Making it mine.
When I got the Aurifil welcome tote, I immediately loved the logo. The design, the colors, all of it. So when this month's prompt was to embellish the tote, my brain went straight to: what if I just made what's already there pop even more?
The logo on the bag is screen printed, that slightly raised, almost plasticky feel you get with that method. And instead of covering it up or adding something totally new, I wanted to enhance it. Match the thread to the print colors and layer embroidery right on top of and around the existing design.
Color Matching with the Swatch Card
This is where the Aurifil swatch card came in clutch again. I pulled it apart and held swatches directly against the printed logo to find the closest matches. And honestly? They matched so well that I missed a small line of stitching. I won’t point it out, but if you look close enough, you’ll find it.
Here's what I used:
2846 Iceberg, 12wt
1320 Bright Teal, 12wt and floss
2847 Bright Grey Blue, 8wt
2692 Black, 12wt
4241 Very Dark Grey, floss
The Plan
My goal was simple: enhance the logo I already loved. I wanted it to pop, so I added embroidery stitches directly on top of the printed design and then echoed the shapes outward with running stitches. The embroidery gives it dimension and texture that the print alone doesn't have.
Click here to grab the stitch guide.
The matching was so close in some spots that the thread blended right into the print and I'd lose the stitch within the design. I love that though. It makes the whole thing feel intentional and seamless rather than like something was just stitched on top.
The Finished Tote
I love how this turned out. It's still the same tote, just elevated. The embroidery gives the logo so much more life, and the echoed running stitches add that handmade touch that makes it feel like mine.
Supplies
Aurifil Tote Bag
Aurifil Cotton Threads: 2846 Iceberg 12wt, 1320 Bright Teal 12wt and floss, 2847 Bright Grey Blue 8wt, 2692 Black 12wt, 4241 Very Dark Grey floss
7” Embroidery Hoop - DMC Bamboo
Clover Gold Eye Embroidery Needle Size 5
John James Darning Neelde Size 3
Clover Leather Thimble
Small snip scissors
Aurifil mini case
Aurifil magnetic needle minder
Want to support my work and try Aurifil thread? 🧵 Shop through my affiliate link here.
And don't forget to tag me @zahmco, I'd love to cheer you on.
Hello!
I’m Katie the designer and maker behind Zahm Co. Thank you for being here, I hope you find this blog helpful. For blog notifications, subscribe below!
Click the image to learn more about me.
xx
