Learning to See What You Don't See
A Creative Lesson in Looking Beyond the Obvious
It’s not just what you see—it’s what you don’t see that tells the real story behind any object.
What Do You Really See?
Years ago, my dear friend Debra lived in California and was immersed in creating stunning embroidered hand towels. She would light up describing her trips to local craft stores, hunting for embroidery threads on sale like hidden treasures. Each towel she made took 45 minutes or more to create and her photos made me downright drool with admiration.
Her work sold like hotcakes at her church bazaar—some customers, including myself, even commissioned her pieces. If memory serves, she sold each towel for $10 to $15.
Her passion became contagious. Years later, thanks to Debra’s guidance and encouragement, I began embroidering towels of my own. We used similar machines, threads, fabrics—even the same brands. Yet, side by side, our finished pieces tell very different stories.
Why? Because what sets embroidery, or any other creation apart, isn't always obvious.
The Hidden Layers Behind Embroidery Excellence
1. Stitch Count Matters (A Lot)
A design that looks “simple” may not be so at all. One cactus embroidery might have 4,000+ stitches—another of the same size might boast 13,000+. The time and complexity increase exponentially. It’s not just the image; it’s the density of detail that creates that jaw-dropping effect.
2. Color Choices & Changes
You could stitch an entire piece in monochrome… or choose five threads that involve eight or more color changes. Each change means stopping the machine, removing the thread, rethreading with a new color, and continuing. Want layers? Shadows? Depth? That’s where the magic—and the time—really lives.
must use a topper (looks like plastic wrap only way more expensive). And how is all this kept in place? Not pins! Pins interfere with the machine. I’ve learned to tape everything down with masking tape like a surgical prep scene.
4. The Devil’s in the Details
Centering the pattern on the surface to be embroidered. Removing every bit of excess stabilizer and topper—especially in tight spaces. Each color change and bridge in the embroidery brings thread tails to trim. Both on the top and the bottom. The more intricate the design, the more tiny finishing touches are required. Sometimes it really does feel like one is slowly slaying a dragon.
What I’ve Learned from Debra—and the Towels
Before you marvel at an embroidered piece, or anything handmade, ask yourself: What was the maker’s goal? Debra’s goal was beauty, achieved with patience, using images that required more than 40,000 stitches to create fullness and detail—one towel at a time. Mine is different. I aim for balance: patterns that are visually striking yet efficient to stitch. Five thousand stitches require about 10 minutes for the machine to stich. Therefore, I am cautious about what images I choose to stitch, forced to used this approach in order to express myself creatively while still create pieces that are practical and sustainable for my time and business.
And that’s the deeper truth: two towels, two makers, same tools… completely different results. The difference isn’t just in what you see, but in what you understand about the process.
Ready to See Beyond the Obvious?
Next time you admire a handmade object—whether a towel, a tote, or a doll—take a moment to look closer. Learn to look beyond what you see. Learn to see what others miss.
3. Fabric, Stabilization and Toppers
Towels vary wildly in texture and weave. Every towel must be stabilized from the underside—yep, that white “crunchy” stuff you see when you flip it over. The type of stabilizer affects both durability and beauty. Choosing the wrong stabilizer creates problems. Too strong? It distorts. Too weak? The fabric puckers.
And those thick loops on the towels we love so much, well, they love to poke out from in between the stitches. To avoid this from happening one