread. This creates an open work with great texture on the fabric. Checkout the tutorial for drawn thread embroidery and pulled thread embroidery for more details. Cutwork, Hardanger embroidery, Borderie Anglaise are all open work which creates similar texture. 16 24. Stitch and Slash technique Slashing fabric layers which are stitched together in parallel diagonal rows creates a beautiful visual and textural effect on the surface of the fabric which is unparalleled. No photo can reproduce the same impact you get when you see and feel the faux chenille fabric you have made with simple plain fabric pieces. Checkout the tutorial to make the faux chenille fabric and experience it yourself. 25. Scallops Scallops are dome shaped stitching that is usually done along the fabric edge. You can make scallops by hand stitching with fine embroidery stitches or machine stitch the scallops with a facing or with decorative stitches in your sewing machine. Checkout the 5 ways to make scalloped edges. 17 26. Bubbling This refers to the techniques used to create bubble-like appearance on the face of the fabric. A simple enough way is to wet fabric, make small cotton balls and wrap these balls with the fabric very close to each other and tie them up with thread. If you leave them for a few days and then open them up, and remove the cotton balls the fabric will take on a texture of bubbles on the surface. For more methods using shibori techniques and wet and dry technique checkout this posts on making bubble texture fabric 27. Wrinkling This can create a beautiful texture on the fabric surface. One very easy method involves wet fabric and rubber bands. You will have to wet the fabric thoroughly – then wring out the full water – do these two or three times. Leave it in the wrung state, twisted and tie the fabric with rubber bands every 2 inches. Keep it the same way in a secure place to dry. Remove the rubber bands when the cloth feels dry to touch and open up. 28. Foiling This refers to adding thin metallic foils on the surface of the fabric with the help of heat applied to it. Foiling adds a beautiful dimensional effect to the fabric with its shine and texture. It is 18 used a great deal in home furnishing fabric and in textile art Foiling on fabric is one of the easiest ways to add a metallic shimmer to your art quilts. Essentially, you just apply glue to the fabric surface, let dry, iron on the foil, and you’re done. (You can also apply foil with fusible web.) However, there are some tricks to foiling success and use of the right materials is key. 29. Roughening If you are seriously making real texture like the hard surface on a sculpture that you can even sketch and paint, it is not difficult with some household ingredients – Mix 3 parts PV glue and 2 parts water; add Talcum powder slowly till you get a thick consistency (like the dough batter for cakes). Apply on fabric and use your tools and imagination to create the texture you want. When dry you will get your textured fabric. Fabric texture is an important element of fashion. It can even affect your mood – the way your fabric looks and feels is intricately involved with our emotional wellbeing as well – I do not say this, but the learned scientists says so. I can simply go on creating these beautiful textures with the fabric manipulation and other techniques outlined here – what do you do other than this for fabric texture? 30. Macrame This is a technique of using knotting to make fabric with special macrame cords. You can use macrame to decorate your fabric or make the whole fabric with macrame. Here is a list of easy to make knots you can make with yarn/thread etc. and add to fabric for that extra bit of texture which is knotty. 19  31 Felting Felting is a process by which wool fibers are agitated (by hand or by machine) to make fabric. Needle felting and wet felting are the two methods used to make the felted fabric. Felted fabric looks beautiful and can be used to make and decorate garments and accessories What You Need To Know Before Embellishing Fabrics If creative design is not your thing, you can still read this. These tips are for those that want to embellish fabrics on their own as a diy project. These are some of the things you should bear in mind before starting your embellish craft.  You should carry out a trial practice using newspapers or old fabrics that you no longer use.  It depends on the project to be carried out, you can use a stabilizer under the clothes to give it support and to stop puckering during embellishing process.  You can use normal thick thread or knitting yarns to embellish your favorite fabric, bearing in mind the color and style you want to bring out.  You can make your own embellished patterns to guide you depending on how you want the design to look.  Find out what the embellished materials are made of, so that you will know if it has the same care instructions as the fabric you want to use it on.  Whatever look you want to achieve; you can use any appropriate embellishing design for it. You can embellish on plain, print or any other color fabric. To achieve a more casual look, contrast your embellishment with the base fabrics. Other Tips For Embellishing Fabrics  You can use adhesive glue to embellish fabrics instead of using threads, yarns and needles or machine.  Make sure you read the adhesive instructions  You can use a temporary glue to hold your embellishment in place as you sew  Alternatively, you can have a permanent adhesive glue that can hold the fabric and embellished trims together without soaking through the fabric. 