What to Do with Embroidery When Done: A Journey Through Creative Possibilities

Embroidery, the art of decorating fabric with needle and thread, is a timeless craft that has been cherished for centuries. Once you’ve completed your embroidery project, you might find yourself wondering what to do with it. The possibilities are endless, and the journey of deciding what to do with your finished piece can be as creative as the embroidery itself. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

1. Frame It and Hang It on the Wall

One of the most traditional ways to display your embroidery is by framing it. Choose a frame that complements the colors and style of your piece. You can hang it in your living room, bedroom, or even your workspace. Framed embroidery adds a personal touch to any space and can serve as a conversation starter.

2. Turn It into a Pillow

Transform your embroidery into a functional and decorative item by turning it into a pillow. Simply sew the embroidered fabric onto a pillow cover, and you’ll have a unique piece of home decor. This is a great way to showcase your work while adding comfort to your home.

3. Create a Quilt

If you have multiple embroidery pieces, consider combining them into a quilt. This can be a beautiful and meaningful project, especially if the embroideries have sentimental value. A quilt made from your embroidery can be a cherished heirloom for generations to come.

4. Make a Tote Bag

Turn your embroidery into a practical accessory by sewing it onto a tote bag. This is a great way to carry your art with you wherever you go. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly alternative to disposable bags. You can customize the bag to suit your style, making it a unique and personal item.

5. Gift It

Embroidery makes a thoughtful and personalized gift. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just because, giving someone a piece of your art is a meaningful gesture. You can frame it, turn it into a pillow, or even create a small keepsake like a bookmark or a keychain.

6. Incorporate It into Clothing

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider incorporating your embroidery into clothing. You can sew it onto a jacket, a pair of jeans, or even a dress. This is a great way to make a fashion statement and showcase your creativity. Plus, wearing your embroidery is a unique way to carry your art with you.

7. Create a Scrapbook

If you have a collection of embroidery pieces, consider creating a scrapbook. This can be a beautiful way to document your work and preserve it for the future. You can include notes about each piece, such as the inspiration behind it or the techniques you used. A scrapbook can be a wonderful keepsake and a source of inspiration for future projects.

8. Sell It

If you’re looking to turn your hobby into a side hustle, consider selling your embroidery. There are many online platforms where you can sell handmade items, such as Etsy or eBay. You can also sell your work at local craft fairs or markets. Selling your embroidery can be a rewarding way to share your art with others and earn some extra income.

9. Donate It

If you have embroidery pieces that you no longer need or want, consider donating them. Many organizations accept handmade items for charity auctions, fundraisers, or to give to those in need. Donating your embroidery is a wonderful way to give back to your community and share your talent with others.

10. Use It as a Learning Tool

If you’re still learning the art of embroidery, your finished pieces can serve as a learning tool. Analyze your work to see what techniques you used and what you can improve on. You can also use your embroidery as a reference for future projects. This is a great way to track your progress and continue to grow as an artist.

11. Create a Digital Archive

In today’s digital age, you can create a digital archive of your embroidery. Take high-quality photos of your work and store them on your computer or in the cloud. You can also create a blog or social media account to showcase your embroidery. This is a great way to share your work with a wider audience and connect with other embroidery enthusiasts.

12. Experiment with Mixed Media

If you’re feeling creative, consider experimenting with mixed media. Combine your embroidery with other art forms, such as painting, collage, or even digital art. This can result in unique and innovative pieces that push the boundaries of traditional embroidery. Mixed media art is a great way to explore new techniques and express your creativity in new ways.

13. Use It as a Journal Cover

If you enjoy journaling, consider using your embroidery as a cover for your journal. This is a great way to personalize your journal and make it truly unique. You can sew the embroidery directly onto the cover or create a removable cover that can be changed as you complete new projects.

14. Create a Wall Hanging

If you have a larger embroidery piece, consider turning it into a wall hanging. You can attach it to a dowel or a piece of wood and hang it on the wall. This is a great way to showcase your work and add a touch of handmade charm to your home.

15. Make a Patch

If you have a small embroidery piece, consider turning it into a patch. You can sew it onto a jacket, bag, or even a pair of jeans. This is a great way to add a personal touch to your clothing and accessories. Plus, patches are a fun and easy way to customize your look.

16. Create a Memory Box

If your embroidery has sentimental value, consider creating a memory box. You can store your embroidery along with other mementos, such as photos, letters, or small trinkets. A memory box is a beautiful way to preserve your memories and keep them close to your heart.

17. Use It as a Table Runner

If you have a long, narrow embroidery piece, consider using it as a table runner. This is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your dining table or coffee table. A table runner can also be a conversation starter and a way to showcase your embroidery to guests.

18. Create a Bookmark

If you’re an avid reader, consider turning your embroidery into a bookmark. This is a simple and practical way to use your embroidery. You can sew the embroidery onto a piece of ribbon or fabric and use it to mark your place in a book. A handmade bookmark is a thoughtful and unique gift for any book lover.

19. Make a Coaster

If you have a small embroidery piece, consider turning it into a coaster. You can sew the embroidery onto a piece of felt or cork and use it to protect your surfaces from spills. Coasters are a practical and stylish way to use your embroidery and add a personal touch to your home.

20. Create a Mobile

If you have multiple small embroidery pieces, consider turning them into a mobile. You can hang the pieces from a hoop or a branch and create a beautiful and whimsical decoration for your home. A mobile is a great way to showcase your embroidery and add a touch of creativity to your space.

Q: Can I wash my embroidered pieces? A: Yes, but it depends on the fabric and thread used. Hand washing with mild detergent is usually safe, but always check the care instructions for your materials.

Q: How do I prevent my embroidery from fading? A: To prevent fading, avoid direct sunlight and wash your embroidery gently. Using high-quality thread and fabric can also help preserve the colors.

Q: Can I use embroidery on stretchy fabrics? A: Yes, but it can be more challenging. Using a stabilizer can help keep the fabric from stretching while you embroider.

Q: How do I store my embroidery pieces? A: Store your embroidery in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. You can roll them up or lay them flat, but avoid folding to prevent creases.

Q: Can I use embroidery to repair clothing? A: Absolutely! Embroidery can be a creative way to patch holes or cover stains on clothing, giving them a new lease on life.