Hand embroidered dish towels are one of my favorite things! There’s a vintage feel to them that adds a little character to the kitchen.
Stitchin’ Retro, by Leisure Arts, will be able to keep me busy with over 150 designs inspired by vintage linens from the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s. Wow…how cool!
Each design is small enough that it only takes me a hour or so to complete a project…well, maybe it would only be 30 minutes but I took a million photos! I have a short attention span so I need small projects!
I’ll quickly show you just how easy it is to create an embroidered napkin.
I washed and ironed two cloth napkins that I found on sale at Target. Ironing is by far the hardest part of this project. I thought about paying one of my children to do it for me, but thought better of it.
Just about anything with a tight weave like cotton, linen, and wool will work. Think about the fabulous pillow cases, shirts, baby bibs, purses, and aprons you can add a touch of style to with a little embroidery.
I picked these sweet little cherries and cut around them. You want to cut close, but not too close! You just cut them right out of the book!
Preheat the iron without steam. Iron the spot where you’ll place the transfer. Once it’s hot, take your transfer and lay it face down in the perfect spot. Immediately place your iron on it and hold it down for 5-10 seconds without moving it around. I like to push down on it pretty hard.
Lift a corner to check, and repeat heat until the transfer is dark enough for you. Transfers can be used more than once, but the number of times depends on the pressure you use while ironing.
Gather your supplies. I used red, green and brown embroidery floss, an embroidery hoop {size 4}, an embroidery needle with a large eye {size 8}, and small scissors. Oh, and don’t forget a cup of coffee or tea!
I decided I didn’t want my floss too thick, so I separated it in half and only used 3 stands. Slowly pull them apart or you’ll end up with a knotty mess! And it’s best to use 12-18 inches of floss to keep it easy to handle.
Place the napkin over the smaller ring of your embroidery hoop and secure the large one over it tightly. Adjust the screw to hold it in place…you don’t want it moving all around while your trying to work.
Thread your needle and tie a knot on one end. Start from the bottom and use a simple backstitch.
This is what the back will look like after you’ve embroidered a bit. When you run out of thread, just tie a knot and start with new thread. You can weave it through several stitches on the back and not tie a knot, but I’ve never tried it.
The transfer might not wash out, so stay on the line the best you can…it’s really not too hard!
Here’s a picture of it in progress and moving along quickly.
Once you’re done, remove the ring and iron with steam to remove the crease from the ring.
Repeat all the steps a second time to make a matching one for a set.
Tie a ribbon around both of them and you have a fabulous gift ready to go!
Iron on transfers make embroidery so much easier, and I love simple designs like palm trees and fruit. It’s a little touch of handmade goodness in the kitchen!
I’ve used other embroidery books, but this one is my favorite!!! If you’re new to embroidery, you’ll find a simple stitch guide in this book to get you stichin’ in minutes.
Just one more idea for an awesome handmade holiday!
~Kim
You might enjoy some of these ideas…101 Simple Handmade Gifts!
{ 131 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh my gosh! There are so many to choose from! But I do love the Retro Stitchin’ book as well as the “Doodling for Papercrafters”… great stuff!
I became a fan on Facebook!
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Oh, that is the sweetest book…I’d love to snag it and get to work on some embroidery! I checked out Leisure Arts (great site). My fav book is 52 More Scrapbooking Challenges…it’s got some wonderful inspiration. Thanks for the chance!
Jamie
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would love any of the Quilting books they have! How fun!
lindaanthonysmith@gmail.com
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Wow! I am ready to run out and start making napkins! I love to embroider on paper… should start making these too (like I need another hobby, lol).
I subscribe!!
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I signed up as a fan on FB!
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I think the Stitchin’ Retro book is my favorite.
The art of embroidery book looks cool.
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I’m a new facebook fan!
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Stichin’ Retro was my absolute favorite!! It was SOOO cute!! I would love to make some of the things in that book to put in my hopechest! =)
WOW! That does look awfully simple and with such great results!!! I would love to win this book and try it out myself!!!!
*fingers crossed*
From Leisure Arts…I like the book Knit Prayer Shawls. I am a knitter and that would be a book I would love!
thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com
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I am a new fan on facebook! Katy Mc. Ald.
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I follow you on Twitter! KatyLMA
thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com
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I subscribe to your blog through My Yahoo feed reader!