20 LESSON TITLE: TOOLS AND MATERIALS NEEDED FOR EMBELLISHMENT LESSON OUTCOME: 1. Identify the different tools and materials needed for embellishment. 2. Explains how each tool is used. 3. Give value to the importance of tools and materials of surface embellishment. Tools for embellishment 1. Self-healing cutting mats The purpose of the cutting mat is to safeguard the work surface from getting damaged and keep your knife from getting dull. They work great while sewing, printing, crafts, quilting, and several other projects. They have a 21  marking of a grid guide on one side for specific measurements. 2. Rotary Cutter A rotary cutter is a tool generally used by quilters to cut fabric. It consists of a handle with a circular blade that rotates, thus the tool's name. Rotary cutter blades are very sharp, can be resharpened, and are available in different sizes. Usually, smaller blades are used to cut small curves, while larger blades are used to cut to straight lines and broad curves. Several layers of fabric can be cut simultaneously with a sharp (fresh) blade, making it easier to cut out patchwork pieces of the same shape and size than with scissors. Quilters use rotary cutters with specially designed templates and rulers made of approximately 1/8-inch thick clear or color-tinted plastic. 3. Angelina Fibers It’s a soft fiber that is light reflective as well as light refractive so it’s very sparkly. It comes in a wide variety of colors and the fibers come in two types – “hot fix” or heat bondable meaning that you can fuse them together with an iron, and “staple” which are not bondable but you can mix them the heat bondable type, or use them in other ways to add highlight to your threads, yarns, art quilts, or surface design and embellishment projects. It’s also washable and dry cleanable! Angelina Fiber can be used in all sorts of different ways and is the perfect product for adding a little – or a lot! – of sparkle to your sewing projects. 22  Although I’ve always found that a little bit of Angelina goes a long way, I used quite a large sheet to make the reflective pond for the Koi Pond Art Quilt Pattern. It took several tries before I figured out that a very thin layer of fused Angelina was all I needed to get the results I was looking for and I think it definitely looks like a pond reflection on a sunny day. 4. Jewels and studs 5. Fabric paints Fabric paint is a useful tool for customizing clothing, sheets, bags, and much more. 6. D r e s s m 23  akers Scissors There are a number of different types of scissors that you are going to need if you want to take up embroidery, and the ones that you are going to use the most are dress maker’s scissors. These scissors are rather large, and while they may look just like the regular scissors that you use to cut paper and other items around the home, they have very sharp blades that should only be used to cut fabric or thread. Using them on any other material will quickly dull the blades and require you to buy new scissors. Look for ones that are very comfortable for you to use and have plenty of space in the handles for your hands to fit through so that you don’t get a hand cramp when holding and using your scissors, as you will get a fair amount of use out of them, especially when you are getting started on a new project. https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-embroidery-tools/ 7. Table stand If you want to be able to have better control over your fabric while you are working, but have found that an embroidery hoop is just too difficult for you to easily control, then it is time to consider buying an embroidery table stand. This is a giant hoop that is specifically designed to sit on top of a flat surface while you work, making it much easier for you to control your fabric without having to hold onto a hoop with one hand. It’s a good idea to consider a few things before buying an embroidery table stand, including the size, the mobility, and the adjustability. You want to make sure that your table stand is the right size for the piece of embroidery that you want to do. If you are working on a very small piece, then you may be 24  better off using an embroidery hoop, as it can be difficult to put a smaller piece of fabric on this frame and stretch it correctly. 8. Ruler Because you want to make sure that you don’t make any mistakes on your embroidery and that you are always able to work in a straight line, when necessary, consider buying a see-through plastic ruler that you can place on your work and measure. Additionally, if you are going to be using an embroidery hoop or a frame, then you need to make sure that the ruler is short enough to fit inside of this space so that you can quickly and accurately measure your work. 9. Small pointed scissors While you need to have larger scissors to cut your fabric down to size, you will additionally need smaller scissors that are incredibly sharp and pointed so that you can easily slide the tip of the scissors underneath your threads and clip them. If you do not have a pair of these scissors, there are a few other options that you can use, but they are the easiest to use quickly and easily and you won’t have to worry about making a mistake and accidentally clipping the fabric itself. Never use these scissors to cut anything other than threads, as regular use will quickly dull them and you will either have to pay to have a professional sharpen them or get new ones that will work. 10. Embroidery hoop While it is possible to embroider a piece of fabric without using a hoop, if you want to make sure that your fabric is tight at all times and will look the best possible when you have finished your project, then you will want to invest in a