Handmade and personalized gifts are always in style. More people than ever may be excited to get something special from the crafter in their lives (you). So, how are you going to find embroidery designs for all these gifts?

Start Planning Early

Any crafter can tell you the number one rule of giving unique holiday gifts is to start work months in advance. Some experts suggest getting serious in July. While machine embroidery doesn’t take as many labor hours as some other crafts, finding the right pattern for the right project takes time. Give yourself lots of time to look for the perfect pattern.

Consider the Recipient

Most people prefer gifts with a personal touch because it shows you thought specifically of them. One of the greatest advantages of making a gift instead of buying is tailoring it to the recipient. This begins with the item you’re embroidering, like a new apron for the king of the grill or a specialized tote for the artist in your life. Choose your embroidery designs based on the item.

Think Outside the Box

Keep an open mind. Your embroidery design hunt can take you to every corner of the internet. Remember, just because you don’t like how something is modeled doesn’t mean it isn’t perfect for a different project. Branch out and look at everything on offer. Don’t settle for the first design that looks good enough.

If you want to challenge yourself, start with a list of potential ideas and see what you find. Leave room to be surprised.

Pick a Theme

Are you making gifts for a bunch of connected friends or family members? Even if each piece is unique, it’s fun to work with a theme. Does every shirt have a sneaky callback to the last family vacation? Is everything shades of blue?

Themes spice up individual gifts, too. Think of a trout on a fishing hat, or the Eiffel Tower on a travel bag.

Make It Your Own

While a clear theme is always charming, you can incorporate additional hobbies, interests, or tastes. Throw a dinosaur on your friend’s baking apron and have fun with silly quotes. Inside jokes last a lifetime, but they can last even longer with embroidered fonts. Give the uncle who hates winter a sweater embroidered with delicate snowflakes over an elegantly scripted: “Let it snow – Somewhere else.” Remember the travel bag suggestion? If your friend has a story about forgetting their keys on the way to the airport, that’s great project inspiration.

Work with the Pros

Your Pinterest boards will only take you so far. In the age of AI-generated images and blatant art theft, finding a reliable artist with the designs you want can be challenging. One of the easiest ways to streamline your creative process is to work with a professional. A great artist may have all the designs you need in a one-stop shop, like quick stitch, applique, or fill stitch options. This also cuts the risk of losing time and money. A professional’s online shop will have reviews, so you know who to trust.

Published by: Holy Minoza