Machine Embroidery Ideas: From Creative Projects to Starting Your Own Business with Lashley Creations
We discuss all things machine embroidery and starting your own business in conversation with Lashley Creations - a machine embroidery artist based in Visalia, California, USA.
How did your embroidery journey begin? What first sparked your interest in embroidery? What made you want to invest in an embroidery machine?
I had been sewing my own clothes for a few years, and when I first learned home embroidery machines existed, I was fascinated by the idea of embellishing my handmade clothes with fun embroidery designs.
In 2017 I took the plunge and bought my first single needle machine and started adding embroidery designs to my personal projects: pillows, sweaters, tea towels…
What inspired you to turn your passion into a creative business?
My best friend started selling her homemade candles at local markets and told me I should do the same with my embroidery. I was hesitant at first, but eventually agreed so we could sell at the markets together. I was surprised when people bought my products, which were mainly small patches and tote bags.
How would you describe your creative style? What do you love most about creating embroidered pieces?
I like creating things that I cannot find widely available in stores or online. That's one of the reasons why I wanted to get into machine embroidery, so I could create the designs I envisioned in my mind, which tend to lean towards “mystical and witchy” type designs.
My favorite thing about creating an embroidered piece is seeing how a design translates to thread. The thread gives a design texture which cannot be replicated from a simple drawing alone.
Can you talk us through your creative process? From the initial idea to the finished embroidered piece?
My designs are a mixture of original art I draw, and referencing old historical artwork. Once I have an image in mind that I think would look as embroidery, I load the image into my embroidery digitizing software and try to translate the image into stitches. And I’ll be honest, not all my ideas end up working out. Sometimes I find the image is too complex and detailed to be turned into embroidery, or I find myself lacking the proper skill and technique to digitize, so the idea goes to the backburner until I am ready to try again later.
What's one of your favourite creations or projects you've worked on? Is there anything you've made that you're particularly proud of?
My favorite pieces are based on old historical artwork from the 1920s book "Solar Biology" by Hiram Eratus Butler. I created two separate pieces of wall art, each measure 18” x 36”, and they are the largest embroidered pieces I have created so far. It was a challenge to digitize because the artwork images I was working off of were not the best quality, and the small details were very blurry.
When I am selling at a market, I always display these two pieces up front, and it really draws people in. I love seeing people’s reaction as they try to decipher the meaning of the artwork, and it’s just a great conversation starter all around.
You were one of our digital embroidery design giveaway winners! What was your reaction to winning, and what attracted you to the floral designs?
When I first submitted my request, I assumed I would not be chosen. So I was very surprised when your team reached out to me. Also, I have been a fan of Beth Wilson Embroidery for years, so I felt honored to be selected.
I liked the floral designs because of how many options there are to incorporate them into various pieces of work. And all the variations of flowers were lovely.
We loved seeing how you used the designs to customise your trousers. What inspired the project, and how did you envision the finished look?
I wanted to create something that would be admired by other people, so I thought putting the designs onto a piece of clothing would be the best way to showcase them. I initially thought about using a skirt, but then I came across the trouser pattern and just knew it would be perfect. I especially liked how much open fabric the pattern had, so I could use that space to put the flowers on.
Are there any future projects you’re thinking of using the floral digital downloads in?
I think these designs would look great on a sheer fabric, so I also have an idea to use them on a veil of sorts.
How did you find working with our floral digital downloads?
I liked how the files were organized so it made it easy to search through everything.
Have you got any tips of how you create such beautiful embroidery on your machine?
Lots of testing! I always do a test stitch out to make sure the fabric I'm working with looks good once embroidered. And I also test different color combinations. I find that the same design can have a completely different look based on the color palette of thread I'm using.
What backing do you use?
Usually 2 layers of medium weight tear away. For the trousers, I used 2 layers of wash away stabilizer.
What threads brand do you use?
Any tools that you think are extremely essential to create beautifully embroidered machine embroidery?
Magnetic hoops are a must for me. I find half the struggle with machine embroidery is trying to hoop correctly, and magnetic hoops just make everything so easy.
What embroidery machine do you have and what size frame did you use for your trouser project?
I used my largest frame 47”x15”