hoop. 25  This tool is perfect for embroidery, as it will hold the fabric tight without stretching it and allow you to maintain even pressure during the project. Since they come in a wide variety of sizes, you can generally find one that will fit your project perfectly without a lot of hassle. It’s a good idea to remove or loosen the hoop each time you are done working on your embroidery for the day so that the fabric isn’t marked by the ring. 11. Thimble Thimbles are used by wearing them on the tip of your finger and then using them to help push your needle through the fabric. They are available in a number of different styles and materials, which makes it fairly easy to find a thimble that is comfortable and you won’t mind wearing. They have grooves or dimples on the surface that will catch the eye of your needle and prevent it from slipping while you are hand sewing or embroidering. Not only will a thimble help to prevent you from hurting your finger, but it also protects the eye of the needle and makes sewing significantly easier by relieving strain on your fingers and making it simple to push the needle through the fabric without having to try to pull it. 12. Chenille Needles Very similar in appearance and size to embroidery needles, chenille needles have incredibly sharp points and large eyes, making it very easy to not only thread these needles 26 but also to push them through your fabric without dealing with a dull point. They are generally wider and shorter than your typical embroidery needles and have very long eyes. 13. Needle Threader While some people think that a needle threader is completely unnecessary because they don’t have any problems threading their needles quickly and easily, if you struggle at all with threading a needle, then you will want this small and handy tool. Needle threaders make threading your needles significantly easier since you don’t have to try to see the eye of the needle and put the end of your thread through it. 14. Crewel embroidery Needle It’s important that you don’t try to use a regular sewing needle if you want to embroider, as they are simply not the right size or shape for the job and will make it much more difficult to create embroidery that you are proud of. You will need to buy embroidery needles that have larger eyes and much sharper tips than regular sewing needles do. 15. Punch Needle Another type of embroidery is needle punching, which involves looping ribbon, floss, or yarn through the fabric to create a pattern. While not the typical embroidery that many people picture when they think of this handicraft, needle punching is growing in popularity. 27  There are arguments that needle punching began either in Russia or ancient Egypt. These needles have a hollow shaft, as well as a depth gauge. The pointed side of the needle has the eye and is inserted into the fabric to put some of the thread into the pattern. 16. Tape Measure It’s a good idea to have a tape measure on hand so that you can measure the work that you have done, and this tool can take the place of a hard ruler if you are worried about how easy it will be to read. One thing that you will want to consider when buying a tape measure for any type of sewing craft is that you buy a smaller and more flexible option. 17. Pinking scissors While these scissors are also used to cut fabric, they will create a zigzag pattern along the cut edge when you are finished. This isn’t ideal for displaying your work, as most people will want a straight edge that looks a little nicer, but the zigzag edge does serve a purpose. The reason that you want to use pinking shears along the edge of your project is that the way that they cut the fabric will actually prevent it from fraying. This is beneficial no matter if you want to frame your piece and display it or if you are going to store it until a later time, as you do not want the edges to fray and threaten the integrity or beauty of your piece. 18. Beading Needle Also known as a “tambour hook” or a “tambour tool,” a beading needle is used when you are going to be completing bead embroidery as well as tambour work, or a decorative chain stitch. They have a very small and bent tip that looks similar to the way that a crochet hook looks that will allow the user to easily catch the thread on the 28 underside of the fabric they are working with and then pull it to the front so that they can loop it to attach any sequins or beads. 19. Tambor hook A tambour hook or tambour tool is used for bead embroidery (also called French embroidery beading) as well as decorative chain stitch embroidery called tambour work. It has a small, bent tip similar to a crochet hook or rug hooking tool. The hook catches the thread on the backside of the fabric, pulling it to the front side to create loops or attach beads or sequins. Many different types of ethnic embroidery styles use a tambour hook. These include Central Asian embroidery known as Suzani embroidery, to other parts of Asia and Europe. 20. Thread nippers If you don’t have a pair of small and very sharp fabric scissors to slide under your embroidery and cut any accidental threads, then you will want to invest in a pair of thread nippers. These tools are generally fairly small and have incredibly sharp blades that can easily snip through a large number of threads without any problems. You can use them to remove work that you have done when you made a mistake and also to snip seam allowances. Because they are so small, they tend to be rather easy to lose, so it’s a good idea to look for ones that come with a neck strap or to add a neck strap to your thread nippers. