...that I do not consider myself to be an expert in embroidery. I was a beginner, like you, frustrated at the lack of instructions (and cool designs) for contemporary crafters who had no previous experience holding a needle and thread. And, I was more inspired by tigers and pinups than teddy bears and bunnies. When I started embroidering, I was so shocked at how easy it was, that I thought "For silly sakes, this can be explained in a much better way!" So, have no fear, some simple instructions are here.

One of the simplest projects to start with is a tea-towel. You can buy finished, blank tea-towels from many places (including our own version) which are made specifically to be embroidered. Or, if you want to make your own towel, just hem the edges of an 18" x 24" piece of 100% cotton pique (pronounced "pick-ay"), diaper cloth, monk's cloth, muslin or flour-sack cloth. If you're feeling extra crafty, make some smaller napkins to go with your towel. Some of these fabrics have a fringed, "selvage" edge that works well along the bottom edge of your towel, which does not need to be hemmed.

The first step, the real secret of getting started, is having a pattern to follow. There are numerous ways to get a pattern on your towel before you embroider it. Lines can be drawn directly on the cloth with chalk or pencil, you can trace a pattern using carbon transfer paper, or you can simply use some fancy stitches along the edge.

If you want dancing veggies or tiki drinks adorning your linens, the easiest way to go is with an iron-on transfer pattern. They're made with a special ink so they can be used more than once, allowing you to combine them in your own unique way.

Have a design of your own, or one from a pattern book that you want to transfer to cloth? Here are two easy ways of doing this:

1. Transfer Pencil: Photocopy the image and trace it with a transfer pencil, then use the pattern like an iron-on. This won't work for any images with lettering though, since the pattern will be reversed.

2. Carbon Transfer Paper: Trace your image onto the cloth with a sheet of dressmaker's carbon paper, face down, between the image and the cloth. Available at any craft or fabric store, carbon paper colors come in red, blue, and even white for working on dark fabrics. (We offer dark gray and white in our packs.)

Of course, you can take a decorative stitch and use it without a pattern. Use a hidden or blanket stitch (see diagrams next page) in white floss along the hem of a black skirt, for example. No pattern needed!

Most stitchers work with an embroidery hoop, which makes stitching easier. Separate the two embroidery hoops from each other. Lay the imprinted cloth across the non-adjustable hoop so that the pattern is within the hoop. Now place the adjustable hoop over these and press down. Make sure the top hoop is not too tight, or you may distort the fabric. Before tightening the screw, gently pull your fabric taut, like a drum-head. Once your fabric is pulled evenly across the hoop, tighten the screw. You may need to re-tighten the fabric and hoop as you work on them. When not embroidering, loosen the adjustable hoop to avoid distortion of the fabric. The idea is to keep your fabric nice and tight when you're working on it. It's much easier to work on, and will prevent your stitches from looking loose and messy.

Cut a length of floss or thread about 12-13" long (the length of your thumb and forefinger to your elbow). Thread the needle, and make a knot at one end (there is no need to make a knot at the needle end, just pull it through enough so it won't slip through the eye while you're working). Not all stitchers work with knots, but I say it's okay. You will begin from behind the hoop, not by going through the front. With your fabric ready on the hoop, start by bringing your needle up from under the fabric until you hit the knot. Now, bring the needle back down through, and you've made a stitch! Ready for more?

Then, check out some Stitching Diagrams!

x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x - x -

"Tattoo Your Towels" ©2002 Sublime Stitching / Jenny Hart. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced in part or in whole without written consent of its author.

This article was originally published for GetCrafty.com / Supernaturale.com and appeared in the print version of Artitude Magazine.