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I tweeted about this giveaway!
http://twitter.com/KatyLMA/status/10148683464
thecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com
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I love the crochet books especially Crochet Adorned by Linda Perman.
I am an email subscriber.
Oh my gosh! I love that book! I absolutely need to pick that up…or WIN!!
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I’m a fan on facebook
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I am a follower on twitter
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I tweeted about your giveaway!
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There are a lot of good books! I think one of my favorites might be Mary Engelbreit: Stitched So Cute! (Although it’s not available until July)
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I subscribe
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I follow you on twitter
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http://www.everythingetsy.com/2010/03/embroidery-tutorial-stitchin-retro-review-and-giveaway/
Oh sorry! I had the wrong thing copy and pasted.
My favorite book is definitely Little Knitted Creatures. I want to make the owl!
To make up for the fact that I had that weird extra entry, I’ll combine my entry for following via RSS in this one: I followed you via google reader.
I follow you on twitter – I’m @doppeldeer
I tweeted about this giveaway: http://twitter.com/doppeldeer/status/10149982653
This is something I’d love to win, I’m just getting back into embroidery.
The Best of Sew Simple Magazine would be my pick.
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I’m a follower via google reader
I’m now a subscriber.
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I love books and can’t tell what book is my favorite, but I don’t have an embroidery book, so this Stichin’ Retro is a book that I need.
Thank You
how do you choose just one favorite book?! i want them all!! but since it encompasses many crafts plus recycling i choose The Big Green Book of Recycled Crafts!
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I am a subscriber via email
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tweeted! @crafteemcgee
subscribed with google reader! excited for the daily inspiration!
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I follow your twitter (http://twitter.com/mamihku)
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I retweet about the giveaway
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I like Little Knitted Creatures – looks cute and fun!
I subscribe to Everything Etsy!!
I am an Everything Etsy fan on facebook
This type of embroidery is my favorite! I used to embroider things on my children’s clothing when they were little–I may have to do some of this for my new granddaughter.
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What a wonderful selection of books. Love the one you are giving away!
Since I’m scrapbooking more I would also love Yes, It’s a Scrapbook!
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I subscribe
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follow on twitter
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saw your new fan page yesterday and became a fan
(ShanasShop on FB and twitter)
.-= Debbie in Nashville´s last blog ..craftgawker and photos =-.
I haven’t embroidered in years! It would be so much fun to do it again.
I would like to try something new like the Little Knitted Creatures book. Great giveaway – thanks!
I’m a subscriber.
i love the Crochet Totes and Accessories
I follow you on twitter
I won’t buy this book because I’ll win it! I tweeted, I follow and became a fan…so it’s mine,right?!♥
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I would love some of those crochet books.
I love this one.
I just ran across some embroidery thread at an estate sale this weekend for $1.00- I didnt have a use for it so I passed it up. I am KICKING MYSELF now.
Brandy @ SewCute Shop
.-= SewCuteShop´s last blog ..Melly Purse or Bag, Amy Butler LOVE Fabric, Midnight Water Bouquet, Custom Fabric Choice Available =-.
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I really need to spice up my kitchen and those napkins would do it! What a fun gift idea too!!
The Beading Workshop book looks interesting….might have to go snag it!
Thanks for the chance!
Denise
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I’m a subscriber
Denise
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I follow you on twitter too
Denise
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Oh – I want to embroider! How adorable are those patterns? Your cherries are too cute
I love them all, but the one you chose is probably my favorite book. Or possible the “Stitch it Home” book.
Thanks for the giveaway!
.-= Mandy´s last blog ..Pretty, Simple Spring Wreath =-.
I’m a subscriber, too
.-= Mandy´s last blog ..Pretty, Simple Spring Wreath =-.
The book “Doodling for Papercrafters” looks like a lot of fun!
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I’m a subscriber.
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I follow you on twitter.
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I’m a fan of your new FB page!
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So many books! I really like The Paper Home and The Paper Bag Book. They both seem to be good choices for recycling paper products.
I really like the Stitchin’ Retro too! I hope I win!
I am a subscriber!
I am a follower on twitter.
And I retweeted about this giveaway.
Kim, This book is just the sweetest! I saw lots of fun books over there, but I must admit, I love the Copic markers. They are so fun to work with and worth every penny.
.-= Meg´s last blog ..Bargain Alert! =-.
