Once you’ve got your canvas size, you need to download some brushes. So before adding each new element to your design, create a new layer. That way if you want to manipulate only one element of your design, you select that layer and all other elements will be unchanged. Graphics programs are different from wordprocessing programs in that they work in layers.īasically every new design element is created on a new layer. Start a new document in GIMP and set the size of the new file to reflect the size of the fabric piece you intend to embroider (see image below).įor this exercise, I used a napkin size of 18’’ or 46 cm square. Here’s how to use GIMP brushes to design an embroidery pattern. GIMP recognises brush sets designed for Photoshop, so there are many to choose from however check the licencing and copyright for brushes – many will be for personal use only and not for commercial use. While there are a few different ways to create designs in GIMP, one of the easiest way is to create an embroidery design is to use free brushes. Designing Your Own Embroidery Patterns Using GIMP While Photoshop can be expensive, GIMP is completely free and open source. The biggest difference between the two is the cost. GIMP is a free graphics programme very similar to Adobe Photoshop. In this article, I show you how you can use brushes in GIMP to create your own embroidery designs that can be satin stitched. The finished design above was done cloth napkins that I made as part of a gift hamper.ĭo you do embroidery? Looking to make your own designs to embroider for gifts?
Design your own embroidery patterns easily and for free using brushes in the GIMP graphics software.