How to Mexican Embroidery for Beginners

Mexican embroidery, also known as Otomi embroidery, is a beautiful and colorful style of embroidery that originated in Mexico. If you're new to embroidery, this style is a great place to start. In this tutorial, we'll guide you through the basics of Mexican embroidery, so you can get started with confidence.

What You'll Need

Before we get started, let's gather the supplies you'll need:

An embroidery hoop

Embroidery floss in your desired colors

An embroidery needle

Fabric to embroider on (we recommend starting with a light-colored cotton or linen fabric)

A pair of scissors

A pencil or washable marker

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your supplies ready, let's start embroidering:

Place your fabric in the embroidery hoop, making sure it's taut but not stretched too tightly.

Choose your first color of embroidery floss and thread your needle. Knot the end of the floss.

Using your pencil or washable marker, draw your desired design onto the fabric. Mexican embroidery often features bold and colorful floral designs.

Starting at one end of your design, insert the needle into the fabric from the back, then bring it back up through the fabric a short distance away. This is called a "backstitch."

Continue stitching along the lines of your design, using the backstitch. Mexican embroidery also often features a "satin stitch," where you fill in an area of your design with parallel stitches to create a smooth, solid surface.

Once you've completed your design, knot the floss on the back of the fabric to secure it in place.

Trim any excess floss or fabric.

Tips for Success

While Mexican embroidery is a simple and straightforward craft, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results:

Practice your stitching on a piece of scrap fabric before starting your project.

Use a variety of bright and bold colors to create a vibrant design.

Don't worry if your stitches aren't perfect - imperfections add character and charm to your piece!

With these instructions and tips, you're ready to start creating beautiful Mexican embroidery pieces. Have fun and happy stitching!