Stick and stitch embroidery means you print or buy a water-soluble pattern, stick it on your fabric, stitch right through it and rinse it away in warm water. It is the easiest way to embroider fabrics that are hard to draw on, such as tote bags, denim and tees. Here is how to do it and what to watch for on each fabric.
What stick-and-stitch patterns are
The pattern is printed on a special sheet that sticks to fabric and dissolves in water. You do not have to trace or transfer anything. Our Stick-and-Stitch Embroidery Patterns come as an A4 sheet (11.7 x 8.3 in) and are made for tote bags, denim and tees.
If you want to compare it with other ways of marking fabric, see our guide to transferring embroidery patterns.
What you need
- A stick-and-stitch pattern sheet
- Fabric: a tote bag, a denim jacket or jeans, or a t-shirt
- Embroidery floss and needles. Our embroidery starter set has floss, a hoop, needles, a threader and scissors.
- An embroidery hoop, such as the Beechwood Embroidery Hoop
- Small scissors, such as Stork Embroidery Scissors
Step by step
- Prewash and dry the fabric if it is washable. This removes sizing and prevents shrinking later.
- Cut out the pattern and peel off its backing.
- Stick the pattern on a smooth, flat, dry area of the fabric. Press it down firmly, especially at the edges.
- Place the area in a hoop so the pattern sits in the middle and the fabric is tight. Our guide to using an embroidery hoop covers this.
- Thread your needle and stitch through the pattern and the fabric together, following the printed lines.
- Finish each thread neatly on the back of the fabric.
- When you are finished, take the fabric out of the hoop.
- Rinse it in warm water until the pattern sheet has dissolved and rubs away. See how to wash embroidery for gentle washing and drying.
- Let it dry flat and press from the back if the fabric allows.
Tips for each fabric
Tote bags
Canvas is dense and firm, so use a sharp needle and pull the thread through gently. A tote is a closed bag, so it can be tricky to hoop. Pick a flat area near the front, and open the bag so the inner ring can sit inside while the outer ring sits on the outside.
Denim
Denim is thick, so a sharper, sturdier needle and a thimble help. Stay away from thick seams, since needles do not pass through them well. Stitch with several strands so your work stands out against the texture. Our post on embroidery needle sizes explains how to choose a needle.
T-shirts
Knit fabric stretches, and stitching can pucker it. Back the area with a stabilizer, a piece of tear-away or cut-away interfacing, before stitching. Keep tension gentle so the fabric lies flat.
Choosing a design and placement
Pick a spot that sits flat when the item is worn or carried. On a tee, the chest or a sleeve works well; on denim, a pocket or the area beside it; on a tote, the center front. Avoid seams, zippers and thick hems, because the hoop will not sit evenly there.
Lay the pattern sheet on the fabric before you peel anything, and check the size and angle. Once it is stuck down, moving it can stretch the fabric or leave the edges lifting.
Common mistakes
- Stitching over a sheet that has not been pressed down. The pattern lifts and the needle snags.
- Pulling thread too tight, which puckers the fabric.
- Using hot water on delicate items. Check the care label and use warm water as the pattern instructions say.
- Leaving pattern residue. Rinse until you cannot feel a film, then let the fabric dry.
Stitches that work well
Back stitch, stem stitch and satin stitch are good for stick-and-stitch designs. If they are new to you, our embroidery stitches for beginners guide is a good starting point. When you want to display or finish a hoop piece, see how to finish an embroidery hoop.
FAQ
Does stick-and-stitch embroidery wash out completely?
The pattern sheet is water-soluble, so you rinse it away in warm water after stitching. Rinse until no film remains.
Can you use stick-and-stitch on stretchy fabric?
Yes, but add a stabilizer behind the fabric so it does not pucker while you stitch.
Do I need a hoop?
A hoop helps keep the fabric taut and makes stitches even. On a tote or jacket, place it on a flat area.
Can I embroider a finished tote bag?
Yes. Choose a flat area and stitch carefully so you do not catch the other side of the bag.