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally leave them behind or drop them when working on a project and it will make it very easy for you to perform maintenance work while stitching, such as cutting threads so that you don’t have to complete this work at the end of your project. 29 21. Magnifiers Because it can be very difficult to see what you are working on, especially if your eyesight is failing or you are working in very dim light, it is a good idea to invest in a pair of magnifiers that will help you to see your work more easily. While some people automatically think about buying a magnifying glass, this will not be very useful for you as you will have to hold it continually while you are embroidering, which will tie up one of your hands and make your work much more difficult. The best option for when you need magnifiers is to look for a pair that will rest on your head, such as a cap, and has a frame that will hold the magnifiers in front of your eyes. These can generally be adjusted up or down which allows you to be able to put them right in front of your face so that you can look through them without straining. Because these are hands-free, as well as very comfortable, you can easily see what you are working on without having to worry about holding on to a magnifying glass while working. 22. Applique Scissors Also sometimes called “duckbill scissors” because of their shape and the way that they look, these scissors have a very specific job of removing extra fabric. If you are going to be cutting around your work when you are finished, then you will want a pair of these scissors, as they push the fabric away from the cutting edge so that you do not accidentally clip your work and make a mistake. You will have a very clear-cutting path when you use these scissors and you will be able to cut incredibly close to your stitches without having to worry about whether or not you are going to make a mistake. 30 23. Pin cushion Chances are very good that you will have a number of different needles that you will be using when working on an embroidery project, and to keep them all safe and in one location you will want to have a pin cushion. Needles are rather small and if they fall on the floor or in between the couch cushions they can be very difficult to retrieve, so it’s a good idea to take steps to ensure that you always know where your needles are. Pin cushions come with a number of different types of fillings, so you need to make sure that you do your research to find the material that is right for you. If you opt for wool or cotton, then your pin cushion will be a little heavier, and the lanolin in the wool may help to keep your needles shiny and smooth. Polyester is another option, but the pin cushion will be very light and easy to knock off of your table. Some companies make pin cushions that are filled with sand or a powder, and while these are nice and heavy, if they are damaged, they can make a real mess. 24. Seam ripper If you are very unhappy with a large area of work that you have done, then you will want to be able to remove it as quickly as possible. While you can use scissors or snips to clip through each individual piece of thread, a much faster way to remove large areas of work is with a seam ripper. You will want to put your piece of embroidery back into the hoop so that the fabric is nice and taut if you are going to use a seam ripper, as otherwise, it can be difficult to get the tension that you need to tear through multiple threads quickly. Seam rippers generally have a tip that is shaped like a U, and the inside of the U is incredibly sharp. 31  You will be able to slide the tip of the seam ripper under any stitches that you want to remove and then simply lift it up at an angle from your work to rip through the threads. As long as the blade is nice and sharp it will quickly tear through your threads. 25. Laying Tool If you are going to be laying multiple threads near each other and want to make sure that they are flat and smooth, then you need to invest in a laying tool. These tools can be made from a number of different materials, including glass, plastic, bone, wood, and metal. They are very thin and long tools that look similar to an awl. This tool is used at the same time as a needle is and is used to hold the thread close to the fabric and to keep them spread apart and flat so that you can control how they look when the stitch is tightened. With a little practice, you will be able to control your stitches and ensure that they look full. 26. Tweezers It can be very difficult to remove some stitches even when you have cut the threads, as you don’t want to make a mistake and pull the wrong piece of thread. Tweezers make this task very easy and will allow you to remove single threads at once without worrying about damaging your work. Additionally, if you are going to add sequins or crystals to your embroidery, then you can use tweezers to pick them up with greater control and precision. Look for ones with flat ends if you want to be able to handle and control beads, while ones with angled ends are significantly better for removing cut threads with precision. 32 27. Embroidery eraser This electric tool looks a lot like a pair of clippers and is used in much the same way. If you want to remove large areas of your embroidery or even to start over completely, then you can use this tool to cut through all of your threads at once. Working from the back of your embroidery, turn on the eraser and run the cutting edge gently over your fabric. It will cut through the threads, allowing you to remove them without having to worry about how you will cut each individual thread. 33