Make a quilt label, embroider a name or stitch out a favorite phrase using easy hand embroidery stitches. Here is a tutorial to show you the tissue paper transfer method to transfer your text to fabric using tissue paper, then stitch your message.
Do you have a dark or thick fabric that will not work with a light box for tracing? Or a fabric that must stay dry? Then these transfer tips that leave no marks behind on your fabric will help! You can use stranded embroidery floss or perle cotton and choose from a variety of linear stitches to get the look you want. I chose chain stitch for this project: felt Christmas stockings.
How to Embroider Letters with Tissue Paper Transfer
Trace your text or other design on everyday tissue paper and get ready to embroider! The tissue paper pulls away when you're done, leaving just your stitches on the fabric.
This easy method is a perfect way to transfer letters and words into a special personalized embroidered item, great for gifts. Embroider ornaments, stockings, bags and clothes! You can add other elements, like a little lazy daisy flower to your stitched letters.
The tracing method is perfect for thick fabrics and detailed designs with fine lines.
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Materials
- Text printed on plain paper
- Tissue paper for tracing
- Pigma Micron Pen
- Background fabric
- Stranded embroidery floss
Tools
- Embroidery needles (size 5 works well)
- Embroidery scissors/thread snips
- Paper scissors
- Binder or paper clips
- Safety pins or painters tape
- Pair of tweezers
Instructions
- Print your desired text on plain paper. Place a sheet of tissue paper (I just raid my gift wrap box for this) over the printed text and clip to hold it steady for tracing.
- On a hard surface, carefully trace the letters onto the tissue paper. This will be your embroidery pattern. No stress if you wobble - just correct little blips on the spot, or cross it out and retrace in a different place.
- With paper scissors, cut out the tissue layer of your text. Position the names/words where you want them on the top of the fabric. In this case, the background fabric is dry clean-only felt. Use safety pins or tape to hold the tissue paper patterns in place.
- Thread your needle with 18-24 inches of thread (I used 3 strands of cotton embroidery floss). Tie a knot at one end and bring needle up through both the background and the tissue paper at the beginning of your stitching line.
- Follow your drawn stitching line with a compact chain stitch to embroider your words. Tie off and add more thread as needed.
- When your stitching is complete, remove the safety pins.
- Gently tear away the tissue paper. You can get most of it away with your fingers, but you can use tweezers to get at the tiny bits.
- With the tissue paper removed, all that remains is your embroidered letters.
- I used the same technique to embroider letters on a whole family of felt Christmas stockings!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Mr. Pen- Safety Pins, Assorted, 300 Pack, Small and Large for Clothes, 5.4 x 4.4 x 0.7 inch -
Clover Wonder Clips, 1 Pack, Assorted Colors -
Sizzix Curved Fine Tip Tweezers for Intricate Projects, Scrapbooking, Cardmaking, One Size, Multi Color, Multicolour -
DMC w Collector's Tin with 35 Colors Floss -
Sakura Pigma 30062 Micron Blister Card Ink Pen Set, Black, Ass't Point Sizes 6CT Set -
Bohin Crewel Embroidery Needles, Size 7, 15 Per Package -
kai 5 1/2 inch Embroidery Scissors, Black Handle
Can I use tissue paper as transfer paper for embroidery besides letters?
Yes! I’ve shown you how to use the tissue paper as transfer paper for letters, but it also works well with other embroidery designs, especially if you want to stitch on a dark fabric.
How to transfer an embroidery pattern tissue paper
You can use this method for any embroidery pattern. Trace the pattern to tissue paper. Layer the tissue paper with your design face up on top of the right side of your fabric. You can place them in the same hoop so that the design doesn’t shift. Embroider your pattern. When complete, carefully tear the tissue paper away from the stitching!
This is a perfect method for fabrics that are difficult to mark, like black fabric.
Tips and ideas for using tissue paper to transfer your embroidery design
- You can use tracing paper instead of tissue paper. It is a bit thicker so may tear easier while you are stitching.
- Have fun playing around with different fonts or designs on your computer to design your hand embroidery pattern. Print it on a laser printer or home printer. Then trace the design lines onto your tissue paper.
- This is a great technique when working with thicker fabrics. Use a safety pin to hold your design in place on your fabric.
- Test out different stitches with a sample of your fabric first to see what you like. You can use a stem stitch or try a satin stitch for a bolder design. Add a lazy daisy stitch for some fun! Sometimes it’s those small details that finish an embroidery project.
- By making a stitch sample, you can try out different colors of threads, too.
There are so many transfer methods. See our article on ways to transfer your embroidery designs, including using a light source like a light box or the window method, water soluble pens, soluble stabilizers, heat transfer pencils, freezer paper, Frixion pens, embroidery transfer paper and more!. Try them all and pick your favorite method.
Browse through how to embroidery tutorials to learn more embroidery stitches.
