How to Embroider Inchies

Iron your fabric to release any wrinkles. Place the fabric on a clean, flat work surface. Using the pencil and ruler, draw a 1 inch by 1 inch square grid on the right side of the fabric. Depending on how many squares you plan to embroider, make the grid as large or small as you like.

Unscrew the embroidery hoop and separate the two rings. With the grid facing up, center the fabric over the smaller inner ring. Fit the outer ring over the fabric and inner ring, pulling the fabric taught; tighten the screw to secure the fabric.

Cut 18 inches of embroidery floss and thread your needle. Using the basic backstitch, outline one of the squares close to the center of the grid. Choose your squares carefully to insure your design is centered within the fabric.

Draw a simple letter "H" and embroider the outline using the backstitch.

Embroider the space surrounding the letter H with the Seeding stitch, changing the direction of the stitch for a scattered effect.

Repeat steps 4 to 6 to embroider the remaining letters in the word HOME. Use other stitches such as french knot or fly stitch to fill in around the letters. Embroider as many of the surrounding squares as you like with abstract patterns that combine two or even three different types of stitches.

Unscrew the embroidery hoop and remove your completed project. Tie off any loose thread in the back of your work. Place the fabric on an ironing board and use a clean iron to remove creases and wrinkles.

Place the embroidery back into the hoop with the design centered. Pull the fabric taught over the hoop before tightening the screw.

Cut away the excess embroidery fabric 1 ½" from the edge of the hoop. Press the fabric toward the center of the hoop.

Cut a circle of felt the same circumference as the embroidery hoop.