Embroidering Techniques for Knitters: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Knitters, lend me your ears! The world of embroidery is a vibrant one, just waiting for you to explore. By incorporating embroidery into your knitting projects, you can add a whole new dimension of color, texture, and design. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to embroider on knitting in a straightforward and enjoyable way. Let's start at the beginning, shall we?

1. Get Acquainted with Embroidery Basics

Before you can start embroidering on your knits, you need to understand the basics of embroidery. This includes learning about the tools you'll need, understanding the types of threads used in embroidery, and exploring different embroidery patterns.

Learn About Needles

Just like knitting, embroidery requires its own unique set of needles. Unlike knitting needles, embroidery needles—also known as crewel needles—have a sharp point and a large eye for threading. They come in different sizes, with smaller numbers indicating larger needles. Don't worry, you don't need to memorize this! You'll soon get a feel for which needle to use for which thread and fabric.

Understand Thread Types

Next, let's talk about thread. Embroidery thread is thicker than regular sewing thread and is often made of cotton, silk, or rayon. The two most common types are stranded cotton and pearl cotton. Stranded cotton, also known as floss, is made up of six separate strands that you can separate to adjust the thickness of your stitches. Pearl cotton, on the other hand, is a single, twisted thread that provides a more textured look.

Explore Embroidery Patterns

Embroidery patterns are like roadmaps for your needle and thread. They guide you as you create beautiful, intricate designs on your knitwear. You can find patterns for all skill levels: simple ones for beginners and more complex ones for those of you who are looking for a challenge. Don't be afraid to experiment! The beauty of embroidery is that you can always undo your stitches if you're not happy with the result.

2. Choose Your Embroidery Tools

After getting familiar with the basics, it's time to gather your tools. Embroidering on knitting requires precision, so choosing the right tools is key to achieving beautiful results. Let's go through what you'll need.

Pick the Right Needle

As mentioned earlier, embroidery needles come in various sizes. For most knits, a size 5 or 6 needle is a safe bet. However, if you're working with a particularly thick yarn, you might want to go up a size. Keep a variety of sizes on hand so you can switch as needed. Remember, the right needle can make a world of difference when you embroider on knitting.

Select the Appropriate Thread

Choosing the right thread is equally important. For starters, stranded cotton is a versatile choice that works well with most knits. You can adjust its thickness by separating the strands. However, if you're looking for a more textured effect, you might want to give pearl cotton a shot. Its twisted nature gives your embroidery a distinctive, bold look.

Find the Perfect Embroidery Hoop

Finally, let's talk hoops. An embroidery hoop keeps your fabric taut as you work, making it easier to create even stitches. When choosing a hoop, look for one that's large enough to accommodate your design but small enough to handle comfortably. Plastic hoops tend to hold fabric more securely than wooden ones, but both types work just fine. The key is to find a hoop that feels right in your hands.

3. Learn Basic Embroidery Stitches

Now that you have your tools ready, it's time to get down to business and learn some stitches. We're going to start with the basics. These three stitches form the backbone of most embroidery and will give you a solid foundation to embroider on knitting.

Master the Running Stitch

The running stitch is as basic as it gets, but don't let its simplicity fool you. It's incredibly versatile and can be used to create everything from straight lines to intricate patterns. Here's how you do it:

Bring your needle up through the fabric from the back at your starting point.
Push the needle back down a short distance away, creating a single stitch.
Bring the needle back up again a little further along, leaving a gap between the stitches. Repeat this process until you've achieved the desired look.

Remember to maintain even spacing between your stitches for a neat, uniform look when you embroider on knitting.

Practice the Back Stitch

Next up is the back stitch. It's perfect for creating solid lines and is often used in outlining designs. Here's how to do it:

Start like you would with a running stitch, bringing your needle up through the fabric from the back.
Instead of moving forward, bring the needle back down at the end of the previous stitch. This will create a continuous line with no gaps.
Repeat these steps, always working backwards towards the start of your line.

While it might feel a bit strange at first to be working in reverse, you'll soon get the hang of it.

Try the Satin Stitch

Last but not least, let's learn the satin stitch. This one is all about filling in space. If you've got a larger design or pattern to embroider on knitting, the satin stitch will be your best friend. Here's how it works:

Start by bringing your needle up through the fabric from the back, just like before.
Bring the needle back down on the opposite side of the area you want to fill. This creates a long stitch that covers a large amount of space.
Bring the needle back up again right next to where your first stitch started, and repeat the process. The goal is to create a series of long stitches that fill in your design.

Ensure your stitches are close together to create a smooth, even finish.

4. Apply Embroidery to Knitting

Alright, you've got the basics down, and you’re ready to embroider on knitting. Exciting, right? Don't worry if it seems a little intimidating at first. Start with simple designs and gradually move onto more complex ones. Let's get started!

Begin with Simple Designs

Starting simple is always a good strategy. Choose a basic shape like a heart, star, or letter of the alphabet for your first project. Starting simple will allow you to gain confidence and understand the feel of embroidering on knitting. One trick is to draw the design on your knitted piece with a washable marker first. This guide will help you follow the lines while you stitch.

Experiment with Colors and Patterns

Once you're comfortable with basic shapes, it's time to play around with colors and patterns. Try using different colored threads in the same design or mix and match different stitches in one piece. Don't be afraid to get creative! Remember, there are no rules when it comes to art. How about a purple sun? Or a green sky? Why not?

Create Your Own Designs

Now that you've got some experience, why not try creating your own designs? Maybe there's a favorite quote you'd like to stitch, or perhaps a landscape you love. It's your knitting, and you can do whatever you want with it. Start by sketching your design on paper. Once you're happy with it, transfer it onto your knitting using a washable marker. Then, pick up that needle and start creating your masterpiece!

5. Troubleshoot Common Issues

Embroidering on knitting is a fun and rewarding skill, but like all new experiences, it may come with a few hiccups along the way. But fear not, fellow knitters! We've got your back. Here are some common issues you might face and ways to navigate them:

Fix Loose Stitches

Loose stitches can be a bit of a pain, but they're not the end of the world. If your stitches are too loose, it might be because you're pulling the thread too lightly. Next time, try pulling the thread a bit more firmly. If your stitches are still loose, it might help to use a smaller needle. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Handle Thread Tangling

Tangled threads can turn a relaxing embroidery session into a frustrating knot fest. If your thread keeps tangling, try using shorter lengths. It might seem like a hassle to rethread your needle more often, but trust me, it's less frustrating than dealing with knots and tangles. Also, consider using a thread conditioner. It's a product that you can apply to your thread to make it smoother and less prone to tangling.

Deal with Pattern Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes—it's part of the learning process! If you've made a mistake in your pattern, don't panic. If it's a small mistake, you might decide to leave it. After all, it adds character to your knitting. If it's a bigger mistake and you want to fix it, just gently remove the incorrect stitches using a needle or stitch ripper. Then, simply re-stitch the correct pattern. Remember, patience is key!

If you're looking to further expand your embroidery skills as a knitter, be sure to check out the workshop 'Creative Ways to Use Traditional Hand Embroidery Techniques' by Irem Yazici. This workshop will introduce you to innovative ways of incorporating embroidery techniques into your knitting projects, taking your creativity and craftsmanship to new heights.