No matter where those free embroidery designs are found they must be transferred to fabric. Ordinary baby powder, tracing or velum paper, a #10 embroidery needle, and a mechanical pencil will do the job. Transferring free embroidery designs is a two-step process. The first task is to create a dotted outline of the pattern which, secondly, will be drawn in greater detail. To stabilize tracing papers and free embroidery designs pin or weight them down on the fabric. An ironing board surface is ideal; the board can be adjusted to the perfect height while you work. Sandwich the tracing paper and embroidery design on top of the fabric, tracing paper inbetween. Using a #10 embroidery needle, punch holes through the design lines about every eighth inch creating an outline. (Attaching the needle to the wrong end of a crochet hook with some tape makes it more efficient.) Leaving the tracing paper in place, carefully lift the embroidery design off. Generously powder the paper over the holes so the powder penetrates. Tamping the powdered holes can help the powder penetrate better, a tennis ball does the job. Once the powdered outlining is done, lift the tracing paper. A mechanical pencil or acrylic paint is the best for drawing or painting over the lines and adding more detail since a nice fine line can be achieved. That is not the case with many transfer pens.

Using this transfer method for free embroidery designs you can also take advantage of any picture in a magazine. Transfer that perfect flower or geometric pattern. Don't miss the opportunity to check our "Free Embroidery Designs Resources" section below. We've found terrific sites to help you find what you're looking for.