How to transfer an embroidery pattern to fabric

- A quick guide -

If you have a beautiful embroidery pattern that you want to transfer onto your fabric, you may be unsure of how to go about it. The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert or have any specialized tools or skills to do so.

With some basic steps, you can effortlessly transfer your pattern onto fabric with tools you might have at home.

So, gather your materials, pattern, and fabric, and let’s get started with the transfer process!

Let’s take a look at how to transfer a pattern to fabric with a few basic methods:

Tracing
Carbon Paper
Stick n Stitch paper

Transfer embroidery pattern to fabric

TRACING

Tracing is one of the easiest methods to use and you will only need a light source and a pencil or pen.

Tape your pattern down on a light box/bright window/computer screen/ipad/tablet so that it doesn’t move around as you trace.

Place the fabric over it and hold it firmly in place or tape it down as well.

Trace the pattern with a sharp pencil.  A extra fine marker will also do but make sure to trace very carefully as these lines will be permanent and you will need to cover them with your stitches. 

You can also use a water soluble pen that can be soaked in water to rinse away the lines.

CARBON PAPER

Place the carbon paper face down on your fabric.  Lay the pattern over and trace the lines of the patterns with a pen or pencil. 

Be careful not to press too hard on the paper as you trace as any pressure points will leave marks.  Done!  It is as easy as that. 

Carbon paper
Stick n stitch paper

STICK N STITCH PAPER

This is a great time saver as you can print a pattern directly onto the paper with your home printer or draw directly onto it.  Trim the excess away from around the pattern.

Remove the peel off backing and stick it onto your fabric.  As a bonus it also acts as a stabilizer.

Embroider to your heart’s content and rinse the stabilizer away with water when you are done.

Get Stick n stitch here.

If you need to transfer a pattern to dark fabric have a look at this article.