by Sandra | January 21st, 2013
I believe I posted about the way I transfer some of my embroidery lines before using freezer paper templates but the technique is worth repeating IMO.
This method is particularly useful especially when it comes to the legs on the birds. If you look at where the legs are, you can instantly see how tracing through a light box would be a futile process. Tracing paper would end up indistinct and the result would be huge legs and cankles on the bird that are way out of scale and plain nasty looking.
The key is to trace the legs plus a portion of the underbelly on to freezer paper. Tracing a portion of the underbelly connects the legs for proper alignment and it also helps for lining up the position of the template properly on the area.
You have to cut out your template inside of the normal cutting lines. This takes into consideration the width of the marking lead of whatever you use to mark around your template with. If you do not do this, your lakes can be up to a 1/16th of an inch wider than they should be.
You may think that is a small amount, but when you are dealing with very small details, that is will appear as though your bird has serious health problems in its legs!
I place my template underneath my vinyl overlay to align it properly. You will notice that the belly is not lining up exactly where it should. That is OK. This can happen as things shrink up from embroidery and applique. My focus is that the legs “grab” the branch precisely where they should.
You may have a misalignment here, but that is OK. Just make sure the feet are grabbing exactly where they should.
Once I have my template lined up, I take off the vinyl overlay (the same method I use for applique placement) holding my finger on the template and then iron it in to place.
Using the thinnest point marking tool you can is best. I use a mechanical pencil when I can. Unfortunately, it won’t show up on darker fabrics so I have to switch to a white marker. Although I have used a white chalk marker for mine, I think one of those white pens that create a nice fine line, the ink that disappears when hit with an iron, might work well for this.
The main thing to keep in mind is that you do NOT want those markings to disappear as you stitch. Why? because if those lines fade or disappear, you will have trouble keeping your sating stitch from going astray and end up with legs that look as though you were drinking Moonshine while stitching.
Off topic a little bit…….
What do you think of the berries? I am really stoked with the way they turned out and how the embroidery detail really made them pop. The details are an easy three step process that, like always, will be illustrated and easy to understand in the color pattern instructions. For those of you who use my pre-printed templates, the legs template will be included as well.
Hopefully the next time I post, the block will be finished and then all I need to do is get it ready for the printer.
The berries are exquisite! They honestly look like they are in a photograph. This is a great square. Gosh- I would love to take a class with you sometime….
Another technique I will be stashing away in my memory bank for similar situations … thank you for the details!
Love, love the berries! The one that the bird is holding in his beak is such a special detail. Thanks for the tutorial again on embroidery using the freezer paper template….
I’d be stoked, too. Not just about the berries- the whole thing is pretty awesome!! I am anxious to get a better look at the berry details though. wow. I can’t tell yet how you did that. The branch fabric is such a nice choice, too. I like all of them, but you’re not overly fond of the printed stuff unless you need it for another layer of texture, or just the right impression of a color. Yep, I like it.
Did any of your cats try to eat your nuthatch yet??
Thanks for the details of how you achieve such life-like images! Your appliqué is stunning … as always!
So beautiful, your work just takes my breath away. I love those berries. Thank you for sharing the process, it really helps and inspires me.
Thank you for this valuable lesson. The berry in the bird’s mouth looks real.
It really does make it better – so lovely.
You might want to investigate the Prym cartridge pencils. At 0.9 mm, they give a beautiful thin line, just right for detailed work. And there are several colors, white, pink, gray and yellow, I believe.
Can I have a trailer in the backyard at your house?? You stun me with the details on these birdies. How can I ever hope to do this?
Lots of practice will be needed.
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Berries look edible! And thanks so much for the detailed embroidery instructions!
Simply gorgeous work Sandra! We are so very fortunate you share your talent with us. And a great teacher you are.
Hello Sandra!
Came across your blog when researching how to mark design on dark fabrics and few weeks ago and I am hooked.Have been trying to read all your posts from ’09 and have learned so much!Just ordered your book today and cant wait!I have the ‘Applique gene’ you talk about.Makes my heart sing to do a little every chance I get.
Thank you for sharing!