Puff foam is a gorgeous way to add depth and texture to your embroidery. The unique, raised area give a three-dimensional look to the design.
Project Needs & Notes:
- Puff foam embroidery design
- Medium-weight (2.5 ounce) cutaway stabilizer
- 2-3 mm puff foam
The design used in this tutorial is A3490, Butterfly Puff Foam.
Designs Used
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/46/PR1143-3.jpg)
Some embroidery designs are specially digitized to be used with puff foam.
When using puff foam with these designs, heavy satin stitches over the foam create a raised, dimensional effect.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/46/PR1143-4.jpg)
The color change sheet for a puff foam design shows which section is used with puff foam.
In this example, CC4 is labeled as "puff wing tips."
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/46/PR1143-5.jpg)
Choose puff foam that matches the color of the thread used.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/46/PR1143-6.jpg)
Hoop the fabric or item with one piece of cutaway stabilizer.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/46/PR1143-7.jpg)
Embroider the design, referencing the color change sheet as you stitch.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/46/PR1143-8.jpg)
Before stitching the "puff" section, lay the puff foam in the hoop.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/46/PR1143-9.jpg)
Continue embroidering the design.
The needle perforates the foam while stitching.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/46/PR1143-10.jpg)
After the foam section has finished, remove the foam.
In this example, the design is complete; there are no more sections to embroider. If working with another design that had more embroidery after the puff section, then continue stitching the design until complete.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/46/PR1143-11.jpg)
Bits of foam can be removed with tweezers.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/46/PR1143-12.jpg)
Puff foam can also be pushed into the satin stitches with the point of a small scissors.
Normal laundering is fine, but air dry. Avoid dry cleaning, as the chemicals can make the puff foam dissolve.
![](https://public.emblibrary.com/production/commerce/how-tos/46/PR1143-13.jpg)
This butterfly's wings get extra dimension and interest thanks to the puff foam.
Use on your next embroidery project for a unique look!