Embroidered United States of America

Hi friends!

Today I have another embroidery project to share with you–one that I am really proud of: An Embroidered United States of America.  

Before I dive into the tutorial, I want to be totally honest.  

I did not come up with this idea.  I saw a project very similar to this one on Pinterest…but…

When I clicked on the link I ended up, nowhere.  

It seems that an Etsy shop was selling embroidered United States, but that Etsy shop doesn’t exist anymore?

Well, after searching and coming up with zero I decided to stitch one up myself.  

It’s really easy.  

Even someone who is a very beginner embroider would easily be able to complete this project.  

It takes some time (like all good things) but the process is very simple.

Want to make one yourself?

How to make an Embroidered United States of America

Supplies:

• Neutral, non-stretch fabric
• Iron-on Interfacing
• Water soluble marker
• Digital Map of United States
• Embroidery Hoop
• Variety of Embroidery Thread Colors
• Navy Cotton Fabric
• Polyfil
• Sewing Machine

This embroidery project is just a whole lot of Satin Stitch.  

Now, if you’ve spent any time around this blog, you know that I love and use satin stitch OFTEN.  

Like here and here and here.  

I love satin stitch because it allows you to fill in an entire area quickly and it shows off all of the beautiful colors that embroidery thread comes in.

A quick recap, in case this is your first attempt at Satin Stitch.  

Satin stitch is just a series of parallel stitches that stretch the length of any given area.  

The intend is to completely fill the area.  

When I do satin stitch I usually use 3 or 4 threads at once.

The first step of this project is to prep your material.  

Iron-on interfacing to the back of your neutral non-stretch material.  

Then, pull up a picture of the United States on your computer screen.  

I would recommend finding a picture the doesn’t have all of the names written in.  

This will make the next step easier.  

Once you have the image to the size you want, tape your fabric to the screen and, using the water-soluble marker, trace the outline onto your fabric.  

Try to be as detailed as possible.

Then, start stitching.  

Review the satin stitch details above.  

Use a variety of colors and allow your stitches to go in a variety of directions.  

This will add texture and interest to your work.

It takes a little time, but just keep stitching, just keep stitching, just keep stitching!

As a final step, I made my embroidery into a pillow.  

The process here is pretty simple.  

First, wash away the water-soluble marker.  

Then, trim the sides of the fabric, so that it is a straight rectangle.  

Next, cut two-inch strips of navy material.  Sew a strip on the top and bottom of the embroidery.  

Then, trim so that the sides of the embroidery are even with the sewn-on strips.  

Next, sew on a strip to each side.  

Iron all seams flat, and trim, if necessary.  

Finally, cut out a rectangle of navy material that is identical to the rectangle you have created with the embroidery.  

With right sides in, sew around the outside, leaving a small opening.  

Flip to right sides are out, and push out the corner.  

Fill with polyfill.

I found that it was better to really stuff the pillow full than to underfill it, as with will keep the stitches pulled tight.

Then, hand stitch shut the opening.

Ta-da!

I hope you consider giving this project a shot.  It really is easy, and I love how mine turned out

Thanks for stopping by