Embroidering Paper Towels: A Quirky Touch for Your Home!
Ever thought of adding a personal touch to everyday items? How about turning a simple roll of paper towels into a bespoke gift? Yup, you read that right – embroidering on paper towels! While it might sound unconventional, it’s an exciting way to infuse creativity into the mundane.
I’ve always been drawn to unique embroidery canvases and have previously explored embroidering on various paper types. Curious to know more? Let’s dive into my journey with paper towel embroidery!
Essential Supplies:
- Embroidery Machine: Ensure it has a compatible hoop.
- Paper Towels: Opt for a quality brand.
- Needle: A fresh 75/11 or a smaller embroidery needle.
- Stabilizer: The no-show mesh stabilizer is recommended.
- Thread: I chose a 40wt polyester variegated embroidery thread (thanks to Thread Nanny) and a white 60wt bobbin thread.
- Design: I found mine at Embroidery Super Deal.
- Don’t forget the scissors and pins!
Insider Tips:
- A smaller, sharper needle ensures minimal holes in the paper towel. But remember, a tiny needle eye might cause thread issues. Stay away from dull needles – they risk tearing your paper towel during embroidery.
- Cut-away stabilizers are a game-changer. The no-show mesh type is particularly useful, ensuring the paper towel retains its natural feel. Dense designs or those with heavy underlay stitching? Not recommended.
- Quality matters! Low-grade paper towels may compromise your final output. Textured towels have given me better results compared to their smooth counterparts.
Embroidering Paper Towels: Step-by-Step
Ready to begin? Follow my tried-and-tested process:
- Design Placement:
Add some bulk by folding the first few paper towels. This improves stitch durability. Marking the design’s spot can be tricky on paper towels. I suggest stickers or a light pencil marking for centering. - Floating the Towels:
Start by hooping your chosen stabilizer. Position the paper towels above the stabilizer, ensuring the paper towel’s bulk faces away from the machine’s throat space. Pins worked best for me to hold the towels in place without damage. - Machine Setup:
After placing your hoop and towels in the embroidery machine, ensure the paper towel roll’s bulk is towards the left. Load your design, check the orientation, and steer clear of stitching over any pins. Once ready, fire up your machine! - Finishing Touches:
Post-embroidery, gently remove the paper towels, trim any extra threads, and cut the stabilizer a tad smaller than the towel sheet. Did your towels wrinkle? Smooth them out with a warm iron, ensuring you press from the back. Package your embroidered towels beautifully, and voilà, a unique gift is ready!
Wrapping Up:
I sincerely hope you’re now buzzing with excitement to experiment with your embroidery machine. Remember, creativity has no boundaries!
Key Details at a Glance:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Paper Towels |
| Needle Size | 75/11 or smaller |
| Stabilizer | No-show mesh stabilizer |
| Thread Type | 40wt polyester & 60wt bobbin |
| Design Source | Embroidery Super Deal |