Embroidery is the art of making lovely designs to add some decorative and more appealing appearance to a fashion piece. Well, sometimes these embroideries can be messy or simply unwanted brand logos. But, if you find them unattractive, you can always choose to remove them. The question is, can you remove embroidery? Yes, you can always choose to remove embroidery most of the time. So, if you are wondering how you can remove those unwanted pieces of art on your garment or fabric, here you will learn how to remove embroidery in four easy steps.
But first what are the main types of embroidery?
Types of Embroidery
Embroideries are made in two ways; hand-stitched embroidery, and machine-stitched embroidery.
1. Hand-Stitched Embroidery
Hand embroideries are simply made by hand. Some simple designs can be made easily when just holding the fabric and just making the art. Other detailed designs are made by holding the fabric tight using an embroidery hoop.
Hand-stitch embroidery is not as complicated as some machine embroidery. Removing hand-stitched embroidery especially on thick fabric is much better because it leaves no trace of needle holes.
A seam ripper is the ideal tool to use when removing hand-embroidery.
2. Machine Stitched Embroidery
Machine embroideries can be simple and some very elaborate. However, you will need to be extra careful when removing machine embroidery especially if you don’t want to tear the fabric.
Both embroideries can be removed easily using some sharp tools. However, when removed cautiously, you will retain the life of your fabric.
Tools Required to Remove Embroidery
Some of the tools you’ll need to get started include;
1. Seam Ripper
It’s a very common tool in the sewing industry. You probably have come across it in every set of sewing kits you have had. The best way to remove embroidery is by use of a seam ripper. It is a slow process but the easiest method of stitch removal.
A seam ripper has a handle, shaft and head. To remove stitches, insert the pointed tip under the stitch you want to rip. Then push the seam ripper forward gently.
Read more: How to Use a Seam Ripper – 4 Easy Techniques to Use a Seam Ripper
2. Embroidery Eraser
Looks and functions much like a beard shaver. Even though they are made alike, the embroidery eraser has very small teeth for cutting the threads without damaging the fabric underneath. Therefore, it is the best tool to use for professional and bulk embroidery business.
This eraser uses electricity to function. Some use batteries or can be connected to a power source. If you deal with embroidery and de-embroidery much often, then you might consider buying a stitch eraser.
Some additional tools to have are
3. A Lint Brush
It Can be used to dust off the cut thread.
4. Magnifying Lens/lasses
To return the garment close are perfect to the original shape, you need to have a helper in removing every thread to the last spec.
5. A Pair of Tweezers
It is used to pull loose threads.
Steps on How to Remove Embroidery Patch
Ideally, this is the standard process on how to remove embroidery. This article gives you an example of how to remove embroidery from a shirt.
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric
Turn the shirt to the wrong side. Always remember you will be working from the wrong side of the fabric regardless of the tool you choose to use. The reason is, the wrong side shows of the stitches clearly.
Also when working on the right side, you will end up making many snips on your garment hence damaging it. Also, check if your embroidery has the stabilizers. You can begin by peeling them off to reduce the bulk when removing the embroidery stitches.
Step 2: Cutting the Embroidery Stitches
To cut the stitches, you can either use an embroidery eraser or a seam ripper.
Quick Tips
- To remove hand embroidery, it’s best to use a seam ripper than an eraser. This is because in most cases the stitches in hand embroidered work are not as dense compared to machine embroidery.
- For hand embroidery, consider placing it back on an embroidery hoop. It makes it easier by holding the work in place and does not fold.
- Embroidery stitches can be cut using a seam ripper, or an embroidery eraser. Other tools that you can use are a razor or a pair of scissors.
Removing Embroidery Using a Seam Ripper
Once you have turned your work inside out, identify the stitches you want to remove. Insert the hook under the threads gently. Make sure you don’t catch the fabric threads. Push the hook forward until the threads are cut.
If the embroidery has a stabilizer threads, cut those threads first before working on the embroidery threads. When working with a seam ripper, you need to grab a few threads at a go.
Cutting too many can cause excess tension that can perforate the fabric. Always remember to be gentle when turning the hook.
