Do you want to create an embossed embroidery project, such as a towel or for a friend or loved one? An embossed towel is a great way to personalize a wedding present, house warming gift, hostess gift, baby shower present, etc. Here are some tips for achieving a professional look with machine embroidery embossing.
Types of fabrics
- Thick terry cloths
- Choose fleece that is smooth and/or heavyweight
- Sweatshirt fleece
- Heavyweight velvets
- Faux fur
Creating the right embroidery design
Embossed embroidery designs need the fluffy nap to create the ‘puffed’ look. Terry cloth with thick closely spaced loops are ideal. Fleece is good for the embossing effects as well. Faux fur can be embossed too. Choose low- to-medium pile fabric. High pile fur will interfere with the presser foot. Faux fur that is too long won’t puff up.
Use designs that have stitches only in negative space – the background. Don’t cover the entire project with flattening stitches.
You can create your own embossed embroidery designs with your Floriani Total Control U. Download these step-by-step instructions to help guide you through designing unique embossed embroidery designs!
Best thread for embossed embroidery
The threads that consistently work best are semi-gloss or matte. These are preferable to high shiny threads. Polyester works best and holds up to repeated washings and blends in to the background of cotton terry cloth. If the wrong side will be visible sue matching embroidery thread in the bobbin and needle.
Selecting the right stabilizer
To create the embossing effect you will need a topper, a layer of stabilizer. Using a stabilizer either temporary or permanent will keep the loops under the embroidery stitches.
Stabilizers should be chosen based on the project and fabric used. Most projects for embossing are used on towels. A water-soluble stabilizer that washes out is a good choice. Using a mesh water-soluble stabilizer over a film will decrease the amount of stretch during embroidery.
Light weight tear-away stabilizers are good for embossing designs too. Best when used if the wrong side is not visible, however the excess stabilizer can be removed easily due to the flattened negative space.
What are your tips for embossed embroidery projects?