Embossed embroidery adds a textured, three-dimensional style to terrycloth towels, fleece, and other high-nap fabrics. Add even more eye-catching interest by layering a second design within your embossed embroidery backdrop.
Project Needs & Notes:
- Terrycloth towel
- Medium-weight (2.5 ounce) cutaway stabilizer
- Water-soluble stabilizer for topping
- Temporary spray adhesive
- Air-erase pen
The design used in this tutorial include:
- M11830, Damask Backdrop (Embossed)
- G3086, Formal Affair Capital Letter C
- D6648, Cameo with Border (Embossed)
- W5807, Floral Heirloom Letter R
Special Notes: A terrycloth towel is used in this example, but this technique works well on fleece and microfiber plush, too.
Designs Used
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/113/PR1518-5.jpg)
Layering embossed embroidery uses two separate embroidery designs to create a unique look.
The first design is a embossed backdrop that will be stitched out on the towel first.
The second design is a letter that will be sewn after the backdrop to create a layered or framed effect on the towel.
There are also two different styles of embossed backdrops. One is frame-like with an open center, and the other has light stitching that fills the inside of the backdrop shape.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/113/PR1518-6.jpg)
To get an embossed look, choose thread that matches the fabric color closely.
For more contrast, you can also use a slightly lighter or darker color thread.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/113/PR1518-7.jpg)
Cut a piece of medium-weight cutaway stabilizer a bit larger than the size of your hoop.
Spray the stabilizer with a temporary adhesive, and smooth the towel on top.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/113/PR1518-8.jpg)
Place a topping of water-soluble stabilizer on top of the towel.
This helps to prevent the stitches from sinking into the nap of the fabric.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/113/PR1518-9.jpg)
Hoop all three layers together, and tighten the hand screw.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/113/PR1518-10.jpg)
Place the hoop onto the machine, and load the embossed backdrop designs into the machine.
Embroider the design.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/113/PR1518-11.jpg)
Once the embroidery is finished, remove the hoop from the machine, but do not unhoop the towel and stabilizer.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/113/PR1518-12.jpg)
Measure the size of the area which is open for additional embroidery.
This backdrop's opening measures 2 3/8" x 2". The second embroidery design should be at least 1/2" shorter and thinner than the measured area, so that it fits within the shape.
For this example, a 1 1/2" alphabet letter was used. For wider letters, a 1" high letter would work as well.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/113/PR1518-13.jpg)
A template, or printout of a design, is an excellent tool to help with placement and sizing.
Print a template of the letter design from your embroidery software. If you do not have embroidery software, Wilcom's TrueSizer is a free program to use.
Center the template inside the first embroidered design and make sure it fits inside the backdrop. Mark the center point with an air erase pen.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/113/PR1518-14.jpg)
Attach the hoop back onto the machine, and load the second embroidery design.
Move the hoop to line up the needle with the center point, and embroider the design.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/113/PR1518-15.jpg)
After the design has finished, trim away the excess stabilizer on the backside of the embroidery.
Leave about 1/2" remaining around the design.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/113/PR1518-16.jpg)
Tear the excess water-soluble stabilizer away from the top of the towel.
Use a damp sponge or tweezers to remove any small remaining pieces, or wash and dry the towel to completely remove the stabilizer.