Using An Embroidery Eraser
It’s the easiest way of removing machine-stitched embroidery, especially very dense stitches. It also helps you remove many stitches all at once.
Before starting, straighten up your fabric on a flat surface. Next, move the eraser across the fabric cutting through the edges of the embroidery stitches. Depending on how dense the stitches are, you might need to repeat the process several times until all the stitches are cut.
Ensure that the eraser is cutting through the threads by pushing it forward about 1 inch. Then work on another section of embroidery threads. Ideally, you will work as if you are shaving with a beard razor. First, cut, then lift the eraser, then work on another section.
Step 3: Remove the Loose Threads
Turn the fabric to the right side, using tweezers, pull the loose threads. Use a magnifying lens to ensure there is not even the tiniest thread left. Brush off the threads using a lint brush/roller to remove the already loose threads.
You are able to see how much work is done and, helps you see the stuck threads. That’s where a pair of embroidery scissors come in handy to cut any left-out thread. Wash the garment and do the final touches of removing any stuck threads and ironing.
Step 4: How to Remove the Stitch Marks after De-Embroidering
You will notice that the de-embroidered patch is dull compared to the rest of the garment. To mend this, iron the fabric to straighten the fibers. Iron according to the fabric type. For delicate fabrics like linen, silk, or synthetics, use a warm iron.
Stronger fabrics like cotton can be ironed using a hot iron. Wash the fabric and repeat ironing. If there is permanent de-coloration, you can consider dying the whole fabric or embroider the patch.
That’s how you remove embroidery from fabrics. However, there might be minor changes to specific types of garments. An example of a jacket.
How To Remove Embroidery From Jacket
When removing the embroidery on a jacket, the process is standard as the steps described above. However, the only point to note is that you work on both the right and wrong sides.
So whether you are using a seam ripper or an eraser, remove threads on both sides. Be careful not to hold the actual garment fabric.
NB/ weaker threads are easy to remove. You can weaken your embroidery threads by damping them with water. Then, it becomes much easier to rip the threads out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Remove Embroidery with Backings
You will remove the backings from the wrong side of the garment. First, remove the stitches used to hold the backings using a seam ripper. Some backings can be removed also using a seam ripper, or you can it peel off.
How to Remove Monogram
Removing a monogram can be tricky as it’s usually made with backings. Trying to remove them can leave permanent holes in the fabric. You will just need to follow the steps for removing an embroidery.
However, you will have to be a little patient as it will take you quite some time to remove it successfully. But remember, very elaborate embroidered monograms are 99% unsuccessful.
How to Remove Embroidery without a Seam Ripper
If you don’t have a seam ripper, don’t worry because you can use a normal razor blade to remove embroidery. You can also use an embroidery scissors.
How to Remove Embroidery with Scissors
Use embroidery scissors or any scissors with sharp and thin tip. This enables you to place it very close to the fabric. Then, all you need to do is insert the tip of the scissors in the stitches and snip the edges. Grab 3-4 stitches at a time to avoid damaging the garment.
Can You Remove Embroidery from Polyester?
Polyester is a delicate fabric and despite how careful you are in removing the embroidery, you will leave permanent marks. If you want to retain the fabric consider sewing over the embroidery a decorative patch.
How to Remove Embroidery Ink
Embroidery inks are of different kinds and can be removed depending on the type. For instance, water-soluble ink can be wiped off using a damp cloth. Likewise, friction pen markers can be removed by simply ironing on the wrong side of the fabric.
How to Remove Needle Holes from the Fabric after Removing Embroidery
After de-embroidering, traces of the design still remains. To get rid of these, iron the part that was embroidered. Then scrap the area with a soft object back and forth. You can also use your fingernails to straighten the jagged threads.
Finally,
Removing embroidery can seem impossible but is achievable with tools available in your sewing tool stash. Whether you want to undo the hand-stitch or machine-stitch embroidery, there are tools you can use to remove them.
You can use tweezers, a stitch eraser, embroidery scissors, a razor, or a seam ripper. So, when learning how to remove embroidery, consider the type of fabric. Some very delicate fabrics are close to impossible to attain a successful embroidery patch removal without damaging the fabric.
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