Transfer pattern lightbox method
Embroidery tips,  DIY Tutorials

How to transfer a pattern with the lightbox method

Step by step Instructions + Video tutorial

In the previous article – “How to transfer embroidery pattern to fabric; Embroidery design transfer techniques and tools,” I wrote about four different pattern transfer techniques – Tracing, Transferring, Using a stabilizer, or Drawing a pattern directly on a fabric.

This Tutorial will show you how you can do pattern tracing with a lightbox method.

As said before, by definition, Tracing is a “copy of a drawing or pattern made by drawing over it through a piece of thin, transparent paper” (Cambridge dictionary). Only in hand embroidery, instead of thin, transparent paper, we use a piece of fabric. 

To use the Tracing with a lightbox method, you will need:

transfer pattern lightbox method tools
  • Printed pattern;
  • Fabric;
  • Light source; 
  • Some tape;
  • Tracing tool (pen or pencil). Read more about the tracing tools here.

As a light source, you can use:

  • Bright sunny window
  • Your Tablet
  • Your computer screen
  • DIY lightbox
  • Professional Lightbox

Idea! How can you make a lightbox at home with the materials you already have?

transfer pattern lightbox method handmade lightbox

You will need:

  • two books of the same size,
  • a piece of glass (I used a glass from a picture frame),
  • a camping light.

Place two books on the table with a gap between them. Then, put the glass over. After, place the lamp under the glass with the light directed up, just like in this photo. Now you have a lightbox!
I don’t use it every day, but it helps me a lot on rainy days and in the evening when I cannot use a bright sunny window as a light source.

Choose your light source and then follow these simple steps:

transfer pattern lightbox method pattern
  1. First, print or draw a pattern on paper. Make sure that the lines are clear and bold enough. This will help you see the pattern better.
  2. Then, tape a design to your chosen light source;
transfer pattern lightbox method on the window

3. Now prepare your embroidery fabric. If the pattern is small and fits all in the hoop, frame the fabric in the hoop before transferring the picture. In case your pattern is larger than the hoop, iron your fabric and tape it over the design;

transfer pattern lightbox method tracing

4. When the pattern and the fabric are secured, You can trace the pattern with your favorite tracing tool. Be sure to repeat every line of the pattern;

5. Done, now, your chosen design is ready for stitching!

Need ideas on what to embroider next? Check out these hand embroidery patterns available in my Etsy shop and choose your next project!

Hand embroidery pattern and tutorial, Small flower in four colorways, beginner embroidery

☆ PDF pattern and embroidery instructions that include:
The full-size printable stitching pattern, Color guide, Stitch guide, Material list, Instructions for transferring pattern, Stitching instructions, Links to video lessons, Instructions for finishing the hoop.
☆ The pattern is written in English
☆ The size of the finished hoop – 4 inches / 10 cm.

Available in Etsy shop

Hand embroidery pdf pattern Christmas Tree with a star, 2 color combinations

☆ 10-page PDF pattern and embroidery instructions with Full-size printable stitching pattern, stitching guide, Color guide (DMC embroidery floss, 2 different color combinations), Material list, Embroidery tips, Instructions for transferring pattern and finishing your hoop, Photos of hoops made with both color sets
☆ The pattern is written in English
☆ The size of the finished hoop – 17 cm (6.7 inches)

Available in Etsy shop

Hand embroidery pattern for beginners, Pink abstract flower hoop art DIY embroidery

☆ 13-page PDF pattern and embroidery instructions with Full-size printable stitching pattern, stitching guide, Color guide (DMC embroidery floss), Material list, Embroidery tips, Instructions for transferring pattern and finishing your hoop
☆ The pattern is written in English
☆ The size of the finished hoop – 17 cm (6.7 inches)

Available in Etsy shop

Prefer a video tutorial?

You can watch a video tutorial on how to transfer a pattern with the lightbox method in the Easy To Make designs YouTube channel, or in this blog – choose tab Video tutorials.

Pattern transferring lightbox method

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