Superior Interiors
Profitable Embroiderer

Byline: Annette Joyce

There are homes and offices all over the country that are being decorated by professional designers and decorators. What's more, the occupants are spending impressive amounts of money to make their environments beautiful and inviting. As an embroiderer, you hold the power to help decorators create truly unique settings. The only problem - most of them aren't aware of what you have to offer and how it can be used to their advantage. It's up to you to reach these creative people and turn this market into a profitable venture for you as well. Fortunately, with a little ingenuity, time and effort, you can make your mark.

Interior Embroidery

First, let's look at the potential this market has to offer. There are all sorts of innovative ways to incorporate embroidery into everyday living environments. Starting with the basics, lots of decorators are already using embroidered and monogrammed linens. But that's just a small part of the potential. Let's consider the possibilities. Victoria Bewley, owner of Bewley Designs in Garner, N.C., and an interior decorator as well, is one person who knows the impact embroidery can have on a room. She's used embroidery quite a bit, including embellishing the upholstered seats of her own dining room chairs with floral embroidery to match the room's overall theme. She also points out that she has used embroidery to turn plain shantung silk into stunning window treatments. "You can make a really inexpensive drapery look nice just by adding embroidery," says Bewley.

In interior decorating, embroidery can be used to pull a look together. For instance, the motif from a room's wallpaper can be replicated with embroidery. Think about embroidering a wallpaper design on throw pillows, tablecloths, framed artwork or even lampshades. Look at china patterns. Embroidering placemats, table runners and napkins with the design from a person's chosen china creates stunning table settings.