I would pick the Embroidered Monograms & More Book 2. I love making pillowcases and hand towels for gifts.
I’m a fan on facebook
They have a lot of really wonderful books – hard choice. I think the retro stitchin’ book is great. And the Sew Simple book is also. And a lot of others
Hope I win… ;o)
I follow you on Twitter!
And I’m a subsrciber (via RSSOwl).
)
And last – but not least – I twittered about this great giveaway.
The Big Green looks like a fantastic book!
I subscribe!
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I follow!
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I am a facebook fan!
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One of my favorite series of books is the Christmas Remembered Book series (it’s an older series of cross stitch books from Leisure Arts.)
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I am a facebook fan.
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That’s a great tutorial and those are great patterns! So retro and cute! We have some beautiful and affordable tea towels PERFECT for those iron on transfer patterns in our shop on Etsy. You can see them at http://craftygirlsworkshop.etsy.com Thanks for sharing those great instructions. I LOVE iron on transfers, they are sew much easier than using a light box.
Anna
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I’m a follower.
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There were quite a few choices that caught my eye in the “sewing patterns” section, but I’m most interested in checking out Modern Crafter – Home Stuff.
.-= Catherine´s last blog ..I ♥ Chunky! {Project #20} =-.
This is such a great tutorial! Thanks so much I am for sure doing this!!
~Morgan
http://meetvirginiaandroo.blogspot.com/
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My favorite would be the Beginner’s Guide to Altered Art.
I’m a fan on facebook.
I’m following you on twitter.
Do I have to say just one? I’m picking two because I’m pregnant. I love Sew Magical for Baby and Artistic Needle Felting!
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I also subscribe, via Google Reader.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..The Ginger People =-.
Stitchin’ Retro is awesome! I also think that Ready, Set, Go! with baby patterns looks fantastic!
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I am now a facebook fan!
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I am also a subscriber!
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I do hand embroidered tees and onesies. I use my own designs and hand draw them on. That iron-on would really make things a whole lot easier!
.-= Dana´s last blog ..Hand Embroidered Anchor Tattoo T-SHIRT or ONESIE =-.
The book “Sew Magical for Baby” really caught my eye.
I am a subscriber via email.
My favorite book is Little Knited Creatures. I just bought it for my son.
I taught myself to emboider using these patterns when I was 8 years old. It is so much fun to do.
DebP
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I x-stitch daily and use most as gifts and this looks like what I did as a child. Brings back many memories!
I like the 300+ Magnets In Plastic Canvas book.
pretty cool
I also like the Stitch It: Home!
I subscribe to your blog!
I follow you on Twitter! (freckledfancies)
Mine would be the beginners guide. I am a beginner!
Wow, lots to choose from, but I think I would start with the Stitchin’ Retro. Love the look, and want to make new curtains for my kitchen.
I subscribe through Google Reader.
Following on Twitter.
Facebook Fan!
I like the Gooseberry Patch: Sweetly Stitched For Kids
.-= autie´s last blog ..Autism and why you shouldn’t rush to conclusions =-.
Big Green Book of Recycled Crafts!
You’re right, there are a lot of books. But, I came back to the one you featured. I just love vintage embroidery!
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I do subscribe to Everything Etsy through Bloglines!
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stiching retro
I would love to win this Thank You for this great giveaway fancyfeet45@earthlink.net
My favorite Leisure Arts book is Classic Quick Knit Throws — An Afghan for Every Season. Thanks!
I am an email subscriber.
I follow you on twitter.
@monteefamily
Tweet!
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My family would have fun with the Amazing Kid Stuff book.
I just subscribed.
Oh cool! I just bought some napkins at Target on clearance too. We only use cloth ones, and it would be nice to make them a bit more fun like yours!
I also thought that the book Modern Crafter Jolly Stuff looks great. We are planning to make cloth ornaments for the tree this year and get rid of the glass balls, so it would be perfect!
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Enjoyed your explantion, now it looks so easy i might
try it too. But probably will draw my own designs
Thanks
Well i mean i missed the give awyay but probably
will be back to visit
.-= thejoyofcolor´s last blog ..Love is in the Air 3 red decorative standing flower =-.
I love the Gooseberry Patch: Sweetly Stitched For Kids book.
I’m an email subscriber.
So cute! I love embroidery, it can be done on almost anything.