embroidering or embroidering it or to embroider it

[bennyfriendly]

I have made up three similar sentences below.

(1) The easiest way to add a design to your hat is embroidering.

(2) The easiest way to add a design to your hat is by embroidering it.

(3) The easiest way to add a design to your hat is to embroider it.

Most of my non-native English speaking friends think my first sentence is wrong. (2) and (3) sound better to them. I agree with them.

What is your opinion? Thanks for your help.

 

[owlman5]

I agree with your English-speaking friends. I like 3 more than 2.

 

[suzi br]

Yup. 1 is not good, it’s not finished. You could say “.. by embroidering something on it”.
2 and 3 are possible.
I agree that 3 is slightly better but 2 isn’t wrong.

You could also use embroidery as a noun:
The easiest way to add design to your hat is with embroidery.