'How to Make a Baby Scan Keepsake',Tutorial

The equipment and materials you will need:

• A Jpeg of the baby scan,
  
• Your Inkjet printer,
  
• T shirt transfer paper,
  
• An iron,
  
• Linen (or your choice of fabric)
  
• Needle and embroidery thread,
  
• Embroidery transfer pen,

For finishing:

• An embroidery hoop(i used a 5" hoop
  
• Double sided sticky tape,
  
• Wadding,
  
• Copydex fabric glue,
  
• felt for backing (alternatively you can use card)
  

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Last week I had the fantastic news that after 19 years I am to be an aunty again. I marked the occasion by making some cute little keepsake gifts for the family. Following a great response from you all I decided to make you a little ‘how too’ tutorial.  

I made a set of four, for the mother to be and grandparents but think they would also make amazing baby shower gifts or if you are a crafty expectant mum it could be a lovely way to reveal to everyone your great news.

1.First you will transfer your image on to the transfer paper. I took a photo of the baby scan with my IPad but you could also use your scanner.  If you are taking a photo, make sure it is in focus. Once I had a photo I was happy with, I cropped some of the image out and lightened it in photo editing. ( the transfer paper gives you a mirror image of your photo. If you are a perfectionist you may want to flip it in editing, I didn’t bother on this occasion)

Once you have an image you are happy with paste the jpeg in to a word document so that you can easily adjust the images to the size you require.  I used a 4”hoops so set the image to around 7 x 8 cm.  I recommend doing a test print on regular paper first to make sure it comfortably fits with your hoop. Once you are happy, copy and paste as many images as you required, making the most out of each sheet. 

2.You are now ready to print your photo transfer.

Be sure to thoroughly read through the instructions provided with your t-shirt printing paper before you do.

Once printed cut out the image you want.

3.Position the cut out images face down on your fabric. As it was  a special occasion I chose a beautiful flax colour linen to work on.


If you are making more than one hoop, be sure to leave adequate space between each image to fit in the hoops. 

4.Following the instructions provided with your paper, iron on the image transfer. 


I recommend only doing one at a time. While ironing I found it best to apply pressure and pay special attention to the edges. Once cooled a little slowly peel away the backing paper.


If it doesn't peel away leaving a nice crisp image behind it may not have had enough heat and require more ironing.

5.Now the image is on your fabric, place in your hoop.

6.It is now ready to add any stitched details you may require. I used an embroidery transfer pen to write on the scan date. 

You could alternatively add a birth date or name. 

Once written on I backstitched the letters and used running stitch around the edge to frame the photo. 

7.As you can see, I added a tiny red heart over the baby just to add cuteness.

 I am not entirely sure this added to the design but if you decide to stitch over the photo make sure you use a thin, sharp needle. Beware that the transfer is a very thin plastic that seemed to tear a little when punctured. 

To finish:

Trim around the edge of your work.
Line the inside of your hoop with double sided tape and fold the fabric in.
Fill the back of your hoop with wadding.
Glue a felt disk to the back and apply a weigh to secure whilst drying.

If you would like more information about finishing your work take a look at my 'how to frame in an embroidery hoop' tutorial.

Be sure to share your finished work with us on Instargram #StitchKits @StitchKits