5 difficulties of embroidery

Embroidery is not only a delightful and soothing activity but also an intricate art form. Within this seemingly straightforward art, lie several challenges that demand dedication and perseverance to conquer. Below, we outline the five complexities of embroidery.

1. Concentration and patience

Anyone who has ever tried embroidery understands that it is a meticulous and time-consuming process. It may span days, and in some cases, even months. Concentration is crucial to avoid errors, yet it’s equally important to remember to take breaks and rest. Continuous work without breaks can strain the eyes and tense the muscles of the hands.

2. Symmetry

Ensuring the symmetry and evenness of embroidery may appear to be a straightforward task, but in reality, it’s quite challenging. Achieving symmetrical embroidery can take years to master. While some may not prioritize symmetry, arguing that handmade work isn’t meant to be perfect, we believe that symmetry enhances the beauty and neatness of the work, showcasing the embroiderer’s skill. Interestingly, a strong foundation in geometry facilitates achieving proportionate results more effortlessly.

3. Fabrics and threads

Each fabric possesses its unique characteristics, ranging from stretchy to non-stretchy, fine to coarse, and thick to thin. With each type of fabric, it’s essential to maintain control over the tension of the embroidery thread, select the appropriate thickness of needle and thread, handle the needle with precision, and sometimes, pay special attention to the sheen of the fabric and match it with the thread. Additionally, when using a hoop, it’s important to work in a manner that avoids damaging the fabric. Certain fabrics may necessitate avoiding the use of a hoop to prevent damage. Overall, it’s highly advisable to opt for the highest quality materials — threads and fabrics — during your work. The quality of the materials you choose should reflect the value of your time and effort.

4. Transferring the design onto the fabric

Certain types of embroidery require transferring the design onto the fabric. One issue arises from markers that are easily erased from certain fabrics during embroidery. Additionally, while a marker may be effortlessly removed from one fabric after completing your work, it may be stubbornly persistent on another. Therefore, it’s wise to test the marker before transferring the complete drawing onto the fabric.

5. The reverse side of the work

The neater and cleaner the reverse side of the handmade piece appears, the higher the quality of the work is. Achieving a tidy reverse side requires skill in securing threads and selecting the appropriate thread length. Moreover, the more accurately you choose the thread length, the less waste you’ll generate.