How to replicate the look of hand embroidery with your sewing machine

by erika on February 05, 2010

Embroidery in any form is lovely, but there is something extra special in the look of traditional embroidery techniques. By using the right threads and stitches, you can replicate many of these techniques with your home sewing machine.

Cross Stitching: There are many embroidery collections available that contain cross stitched designs, like this floral collection, or this border collection You can also create your own cross stitch designs using the 4D CrossStitch Program. I have posted a lesson on how to make a cross stitch monogram using this software. You can purchase it here.

Many of the Husqvarna Viking machines have cross stitch decorative stitches. Check out all the stitches on the Designer Diamond here. We especially love the vintage stitches!

Smocking: To do smocking on the sewing machine, you first need pleated fabric. Use a pleater like the Amanda Jane pleater. We do not stock this product, but we can get it! Once your fabric is pleated, you can use the smocking stitches in any combination on our Husqvarna Viking. These stitches are perfectly designed to bridge the pleats of the fabric. Here are instructions for a blouse that incorporates smocking stitches.

Hand Quilting: Many Husqvarna Vikings have a built in hand look quilting stitch. Select it and thread your machine with invisible thread on the top and a coloured thread on the bottom. Increase your tension to around 6, and use a size 100 needle. You can also program a variety of hand look quilting stitches following the instructions here.

Enhance the authentic look of your "hand stitching" by using natural fibre threads. YLI's Soft Touch (cotton) is lovely for all the above techniques. Gutermann cotton works well for the hand quilt stitch. And Sulky and Robinson Anton rayon thread will compliment your cross stitch designs.

Have fun working the heritage look!

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