Everything You Need to Know about Starting Your 2024 Embroidery Journal
In my recent posts about embroidery journals, I shared the basics about what an embroidery journal is as well as what materials you need to make one. Now I am going to tell you how to actually do it!
Setting up an embroidery journal may take some time and intention but it will also set you up for success for the rest of the year! Follow my steps below to get started:
Step 1: Get all of your materials ready
Before we actually get sewing, it’s important to have all of your materials ready.
Do you have an embroidery hoop? I personally would not recommend making an embroidery journal without a hoop. The hoop pulls your fabric taught so that you do not get puckering from your stitches. I consider a hoop essential.
Do you need to cut down your fabric to an appropriate size? Having too much extra fabric can get in the way as you embroider. Make sure not to cut the fabric too close to your design as that can make it difficult to place into your embroidery hoop.
Do you need to add interfacing to our fabric to make it stronger? Now would be a good time to reinforce your fabric! Nothing is worse than getting a month or two in and realizing that your fabric is not holding up!
Once we have all the materials we need and they are ready to-go, it’s time to get designing!
Step 2: Decide on your layout
The next thing to do is decide how you are going to layout your design.
How big do you want your journal to be? You will want to decide how big your journal should be. My first journal was just under a 12inch diameter circle. My next journal will likely be smaller. I also want to note that I tend to use a smaller embroidery hoop while I actively embroidery; I find that it give me better control and holds the fabric more taught.
What shape do you want for your journal? A popular design is round with 12 pie slices to represent each month (as shown below); this is the approach that I usually take. I have also seen rectangular journals or even fully freeform journals. Pinterest is a great place to find inspiration; here is my embroidery journal Pinterest board.
Step 3: Create your template and transfer it to your fabric
Once you have decided on your layout, you will want to transfer it to your fabric (if you are going totally freeform, you may be able to skip this step). I personally design my templates in Adobe Illustrator, print them off, and trace them using my air-erasable pen.
If you’d like to skip making your own template, you can also purchase my own embroidery journal templates from my Etsy store. Each purchase includes a few template design options, size options and a more detailed guide on how to use the templates.
Step 4: Embroider your template
The first thing you will want to do is embroider all the relevant parts of your template. For me, this is usually the year in the middle and the months along the edges. I also sometimes like to include dividers between each month, but that is all up to you! Having this all embroidered lays the foundation so you only have to worry about embroidering your icons!
Step 5: Start embroidering your icons!
The next step is the longest but also the most rewarding. It’s time to start embroidering all of your icons! My personal recommendation is to manage your journal in the way that fits the best into your life. Sometimes I embroider every night; sometimes I wait a few weeks and have a longer embroidering session to catch up.
Pro Tip! Keep track of your icon ideas in a journal or spreadsheet. As the month goes on, write down ideas for new icons. This will be helpful for remembering your ideas when it is time to embroider. I also like to do this as it helps me remember what each icon represented when looking back at my journal.
Make sure to tag me in your posts so I can see your journals! I can’t wait to see what you create!
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