Paint with thread using a machine or Hand on the Blog

Apr 6, 2022

Learn Online in Thread Arts

Crochet, embroidery string art and much more.    

Think painting can only be painted with paint? It's not the case anymore! We present thread painting. It's exactly what it's sounded like, and it could just become your new favorite pastime. Read on to find out how to paint with thread, discover incredible examples, and find out how to begin creating making your own work of art.

Thread your needles, and let's dive in!

What is Thread Painting?

Getting Started With Thread Paint

Things You'll Need

Before we dive into the process of painting with thread, let's go over the materials that you'll require.

  • Fabric Select a fabric that doesn't stretch, such as linen or cotton. Both are both great choices.
  • Scissors:Use sharp fabric scissors which you do not use to cut anything else.
  • Masking tape:Taping the edges of your fabric will keep it from fraying. It also comes in handy when you're transferring patterns onto your fabric.
  • Marking tool for fabric: Water-soluble or heat-erasable markers work best.
  • Tracing and carbon paper:These make it easy to copy designs onto your fabrics.
  • Embroidery hoop: This will keep the fabric in place and secure when you stitch it. If you are using a machine, this will make it easier to move the fabric under the needle.
  • Needles: When you're thread-painting by hand, you'll need an eye-to-eye needle that has a larger eye to hold the larger floss for embroidery. If using your sewing machine and the needles included with the model must be fine.
  • Darning foot (sewing machine-only): If thread painting with sew machines, the darning foot will not only help hold the fabric while stitching, but also protect your fingers from needle.

Getting Your Design Ready

If you're considering sewing with thread by hand or using a sewing machine, it's important to create a plan. Feel free to sketch your idea on paper, recreate your favorite image, or take a photo of something you find inspiring and trace the design.

If you're drawing directly onto the fabric, you can use an ink that is water-soluble, or a heat-erasable. If you're making copies of the image or photograph You can trace it onto tracing paper, after which you can transfer it to the fabric using carbon paper.

Lastly, tape the edges of the fabric using masking tape, then place it in an hoop. If using a sewing machine, insert your fabric into the hoop upside down--you'll have to use the hoop with the fabric flush against the machine. You'll have to see your design at this angle.

It's time to get started painting!

Paint With Thread Using an Sewing Machine

  1. Switch your machine's presser foot into the darning feet.
  2. Make sure you thread your bobbins in the correct colors and thread the sewing machine.
  3. Lower the feed dogs--these normally assist in moving the fabric however, you must be able to move the fabric freely when thread painting.
  4. Then, place the embroidery hoop one side facing up underneath the needle (you may need to lift up the foot of your presser to help fit it in).
  5. Place the fabric under the needle to create stitches that cover your design. Move it slowly to create small stitches. It will speed up for longer ones.
  6. Make sure to experiment using the width of the stitch--zig-zag stitches can help fill in areas much faster than straight stitches and can aid in bringing an extra dimension to the work you're doing.
  7. Alter the color of the thread as needed.

Color with thread by hand

Stitches of different types Stitches

Couching It involves creating smallstitches that are almost invisible to hold down a piece of thread. It's ideal for curving lines as well as adding detail on top of other stitches.

Satin stitch: The term refers to a series of stitching that is done side-by-side to give an area the color.

Short and long stitch:A variant which uses the satin stitch in which the adjacent stitches alternate in length. This is especially useful in blending two shades together.

Stitch Thickness

Thread used for embroidery typically consists of six strands. The thread can be used all at once if you're looking to create thick stitches and make a larger area more complete. Alternately, you could split up the thread using just a couple of threads to create additional texture or to add finer details.

Color Blending

Color blending is the process that blends threads of different colors, that can create a gradient effect or create shadows or highlights to your piece.

In order to blend two colors, start by filling half of your section with one of the colors using short and long stitches. Fill the other half with the second color, making sure to start each stitch where the other color ends. When you're done, your section should contain two distinct hues on either side as well as the middle should have a mix of colors. the middle.

If you're not happy by the way that two shades blend it is possible to use a lighter thread (fewer Strands) to include additional colors to the middle section.

Making It Together

Once you have these fundamental techniques at hand, you're able to begin filling in your designs with thread. It is possible to determine which colours to choose prior to the time you start, or simply see how the process of creating takes you.

The important thing to remember is that there are no errors. You can take threads away, replace them with something else or put more on top. Don't get too hung up on the small details--it will all come together at the end!

Thread Painting Ideas

Before you pick up the needle and thread we'll look over a few ideas for what you could create.

Thread Portraits

Florals

Painting flowers is the perfect method to test your color mixing capabilities to the challenge.

3D Design

The truth is that French knots are the most beautiful curls!

Embroidery on Clothes

Make your design a stitch on your clothing and wear them proudly.

Beyond Fabric

If you are infatuated with thread painting, you see almost anything as a potential canvas.

Start with painting

Inspired to start thread painting? We've covered the basics here yet there's much to learn. Luckily, there are plenty of classes that cover the subject.

Thread painting with a happy heart!

   Learn How to Paint with Thread By Hand  

   Painting With Thread Modern embroidery for beginners