Pros and Cons - Methods for Transferring Patterns to Fabric
Introduction
One of the first steps for working on an embroidery pattern is transferring the design to your fabric. There are lots of different methods of doing this – which is great (lots of options, woo hoo!) but that can also make it quite daunting for beginners (how on earth do you know which one to use?!).
But don’t worry, I’m here to help! In this summary, I’m going to outline the pros and cons of each method. Plus there’s a short quiz to help you decide which method works for your particular project.
Most confident embroiderers will have their own favourite method, which they’ve got down pat and can do every time. And you will have your own too, before you know it!
Ok, let’s get started!
Find your method
Here’s a quick quiz to help you choose which method to use. Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list (you may consider other factors), but it recaps my key thought process when I am deciding.
1. Tracing with a Mobile Phone Flashlight
Pros:
Quick and easy
Works on light or see-through fabrics
Pen lines removable
Pen lines clear and visible
Works day + night
Supplies easy to find
No need to stitch through an extra layer
Cons:
Doesn’t work on dark or thick fabrics
Drawing skills required
IN A NUTSHELL: Print your template and tape it to the underside of your dressed hoop. Trace the design using a heat erasable pen, using the torch on your mobile phone asa light source.
If this method appeals to you then check out the full blog here: Tracing with a Mobile Phone Flashlight.
2. Tracing with a Lightbox
Pros:
Quick and easy
Works on light or see-through fabrics
Pen lines removable
Works day + night
Pen lines clear and visible
-
No need to stitch through an extra layer
Cons:
Doesn’t work on dark or thick fabrics
Drawing skills required
Additional cost of lightbox
Power source required (usually)
IN A NUTSHELL: Tape your printed design template to the lightbox, lay your fabric over top and secure that in place, then trace over the design.
If this method appeals to you then check out the full blog here: Tracing with a Lightbox.
3. Tracing Directly from a Device or Computer Screen
Pros:
No printer required
Quick and easy
Works on light or see-through fabrics
Pen lines removable
Pen lines clear and visible
Works day + night
No need to stitch through an extra layer
Cons:
Doesn’t work on dark or thick fabrics
Drawing skills required
Challenges to keep digital template still (depending on software)
Lightbox software required (usually)
Limited to screen size
IN A NUTSHELL: Bring the design template up on your screen, place your fabric on top, and trace the design directly from the device onto your fabric.
If this method appeals to you then check out the full blog here: Tracing Directly from a Device or Computer Screen.
4. Iron-on Transfers
Pros:
Works on light fabrics
Template lines clear and visible
Template lines might be removable
Works day + night
May be able to reuse the transfers
Cons:
Transfers not visible on dark fabrics
Additional cost of the transfers
Need to use iron (not suitable for some fabrics)
Design won’t adhere to some textured fabrics (e.g. wool)
Risk of the transfer moving and disrupting the outline
Template lines might not be removable
Need to remember to reverse the transfer design
IN A NUTSHELL: The pattern template is provided to you as an iron-on transfer (in reverse), which you place face-down onto your fabric. By applying heat with an iron, the design adheres to the fabric’s surface (facing the right way).
If this method appeals to you then check out the full blog here: Iron-on Transfers.
What about dark fabrics?
IN A NUTSHELL:
Use a tracing method if you can
Reverse the template
Use a white pen for more visible lines
Check out this blog to learn how to transfer patterns onto dark fabric: Transferring Patterns Onto Dark Fabric.
5. Water-Soluble Stabiliser
Pros:
Also works on dark or thick fabrics
Template lines clear and visible
Template lines removable
Works day + night
Great for complex designs (if printing)
No drawing skills required (if printing)
Stabiliser can be helpful (e.g. stretchy/ delicate fabrics)
Cons:
Additional cost of the stabiliser
Stitching with stabiliser can be challenging
Requires wetting your work
IN A NUTSHELL: Print or trace your design onto a wash-away stabiliser, cut it out and stick it to the top-side of your dressed hoop. Then stitch your design through both layers, and rinse off the stabiliser at the end.
If this method appeals to you then check out the full blog here: Water-Soluble Stabiliser.
6. Carbon Tracing Paper
Pros:
Also works on dark or thick fabrics
Pen lines removable or fade over time (usually)
Works day + night
No need to stitch through an extra layer
Cons:
Carbon lines are often not clear and visible
Carbon lines may fade during stitching
Additional cost of the carbon paper
Carbon paper can be challenging to use
Drawing skills required
IN A NUTSHELL: Lay your fabric flat, position the coloured side of the carbon paper facing down over the fabric, and overlay your template on top. Trace over the design on the template, and the carbon outline will be transferred to the fabric. Then go over the lines with a transfer pen to make them more visible (optional).
If this method appeals to you then check out the full blog here: Carbon Tracing Paper.
7. Tear-Away Tracing Paper
Pros:
Also works on dark or thick fabrics
Works on fabrics which you can’t draw on (e.g knits)
Template lines clear and visible
Template lines removable
Works day + night
Cons:
Additional cost of the tracing paper
Stitching with tracing paper can be challenging
Tracing paper can be challenging to remove at the end
IN A NUTSHELL: Trace your pattern onto lightweight tracing paper, attach that to your fabric, stitch through both layers, and then tear away the tracing paper at the end.
If this method appeals to you then check out the full blog here: Tear-Away Tracing Paper.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are lots of options and variations about how to transfer your embroidery pattern to fabric.
But I hope that this guide has helped you choose a method to delve into deeper- one that best suits your needs and preferences.
I do encourage you to practice with different techniques, and you’ll find a favourite method that you can easily whip out each time you start a new project.
What's next?
If you enjoyed learning all about transferring patterns onto fabric, then you are probably dying to get started!
Or you might want to read the full blog: Beginner’s Guide to Transferring Patterns to Fabric.
Enjoy the process of transferring your pattern and bringing your embroidery to life!
If you are wanting to start learning modern embroidery but don’t know what steps to take next, you may also enjoy my Modern Embroidery Foundations Course.
This course takes you through all the beginner techniques and knowledge you need to make your first beginner pattern, Little Wildflower Meadow. Plus, it includes a beautiful second pattern, Blooming Lovely, which is a fantastic place to practice your newfound skills.
I would love to hear how you go on your embroidery journey. Make sure you share you progress with me. Just tag me on the 'gram @cleverpoppy.
Happy stitching!
Julie xx