Special Occasion Embroidery

Machine embroidery has been many things at many times, but when people first hear of it, the first word that comes to mind isn’t always glamorous. Crafty, handmade, homemade, maybe even kitschy, not always glamorous. Of course, that’s just because upon first viewing it’s not always apparent how magical it can be. Taking your craft from cute to chic is a few simple tricks away, and you won’t believe the sort of elegant creations you can make. So, just what should you be thinking about?

Statements with Color

Let’s start with the basics of color before you even hoop up that project and start it stitching. Color can have a huge impact on the overall look of a design, and picking the right color palette can be the difference between subtly chic and overly garish. Luckily, there are lots of ways you can find beautiful color palette ideas.

Color Palettes

One of our favorite tricks is find a photo with a color scheme you love, and use it to create a palette

Tone on Tone

Another easy trick to make any design classy is to help it become a little more seamlessly integrated into whatever you’re adding it to. As tempting as it may be to pick the brightest colors possible to show off your favorite design, sometimes the classiest way to show it off is with tone on tone coloring. That doesn’t necessarily mean all one color, but tones that are all visually harmonious and similar to the color you’re stitching on are always guaranteed to look good!

White on White

While we’re talking tone on tone and classy occasions, weddings really need to be mentioned, and there’s nothing more subtle but dazzlingly classy than white on white for that magical day. Embroidery is a dimensional art in a way that almost nothing else is, and letting those stitches shine as a beautiful baroque sheen on that special gown is a daring but understated way to add stitches to your big day without them overpowering your big look.

Metallics

Another simple but classy look? Try metallics. They can be a bit temperamental to stitch with sometimes, but their magic is undeniable when they shimmer on fabric. Don’t combine too many in one design unless they’re all of similar tone, just let the glimmer of the thread bring your design to life in a way no other thread can.

Clothing with Class

So, we’ve covered what kinds of threads and colors go well with glamorous looks, but what about the garment itself? Well, the key to adding class to these kinds of projects is a combination of elegant motifs and unexpected elements. For example…

Elegant & Unexpected Placement

Placement can make a big impact on your project; let your chosen design become a statement instead of just a sticker. While it seems obvious to place every design in the front and center of your project, try some more unexpected areas. Collars on jackets, the sides of sleeves, the back pockets on jeans. Maybe put a design high up on your shoulder or cascade it down the side edge of your shirt. That unexpected detail will instantly elevate the design to something fresh and new.