How to Transfer Printable PDF Embroidery Patterns to Black or Dark Fabric

Transferring printable PDF embroidery patterns to black or dark fabric using a dressmaker's tracing paper for quilters and seamstresses is an important skill for any craftsperson to have. Using dressmaker's tracing paper to transfer an embroidery design to black or dark fabric is not very difficult and opens up lots of possibilities when it comes to stitching.

A very wide variety of printable PDF embroidery patterns are available for purchase on the internet. Many of them are so beautiful and cute, a crafter just can't pass up buying them, but it can be daunting for a beginner to know how to get the picture from the computer to the fabric, so they can start stitching away. Black or dark fabrics offer an additional challenge, since they are usually very difficult to see through well enough to trace a design directly to them.

Dressmaker's tracing paper is a special paper that is coated with chalk or wax and works very much like the old fashioned carbon paper for typewriters and ledger books. It's placed color side down on the fabric, and whatever marks made on it are transferred to the fabric underneath. This paper can be bought in multicolor packs at fabric stores and online from sewing supply sites. It is reusable, and I've found that it lasts for a very long time.

To transfer a printable PDF embroidery design to black or dark colored fabric, begin by printing and trimming your embroidery design. Then prepare your fabric by pre-washing and pressing it. Lay your fabric on your work surface. You will want to work on a hard surface like a table, not on your ironing board or other padded surface. Then lay the dressmaker's tracing paper color side down on the fabric. Of course you should choose a light color that will contrast well and be easily visible such as white or yellow. The lay your pattern in position face up on the top of this small stack.

Holding the pattern in place, or taping it if it's very complex, to avoid shifting, use a ball point pen and firm pressure to trace over every line and element in the pattern. You can go over it twice if you wish to assure a bright transfer.

Your embroidery pattern has been prepared and is now ready to be hooped and stitched. The markings will wash out, and in some cases can brush off easily, so it might be a good idea to go over the lines again with a white water soluble marker or pen. This is not really necessary for smaller or simpler patterns, since they probably won't be handled enough to rub off the markings before the embroidery is complete.

Happy stitching!