If you’re venturing into mirror embroidery for the first time, you don’t have to use mirrors to practice! I often use a 3/4″ or 1″ hole punch to make decorative card stock disks that are easy to practice with.

MIRRORS AND MIRROR SUBSTITUTES

You can also use other objects with mirror embroidery. Many embroiderers like to recycle old CDs by cutting them into shapes to stitch onto fabric. Large, flat sequins or paillettes work well, too, as do flat buttons, coins, punched heavy duty foil, mylar mirrors, seashells, or flat or half-dome gemstones.

Craft mirrors that are available in pre-cut sizes and usually very regular in shape also work well for mirror embroidery. They’re usually much thicker than mica mirrors (or the mylar mirrors that are often substituted for real mirrors), and they can add a lot of weight to a project.

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THREADS USED IN MIRROR EMBROIDERY

Any strong thread will work with mirror embroidery. Keep in mind that some objects may have sharp edges, so very fine, delicate threads are not ideal in those circumstances.

With larger mirrors, heavier threads look better. Pearl cotton size 3 or 5 work well with 1″ mirrors or larger, for example. The full six strands of regular floss work well with larger mirrors, too.

With smaller mirrors (1/2″ or 3/4″) – especially small, thin mirrors – finer threads work better, as they don’t overpower and lose the mirror completely. Pearl cottons in size 8 and 12 are good choices, as is buttonhole silk.

OTHER STITCHING SUPPLIES

Mirrors can be affixed to any type of ground fabric, from delicate, gauzy fabrics to heavier silk and linens, to denim, and everything in between.

It is helpful to work with fabric stretched taut in a hoop or frame. If your project is a large one with lots of mirrors on it, an embroidery frame is a better choice, since a hoop can’t be shifted around the project.

A chenille needle is ideal when working with heavier threads on heavier fabrics. Crewel needles are another option for finer threads and more delicate fabrics. Needles with sharp tips work best.

Now that you know what supplies to use, let’s learn the basics of mirror embroidery!

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