I hope everyone has been keeping cool so far this summer in front of their embroidery machines! I have been thinking a lot lately about embroidery trends and how they have changed so much over the last ten years. If you are paying attention to the trends, then I'm sure you have seen sketch style embroidery designs. In this post, I will discuss exactly what sketch embroidery IS, how the files are digitized, and how you can incorporate this style into your own embroidery creations. I will also include a FREE sketch embroidery design for you to try at home. Read to the end of this post and comment if you LOVE sketch embroidery designs.
What is Sketch Style Machine Embroidery?
Sketch style machine embroidery, sometimes referred to as "doodle" embroidery, is a technique that mimics the look and feel of a hand-drawn sketch. These designs are open and airy, rather than a dense fill-stitch. Imagine the free-flowing lines of a pencil drawing brought to life with thread and fabric. This style is characterized by its loose, informal, and sometimes imperfect lines (depending on the designer), creating an organic and artistic feel that stands in contrast to the precise and uniform stitches of traditional embroidery.
In sketch style embroidery, the designs typically feature outlines with an open stitch filling the space. This gives the finished piece an airy and whimsical appearance, much like a sketchbook drawing. The outlines can vary in thickness from a running stitch to to a satin stitch, which adds to the charm and spontaneity of the design.
How Are Sketch Embroidery Designs Created?
One of my favorite things about embroidery is that there are many ways to achieve a result. Each designer has their own style and there is no one "right way" to create a design. So I will take you through my process of creating a sketch embroidery design. Actually, it is very simple. Take my Cowboy Boot Embroidery Design for example...
This design has three stitch techniques: fill stitch, satin stitch, and a triple running stitch. Here is a video of how the design stitches out:
In order to turn this design into a sketch design, we need to do the following:
Remove the underlay from all the fill-stitch portions of the design.
Increase the stitch spacing and the decrease the stitch length of the fill stitch. My personal preference is 2mm for the spacing and 2mm for the stitch length. I find that putting the stitch length at 2mm adds some durability to the design.
Change the satin stitch portions to fill stitch, then change the stitch spacing and stitch length as described above.
Now we are going to add a triple running stitch to the outside of the design. This stitch will provide a finished, defined look to the design.
Here is a video on how the design will stitch with the changes I have made:
Here is your FREE file for you to try stitching at home!
Your free download includes the 4" size of my Cowboy Boot Sketch Embroidery Design. The complete file with all 4 sizes is available for purchase here.
Incorporating Sketch Style into Your Machine Embroidery
If you are excited to try your hand at sketch style machine embroidery, here are some tips and things to consider before you get you started:
Choosing sketch embroidery designs are a great option for those of you who sell your embroidered products. Sketch designs are trending at the moment, and they stitch quickly, with almost half the stitches of a similar design in fill stitch. When selling your embroidered products, efficiency is key if you want to make a profit.
2. Make sure to choose good-quality designs. Read tips on how to choose good quality embroidery designs in this blog post.
3. Choose the right product. Lightweight fabrics with low or no stretch work best. Think cotton, linen, canvas, or t-shirts, sweatshirts and onesies. Make sure to use the correct backing. This is essential for any embroidery project. Read this blog post for tips on how to choose the correct stabilizer for your project.
My go-to source for all of my embroidery supplies is AllStitch Embroidery. Use this link to shop*.
In summary, sketch style machine embroidery is a delightful and versatile technique that offers a fresh take on traditional embroidery. Its rise in popularity is fueled by technological advancements, a desire for artistic expression, and the supportive online community of embroidery enthusiasts. By incorporating sketch style into your projects, you can explore new creative possibilities and bring a touch of artistry to your embroidery work.
So, grab your machine, choose a sketchy design, and let your creativity flow with every stitch!
What are YOUR thoughts on sketch embroidery designs?
Do you enjoy using sketch embroidery designs?
0%Yes, I love them!
0%Not so much.
Happy stitching!
Beth
This post includes an affiliate link. If you purchase embroidery supplies from AllStitch Embroidery Supplies, I will earn a small commission.
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