Designing a Quilt Using Embroidery

Embroidery is simply decorative stitching on fabric. It can been done by hand or by machine using colored threads, embroidery floss, metallic thread, cotton or silk. Embroidery is an ancient art form based around the concept that designs and pictures are created by stitching strands of thread onto fabric in a number of different ways.

For quilting purposes most quilters use embroidery thread, wool or cotton to stich designs onto central blocks in their patchwork structure.

There are many different types of embroidery stitches which offer the quilter/embroiderer a wide variety of designs and patterns to add to their quilt. Patchwork quilts generally incorporate embroidery as a form of extra decoration.

The art of hand embroidery is a painstaking and laborious process, however at the same time can be very satisfying as you will create something that can be handed down and receive heirloom status within your family.

However, due to the fantastic rate of modern technological development, very comprehensive embroidery machines are now available, and even most new sewing machines have many embroidery patterns that they can quickly and very simply create on your chosen block (sometimes all you have to do is press a button!).