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Using a lightbox to transfer embroidery onto fabric is our favourite method! It is quick, simple and effective. There are a variety of methods to transfer an embroidery design. In this article, we use a lightbox and a heat-erasable pen.
We are using the Wafer Lightbox from Daylight, which is A4 size.
A bit about the Wafer Lightbox from Daylight:
- Ultra-bright adjustable light source
- Lightweight and slim (8mm)
- Dimmable light and memory function
- Easy to use and set up
- Ruler guides
The Wafer Lightbox from Daylight is a brilliant piece of kit and is ideal for tracing designs onto both fabric and paper. Thanks to its bright, adjustable light, it is suitable to use on even thick and darker coloured fabrics and paper.
The Daylight Company
‘We bring daylight indoors!’ The Daylight Company offers a whole host of lighting equipment that simulates natural light. It creates a mood-boosting environment which is fabulous for you crafters out there who find yourselves struggling to thread a needle without proper lighting! They offer lighting in the form of floor lamps, table lamps, desk lamps and much more.
Visit The Daylight Company
Find out more about the Wafer Lightbox from Daylight
How to use a lightbox
Using the Wafer Lightbox from Daylight is so simple. Take it out of the box, plug it in, and press the power button. And you’re ready to trace!
Next, we will show you how to transfer an embroidery design onto fabric using the lightbox. There is an accompanying video below plus a simple guide with pictures if you prefer.
How to transfer an embroidery design video tutorial
Embroidery designs for beginners
We have a whole host of simple embroidery designs which are available to download for free. You can print these at home and then transfer them onto your chosen fabric using the lightbox.
For this tutorial, we have decided to use the mushroom embroidery designed by Maggie Magoo. This wonderful autumnal design features a variety of mushrooms. It can be transferred onto any fabric of your choice; we decided on natural linen fabric.
If you want to choose something else, browse our free embroidery patterns for lots of inspiration.
- Wafer Lightbox from Daylight
- Heat-erasable pen
- Embroidery hoop
- Fabric
- Masking tape
- Embroidery pattern
Step 1
Put your fabric into your embroidery hoop and tighten it so the fabric is taut.
Step 2
Tape your printed design face up onto the lightbox to secure (we used masking tape).
Step 3
Flip your hoop upside down and place it centrally over the design (if you can’t see the design, this is a good point to switch your lightbox on). Secure in place with masking tape.
Step 4
Power up your lightbox! Take a heat-erasable pen and trace your design.
Step 5
Once you are finished, power off your lightbox and remove your masking tape.
Step 6
Remove your fabric from the embroidery hoop, flip and secure it back into the hoop ready for stitching.
Begin stitching! For more advice on embroidery and how to get started, check out the embroidery for beginners guide and our stitch library.
Transfer your embroidery easily
With a lightbox, it’s simple to transfer any design to your fabric, ready for you to get stitching.
Get started on your next project
We hoped you enjoyed our tutorial on how to transfer your embroidery designs. Now you’re equipped with this knowledge, it’s time to get stitching! We have hundreds of free embroidery designs for you to choose from. Try the cactus embroidery.
