Design Transfer - Tacking Stitch
Transferring a design with tacking stitches is a traditional method which can come in very handy.
It is especially helpful when your design isn't going to have a stitched outline that will cover any drawn lines - e.g. shaded blackwork designs or some whitework elements.
It can also be useful when you're not sure if your embroidery will cover any lines you might draw. This could come up in any technique. I find it especially helpful for times when I haven't 100% decided which stitch I will use, so I don't know for sure that I'll have something covering the outline.
The method is as follows:
1. Trace the design lines onto tissue paper (preferably acid free tissue paper, and ideally with a pencil that doesn't smudge - I often use a colour pencil rather than lead).
2. Pin the tissue in position on the pre-stretched fabric. Keep the pins upright so as not to distort the tissue.
3. Using machine sewing thread, make large basting stitches through the fabric and tissue to secure them together temporarily, and take out the pins.
4. Use machine sewing thread to mark out the design with tacking stitches:
- Start each section with a knot on the top so it will be easily removed later.
- Make tiny stitches underneath the fabric (2mm or less) and larger stitches on top (3-10mm: adapt the length to the curve of the line - longer on a straight line and shorter for a tight curve).
- At any corners, make sure to finish with long stitch on the top, right into the corner, and make a tiny stitch underneath to start the next part.
- Finish each section either with a knot or with two little stitches (just make sure these are visible enough to remove easily later).
5. Use a sharp needle to score the tissue paper along the design lines, gently breaking the tissue paper.
6. Remove the basting stitches.
7. Gently pull away the tissue paper to reveal the design. If there are any small pockets of tissue, you might need to use tweezers to help remove them without disturbing the tacking lines.