One process that often stumps new hands to embroidery is how to mark the pattern on the fabric before you stitch.

Also last week I published a free embroidery pattern that can be used for a Christmas decoration, and promised I would explain how I embroidered them. Today I thought I would present a small tutorial on how I do it.

I use a product called Transdoodle but you can also use dress makers carbon.

Just a quick disclaimer I am not affiliated with Transdoodle in any way, or receiving payment for reviewing it,  but I did receive a sample 18 months or so ago and have used it ever since. The more I use it the more impressed I am with it as with it you can transfer a very fine line to fabric. 

Transdoodle is a chalk based transfer paper that produces very clear and fine outlines. It is described as being non-waxy non staining, and reusable. Another big advantage is that the lines will not set even if you accidently iron it! Also, should you ever want to, you can use it on other materials such as metal or ceramics, you can. 

Usually with hand embroidery your stitchery covers any marking lines, but should you need to remove the marks you simply wipe with a cloth or wash the project. If your project will not take kindly to water simply rub out the chalky line with a scrap of fabric. Transdoodle comes in a number of colours including white so you can transfer designs on to dark fabrics with ease.

You use Transdoodle as you would dressmakers carbon (which you can also use to transfer embroidery designs)

Place the sheet of Transdoodle chalky colour side down on the fabric. Then line up your pattern on top.

Trace over the pattern so that pressure from the pen transfers the design. Make sure you do not shift the design as you work.

When you lift off the Transdoodle sheet you have a design transferred to the fabric ready to stitch

This is the second method I use. It is quick and simple but this trick will only work for light coloured fabrics that have a smooth weave.

I tape the design to a window.

Over the top I tape the fabric

As you can see this allows me to see the design well enough to trace it. 

With a quilters pencil or a marking pen I trace the design.

If you use a marking pen make sure it is one of those that will fade or disappear with moisture or time.

Don’t iron your work as you will set the transfer marks. 

These small images are the finished samples.   I hope you find this useful.