Having a relative or friend who has a talent for making homemade crafts can be a boon if you like to use them in your home's decorating. Unlike other crafts like quilted blankets or a crocheted set of curtains, embroidered patches may call for a different approach when using them in your house. If you have never used such items before, you might benefit by learning some of the common ways that others utilize them in special and practical manners.

If you know how to sew, you might try to fashion them into an embroidery quilt. Making an afghan out of them calls for you to use a small gauge needle and sewing thread made out of cotton. The needle would need to be small enough at the tip to avoid making large puncture holes in the fabric. A simple over and under stitch could be all it takes to attach the squares of fabric.

Tacking stitches likewise might come in handy if you want to sew the squares onto a pillowcase or a set of sheets. The linen being used as the base for the transfer itself could be punctured with a heavier needle or a more invasive stitching style. You may avoid punctures and damage entirely if the squares have a backing that requires you to use a low heat iron. Adhesive backed fabric is simpler to work with for such purposes.

They also might enhance the look and fit of apparel like tee shirts or sweatshirts. Iron-on fabric may be pressed onto your favorite top. It also could attach to denim pockets. You may be advised to use a low heat iron if you want to avoid ruining the thread work or causing it to fade or loosen.

You may also use the same ironing approach to transfer the artwork onto purses, handbags, and similar accessories. It is not recommended that you attempt this method if the purses or accessories are made out of leather. Leather can catch on fire and melt. However, you might put the squares on denim purses or purses made out of quilted fabric, which are rustic and popular with today's consumers.

If you are afraid of ruining the artwork given to you by loved ones, however, you may be just as satisfied to utilize them as wall hangings. You may frame them and hang them up on the walls in your house. The creations would remain safe while you honor and remember your relative or friend.

Safeguarding the creations cannot be done without washing them, however. Even if they are framed, they may fade or become dirty. They need to be washed with care. If your washer has a gentle or dry cleaning cycle, you may use either to wash the patch designs. Otherwise, you might find it best to take them to a dry cleaner that can wash, iron, and starch them for safekeeping.

The gift of handmade embroidered fabrics may be something you want to cherish and use appropriately. You may find the direction you need by taking these tips into consideration. These suggestions could allow the patches to last longer and become treasured heirlooms. They also give you strategies for making sure that the gifts you receive last longer and avoid becoming damaged.