Debra Valencia - Embroidered Lettering: Techniques and Alphabets for Creating 25 Expressive Projects (Design Originals) Clever Needlework Ideas to Add Modern Messages to Coasters, Bags, Patches, Pillows, Towels & More

To my dear friends, who were always angels, cheering me on throughout the making of this book.

My publishers teamTiffany Hill, Katie Ocasio, Wendy Reynolds, and photographer Mike Mihalohas been so patient and generous with their support, and their warm reception to my project ideas and designs. I appreciate this opportunity to do what I love as my job: draw, design, teach, and sew. Thank you to my son, Westin, for his expert computer work and attention to detail on all the artwork. A big thank you to my sister, Cheyanne Valencia, for collaborating on our first sewing book together, which gave each of us the confidence to author books on our own.

Print ISBN 978-1-4972-0415-7
eISBN: 978-1-6076-5665-4

For a printable PDF of the patterns used in this book, please contact Fox Chapel Publishing at , stating the ISBN and title of the book in the subject line.

COPY PERMISSION: The written instructions, photographs, designs, patterns, and projects in this publication are intended for the personal use of the reader and may be reproduced for that purpose only. Any other use, especially commercial use, is forbidden under law without the written permission of the copyright holder. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information in this book is accurate. However, due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, neither the author nor publisher can be responsible for any injuries, losses, or other damages, which may result from the use of the information in this book.

INFORMATION: All rights reserved. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned and no responsibility is accepted by producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied.

WARNING: Due to the components used in this craft, children under 8 years of age should not have access to materials or supplies without adult supervision. Under rare circumstances components of products could cause serious or fatal injury. Please read all safety warnings for the products being used. Neither New Design Originals, the product manufacturer, or the supplier is responsible.

NOTE: The use of products and trademark names is for informational purposes only, with no intention of infringement upon those trademarks.

2019 by Debra Valencia and New Design Originals Corporation, www.d-originals.com, an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishing, 800-457-9112, 903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Valencia, Debra, author.

Title: Embroidered lettering / Debra Valencia.

Description: Mount Joy, PA : Design Originals, [2019] | Includes index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2018050967 (print) | LCCN 2018057150 (ebook) | ISBN 9781607656654 | ISBN 9781497204157

Subjects: LCSH: Embroidery--Patterns. | Lettering--Technique. | Needlework.

Classification: LCC TT773 (ebook) | LCC TT773 .V35 2019 (print) | DDC 746.44--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018050967

Floral graphic motifs, stitch designs, and needlework: Debra Valencia

Stitching artwork diagrams: Westin Walker

Finished project photography: Mike Mihalo

Images from ).

Map-themed scrapbook paper was provided by Tim Holtzs Distressables collection (0735 Traveler).

Vintage portrait .

We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry to acquisitions@foxchapelpublishing.com.

I absolutely love hand embroidery! It is a lovely craft and art form. And I can multitask by stitching and watching television at the same time. Its a great way to simultaneously relax, be productive, and keep up-to-date with the news and my favorite shows.

It is so satisfying to see my designs come to life in this mediumfrom a loose sketch by hand, to a precise diagram on the computer, to the personality and charm of the hand-stitched design. A variety of embroidery stitches used together create such a nice combination of textures. Even for a functional name tag on a garment, I highly recommend doing stitching by hand. Machine embroidery has no heart or soul.

I typically design florals, paisleys, hand-drawn fonts, and icons in an informal Bohemian style. I am inspired by past eras, especially the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. You will likely notice a retro vibe in some of my work. Most of my designs are intended for fabric by the yard, bedding, dinnerware, and other mass-produced products by manufacturing partners. I have combined some of my favorite designs for embroidery with letters and phrases and included them in this book.

There are 25 projects in this book, unlimited possibilities using the techniques, designs, and templates provided. Embroidery may seem intimidating if you are new to needlework. I suggest practicing the stitches on a scrap of fabric before delving into a project. Once you get the hang of it, I am sure you will love it as much as I do. Once you have mastered the basics, feel free to make your own design variations by changing colors or fabrics, or by making your own phrases with the alphabets provided. Try stitching these ideas onto other projects, tooa hoop design can become a tote bag or pillow. The end results are truly precious works of art and keepsakes for years to come!

I like to use needles with large eyes because they are easy and fast to thread. I suggest purchasing an assorted pack of specialty/craft needles that will include needles for embroidery, tapestry, and chenille. I used Coats & Clark Specialty/Craft Needles, which has ten assorted sizes. There are similar assortments made by other manufacturers, including DMC and Dritz. The smaller embroidery needles, such as a number 1, are well suited for three strands of floss. The medium embroidery needles, like numbers 2 and 3, work very well for the thicker six strands of floss and pearl cotton. The larger tapestry and chenille needles, such as number 18, work very well for ribbon.

I am not a thimble user. I find that they tend to get in my way. But this is entirely a matter of personal preference.