By translating the handwriting or text into embroidery, you bring a personal unique touch into your project. It’s a way to preserve meaningful words, quotes, or even a loved one's handwriting into your project.
Write it
Write out the text you want to incorporate. This can be on paper or on screen. It doesn’t have to be perfect, that is what makes it unique, but it does need to be big enough that you can stitch it.
Applications such as procreate can capture writing digitally. If you are writing on paper, you can take a photo to digitise it. A digital version means you can resize it more easily so that you can make it fit your project or easier to stitch.
If you just want text rather than handwriting you can instead select a font style and type the words or phrase you want. Google fonts allows you to explore many different font styles and pick the ones that fit your project the best.
Transfer it
When you transfer bespoke text you will want to take care to capture the nuances and flourishes that make it unique. You can read more about different techniques to transfer here.
One of the considerations when transferring text is to use a fine pen/pencil so that you can more easily cover the writing in detail.
Stitch it
The choice of stitches is important. Some text can be curvy and flowing so the stitches need to be able to follow curves.
Some of the stitches that work well
backstitch / whipped backstitch - backstitch itself can be used especially if very small stitches are created to fit round curves. Alternatively whipped backstitch can be used where the backstitches can be whipped/wrapped which smooths out curves but does thicken the stitching line.
split stitch - split stitch is a stitch that can be used to create a very fine line of stitching. Again smaller stitches can be worked around curvy sections.
chain stitch - chain stitch is a very versatile stitch and can be used for filling or for line stitches. It works better for larger text rather than small detailed lines.
french knots - French knots can be used for dots, you could use this stitch for all of the lettering (but that might be a lot of work!)
You may want to try out different stitches before you commit to which one you will choose.
Another important consideration is the number of strands of thread used. For small text (around 1cm high) or if you want a fine look, then stitching with 1 strand of floss is recommended.
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