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planet88
Participating Frequently
August 6, 2019
Question

How to create embroidery design in Illustrator?

  • August 6, 2019
  • 4 replies
  • 16497 views

Hi there,

I've been trying to figure this out for days and it's driving me nuts - how to get this effect using Illustrator.

I have tried using pattern brushes and clipping masks, but still can't seem to get the level of control I need (angle direction, colours) to achieve this look.

Was it created using a plugin perhaps?

This reference is definitely a vector file.

Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated !!

{Renamed by MOD}

4 replies

Participant
February 18, 2025
Untitled.jpg
Monika Gause
Community Expert
Community Expert
February 18, 2025

WHat's your question?

happie_97
Community Expert
Community Expert
August 8, 2019

I also agree with Peter and the scribble effect. There are several paid programs that will do this technique less tediously.

The other technique is in Photoshop. I found a step-by-step way tutorial in PS.

https://abduzeedo.com/node/62030

Legend
August 6, 2019

Looking closely at this, I would not be surprised if it were done mostly by hand, one stitch at a time.

Peter Villevoye
Community Expert
Community Expert
August 6, 2019

I bet there's specialised embroidery drawing software, which can convert images to this kind of technically viable vector art with a specified set of colors. Google, anyone ?

But just by looking at the visual appearance, I'd say let's give the Scribble effect a chance ! In combination with Envelope distortions, you can curve completed shapes and by using less regular settings of the effect and overlapping shapes, you can subtly render tints and shades. Still, it will be a lot of work !!

planet88
planet88Author
Participating Frequently
August 6, 2019

Thankyou for your kind response! I have researched a number of third party specialised software available , but they are quite pricey. I'm not looking to embroider my images physically, but just create the visual illusion.

I didn't know about the Envelope distortions, thank you for the tip. I will give it a shot

Srishti Bali
Community Manager
Community Manager
August 8, 2019

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out. As Peter said, you can try creating this with Scribble effect. Please check out this small video tutorial: How to Use Live Effects | Adobe Illustrator - YouTube.

Let us know if this helps or if you need any further assistance.

Regards,

Srishti