Choosing a design is arguably one of the most challenging – yet essential – aspects of machine embroidery.

Think about it! First, you have a finite amount of space on which to embroider. Then you must consider colour(s), design size, sewing difficulty, placement of text if needed, and more, in order to ensure the best possible product outcome. After that, you have to map out your design, and execute the final product.

You never want to get halfway through an embroidery project only to find you’ve misjudged placement or underestimated how difficult it was going to be.

So, we thought we would share a few tips to help make the process a little easier!

Establish a Vision

Every project requires a vision. Without a vision, it’s challenging to achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing final product. To make your concept come to life, consider who the product is for, what the occasion is, and which product is the perfect fit for your personalized touches. Complimentary colour choices, font styles, and layout will make for the perfect personalized masterpiece.

Consider Sizing

Once you have your vision established, choose the product you wish to personalize. Remember, our Embroider Buddy® items, Embroider Blankeys, Embroider Backpacks and Embroider Buddy® Pillows will all have different size and placement requirements.

Then,  consider how your design will render on the product after it has been sewn. For example, you’ve found a design you love, but it’s too large or small. Sometimes designs can be “sized up” to fit, but sizing down can be tricky. More intricate designs might not translate well once they’ve been shrunken down, and often it’s easier to just find something new.

Level of Expertise

Some designs are more challenging to embroider than others and require a certain level of expertise and time. Before deciding on a design, always factor in how complicated it is, your skill level and the time required to execute.

Resources

Whether you’re new to the embroidery game, or a seasoned professional looking for inspiration, these templates pair perfectly with Embroidery Buddy® products, and will help make embroidering a little easier.

First, check out EmbroideryDesigns.com or Ann the Gran. They offer a wide range of embroidery designs in different sizes, have thousands to choose from, and you can download up to three per week at no charge!

EmbroIderes is another excellent free resource. They allow you to browse their collection and download their patterns without registration or fees.

If your budget isn’t a problem, check out Secrets of Embroidery. Secrets of Embroidery is a reputable online resource for embroidery patterns and designs. Also, they offer many valuable tips and tricks for both embroidery beginners and experts. This is one resource you don’t want to miss!

And, of course you can always find a wealth of artist-created designs at Embroidery Soup™, including custom-made Embroider Buddy® Charms free with purchase of an Embroider Buddy® stuffed animal.

What are your tips for choosing the right design for your project? Let us know in the comments below!