Make Your Baby Knitting Projects Extra Special!
Besides knitting for charity, baby knitting projects has to be my second favorite type of project. The yarns, the colors, the size all combine to make some really adorable gifts. But if you would like to take the sweetness factor to the next level and really "wow" a mom-to-be, try doing surface embroidery on your knitting.
Embroidery on baby knitting projects
I love knitting, and I love embroidery. Okay. Admittedly, I enjoy most things that are sewing and handcrafts, but knitting and embroidery are my two favorites. When it actually dawned on me that I could combine the two, it was instant love. Nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, makes baby clothes look more sweetly personalized than some dainty little embroidery. Combine those cozy baby yarns and delicate embroidery and you've got an instant "wow" gift!
Give this a try, it's simple really. First find one of your favorite baby knitting projects. Anything will do -- baby blanket, booties, sweater and cap, or an entire outfit. Pick something that is easy and fast for your first time so you can knit your baby project and get to the embroidery without waiting a long time.
1. Choose thread and needles
Pick thread that works with your yarn. Don't choose a yarn and embroidery thread that have completely different care instructions. If you do, the first washing will ruin all your careful work.
The best type of needle for embroidering on knitted fabric is a tapestry needle. These needles have a blunt tip so you won't split the yarn of your project.
2. Stabilize the fabric
Because knitted fabrics are very elastic, you will need to stabilize the fabric before embroidering. To do this, loosely stitch a piece of light weight non-fusible interfacing on the back of your knitted fabric.
When you embroider, go through the knitted fabric and the interfacing to keep your stitches neat and stable. When the project is complete, cut away extra interfacing.
3. Or transfer the design
To transfer your embroidery design to your knitted fabric, trace it on a piece of organza, tracing paper or lightweight non-fusible interfacing. Once you have traced your pattern onto this material, attach it to the front of your knitted fabric where you want the embroidery. If you use this method to transfer your design, you can skip the stabilizing step above.
Now you have everything ready to go! Get your favorite embroidery book out or borrow one and start embellishing your baby knitting projects with sweet little flowers and designs.
