Embroidery Fabric
September Heidtman"What fabric is best for embroidery?"
For those who are new to embroidery, you may be wondering what fabric is best to use for that project you've been planning to start.
Let me assure you, it's quite easy! There are many fabrics suitable for embroidery. Any tightly woven, non-stretchy even-weave fabric will work well with embroidery.
Below I share a handful of different fabrics that I use in my embroidery designs. I hope this information is helpful and gives you the confidence you need to start your project!
1. Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton
Kona Cotton is one the most suggested fabrics to use for embroidery. It is a 100% even weave cotton fabric available in hundreds of colors. You can find it in almost any craft store as well as online, and -- BONUS -- it is an affordable option for those just starting out. Depending on the opacity of the fabric, you may need to double up when stitching; I recommend using 2 layers of fabric for any light colored fabric.
2. Robert Kaufman Essex Linen
Essex Linen is another highly suggested fabric. It is made of 55% linen and 45% cotton, and is also available in a wide range of colors, though harder to find in stores. Essex Linen has a reputation for being the highest quality embroidery fabric available on the market, and the cost bears witness to this. Due to the fabric being quite thin, it is recommended to always use 2 layers of fabric when stitching, even for the darker fabric colors.
3. Bleached Cotton Canvas
Canvas fabric is often described in terms of weight ranging from 4 ounces and upwards. I use a 10 ounce canvas fabric, which is considered a heavy-weight fabric -- no layering required. Though not a highly suggested fabric for embroidery, it is similar to the same fabric that most totes bags are made of today (which I know everyone loves to embroidery on, right!). Fun fact: This is my most asked about fabric. It is used in the "Earthy Botanicals" kit and the "Victorian Bouquet" kit, and has been highly reviewed by those who've purchased those kits.
4. Natural Cotton Drill
Drill, as it is commonly referred, is sometimes recommended as a suitable embroidery fabric by artists who've taken the time to experiment with it. This was actually the first fabric I ever tried when I created my "Southern Flowers" design back in early 2020; a happy accident that turned out well all around! The drill fabric I use in my kits is the only natural, unbleached variety I've been able to find, and only at Joann Fabrics. There are other kinds of drill fabrics that have a much more pronounced angled (diagonal) appearance to the weave and can be found in several different colors. They are suitable for embroidery, too.
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You can try each of these fabrics, along with several other embroidery essentials, in our Deluxe Fabric Bundle available here.
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And remember, there is freedom in the art of hand embroidery. Find joy in experimenting with different fabrics, textures, and elements to create something unique!
