How to Embroider a Couch

Embroidery is an old folk art that adds subtle character to any room. The art form itself is not difficult to learn, as you only need basic stitching skills to begin. However, once you progress past a fundamental understanding of embroidery patterns, working with different material and stitches, you can begin to explore more advanced stitches and consider approaching a large project such as a couch. Adorning a prominent piece of furniture such as a sofa can be an effective way to showcase your talent or to revitalize a boring solid print.

Chalk
Painter's tape
Embroidery hoop
Embroidery needle
Embroidery floss
Scissors
Thimble

Instructions

- 1
  Draw the design on the couch in chalk. Sketch out the basic outline if the drawing is large or complex.
- 2
  Insert your embroidery needle into the outer fabric of the couch as if making a single straight stitch to test the workability of the material. Consider the pressure required to move the needle, the stiffness of the cloth and the ease of pushing the tip up from the back to the front. Determine if a thimble is required or if the fabric is too thick to work by hand.
- 3
  Practice stitching your design on a scrap fabric of similar weight. Experiment with different stitches and floss thicknesses.
- 4
  Consider the best way to approach ending each thread; if the fabric was not removable you will need to leave a long knotted tail within the couch or end in a visible knot. Push the needle through the bulk of the cushion and emerge five to six inches away from the design to bury a length of thread in the couch. Pull the thread up hard when you emerge and clip the thread near the fabric; the couch will rebound and the fabric will close around the unknotted floss.
- 5
  Remove the fabric couch cover, if possible. Mark off the design areas with tape if you can't remove the outer fabric; this will provide a stable border that won't shift much as you work.
- 6
  Select the first area to embroider.
- 7
  Secure the embroidery hoop if the fabric was removed. Unscrew the outer ring of your embroidery hoop so that the inner ring falls out. Place the inner ring on the underside of the fabric and the larger ring on top. Press the rings together while holding the material taut in the frame. Tighten the nut on the larger ring to secure the material.
- 8
  Cut a 1-1/2 foot length of embroidery floss; you can adjust this length for a longer or shorter working thread as you develop your own style.
- 9
  Tape one end of the floss to a table. Separate the loosely twisted threads to create thinner stitches and a finer design; you can leave the floss whole or make it one- to five-strands thick. Remember, the thinner the floss the less durable the design.
- 10
  Thread the needle. Pull three to five inches of floss through the eye of the needle and then twist it with the main length of floss.
- 11
  Knot the end of the longer length of floss three or four times to create a large knot; the knot must be larger than the space between the threads of your couch fabric.
- 12
  Stitch the design.
- 13
  Replace the couch cover.

How to Care for a White Leather Couch

How to Replace Stuffing Inside Sagging Couch Pillow

Couches