Feeling a little stabby?

Put that energy to good use and make this super simple embroidery with just one color of floss (black or whatever color makes you happy) and a straight stitch. The magic comes from using Sulky Solvy Water Soluble stabilizer. Run it through the printer and use the self adhesive backing to stick it to your fabric of choice and then stich away just like filling in a coloring book. When you’re all done, hold it under water and watch the stabilizer melt away. Leaving you with a beautiful creation.

PS don’t worry if the back is a mess - that isn’t the part people look at.

Supplies

  • Sulky Solvy Water Soluble Stabilizer

  • Embroidery Hoop (usually plastic) and display hoop (usually bamboo)

  • Cotton fabric of your choice, cut about 3” larger than your hoop. Optional: extra fabric or felt to cover the back

  • Selection of embroidery thread in your preferred colors

  • Embroidery needle (blunt tip so you stab yourself less)

  • Computer with printer (if printing off your design, you can also draw it onto the stabilizer)

  • Scissors

Directions

  • Print or draw your image onto the Stabilizer Material.

  • Cut away excess and remove backing. Press the adhesive side to the fabric.

  • Secure the fabric in the embroidery hoop. It should be taught to prevent stitches from twisting or snagging.

  • Select your desired embroidery thread and cut it to a manageable length (around 12-18 inches). BEFORE threading the needle, carefully separate the thread into 3 separate strands.

  • Using a straight stitch, stitch over the lines of your image.

  • Continue in this manner, changing out thread colors as desired to complete your image.

  • Once your design is complete, remove the fabric from the hoop and run it under cold water, gently rubbing at the stabilizer with your fingers to help it dissolve away.

  • Once all of the stabilizer has been removed, lay the fabric out to dry or iron flat.

  • Place the finished piece in the display hoop, pulling it tight. Cut away extra fabric, leaving approximately one inch of excess hanging over the edge.

  • Using a full strand of embroidery thread (do not separate strands) stitch around the edge of the fabric using a large straight stitch, then pull to gather extra fabric tightly against the hoop. Secure with a knot.

  • Optional: Cut out an additional circle of fabric and, using a blanket stitch, attach it to the back side of the display hoop.