In order to understand how to do embroidery one needs to understand the basics of stitches. Basically there are two ways or methods of stitching - hand stitching or machine stitching. In fact, between the two, hand embroidery is more complex because of the variety of stitches. Apart from that when learning embroidery one will understand how much more detailing and intricacy goes into hand embroidered patterns.
Any expert in embroidery patterns would vouch for the fact that hand embroidery requires far more effort and determination to complete the creative job. But then, for the learner it is important to learn about the techniques of embroidery, as well as the types of threads and fabrics based on which one can work a design or pattern. One needs to understand about the types of needles, which is determined by the type of fabric used.
Amongst the various kinds of stitches is cross-stitch, which is the most popular of all the stitches, wherein one has to create the letter 'x'. The entire pattern or design is created out of the 'x'-shaped stitches. Then there is ribbon embroidery, which can be done using pearl cotton and embroidery floss.
There is also hand embroidery on canvas. For this one needs to use thick threads. these threads maybe silk, metallic or matte. One can either sketch or have a pattern printed on this base. Depending on how thick the canvas is one can create a wall hanging.
Apart from these methods, there are varied other forms of embroidery that one can learn from the classes. There are also various publications and books that are self-explanatory, providing a step-by-step methodology of doing embroidery. These books are available for embroiderers at various levels of practice. Similarly there are books and magazines that publish patterns and designs that ca be traced onto the fabric.
