Modern trends are bringing back the art of embroidery, transforming it into an integral element of both formal and everyday attire. Embroidery has the power to embellish women's dresses, men's shirts, and even children's T-shirts. It gives a New look to items that seemed to have lost their relevance. The embroidered pattern becomes a true inspiration, making everyday things unique.
And to make embroidery on clothing easy and straightforward, water-soluble canvas comes to the rescue.
What is Water-Soluble Canvas and What is it Used For
Water-soluble or dissolvable canvas is usually a transparent mesh made of water-soluble plastic. It is designed for the even application of cross-stitch embroidery on unmarked fabric. The name of this material speaks for itself: it literally dissolves in water. All you need to do is place the finished embroidery in warm water. The water temperature and dissolution time are indicated in the instructions. Thanks to water-soluble canvas, you can easily transfer the embroidered pattern to the fabric without distorting the crosses and the design. Embroidery kits with water-soluble canvas are intended for applying embroidery to clothing. Thanks to water-soluble canvas, you can also apply embroidery to various other textile items such as tablecloths, towels, pillows, and so on.
A Brief Excursion into History
Embroidery on clothing has been popular for a long time. But there was one story that served as the inspiration for creating water-soluble canvas. A little Japanese boy named Hiroko Kubota had a beloved cat with which he was practically inseparable. Hiroko asked his mother to embroider an image of his beloved cat on a T-shirt in such a way that the cat appeared to be peeking out of the pocket. This way, the boy had the feeling that his beloved cat was always with him, even when he couldn't take it along. Of course, the mother tried to do what her son asked. She posted her embroidery on the internet and received a lot of responses and orders for similar embroideries. People ordered embroideries of their pets hiding in the pocket of clothing. The demand for such embroideries became the starting point in the creation of water-soluble canvas, making embroidery on clothing easier and more convenient.
How to Embroider on Water-Soluble Canvas
- Select the place on the fabric or clothing where you will embroider. The fabric should be ironed.
- Attach the canvas to the fabric with tailor's pins or baste it with forward stitches using a needle. Make sure the fabric is not stretched.
- When you finish the embroidery, remove the pins or pull out the securing thread.
- Dissolve the canvas. Strictly adhere to the time and water temperature specified in the instructions.
- After the canvas has dissolved, steam the embroidery from the back and dry the finished product.
Mistakes in Embroidering on Water-Soluble Canvas
- Not washing the item before embroidery. Many fabrics shrink after washing, changing size and shape. Therefore, it is recommended to start embroidery after the item has been washed.
- Not reinforcing the embroidery. The thinner the fabric, the more necessary it is to reinforce it from the back. Use interfacing or backing to reinforce the back. This prevents deformation and ensures the durability of your embroidery.
- Using an unsuitable needle. Many embroiderers use a tapestry needle, but it is only suitable for embroidery on canvas. For embroidery on fabric, you need a sharper and longer needle.
- Not following the canvas dissolution mode. For proper removal of the canvas, it is crucial to precisely follow the instructions.
- Choosing the wrong design. If you have no experience in fabric embroidery, choose a small but effective design to test your skills and enjoy the process. This will help you avoid excessive difficulties and make your first embroidery a pleasant and successful experience.
Embroidery on fabric using water-soluble canvas is true creative magic. After all, in this way, the most ordinary white T-shirt or a boring monochrome shirt turns into a unique, distinctive item of clothing. Clothing with such embroidery will always look stylish and emphasize your individuality.