View the entries below for hints, tips and helpful ideas to help you on your journey in the fabulous world of machine embroidery:
Ideas and Inspiration
Thanks to the great variety of confetti-type cutouts now being offered in stores, using clear vinyl for appliqué is more fun than ever.Simply sprinkle the "confetti" between two sheets of clear vinyl before running the tack-down stitch and you'll have a wonderful 3D effect.For something a bit more feminine, try using lavender or potpourri between organza, netting or tulle instead of vinyl.
Tired of using the same designs in the same old way?The next time you're heading for the store, take along a notepad and take notes on how they are using embroidery.Catalogs are another great source for ideas of new ways to combine colors and outlines to create a whole new feel with the same design.Keep an eye out for designs at the hem that relate to the designs closer to the neckline.New ways to use the same designs make the designs in your stash more valuable.
Don't forget textured fabrics when considering your appliqué projects.Could a little furry fleece or even a velour print add 3D life to your project?Keep a stash of ⅛- to ¼-yard pieces of that spendy, but oh so soft, furry fleece on hand for projects that call for sheep or even for fuzzy little appliqué aliens!
It's important, when shopping for designs, to take the time to consider the multitude of ways the designs could be used when deciding its true value.Can the colors be changed to alter the mood?Bright, primary colors changed to pastels can make a design meant for an older child just adorable for an infant.The black and orange Halloween design can become Americana red and blue for the 4th of July.Practice seeing what isn't there each time that you shop.
Being limited to a 4" x 4" hoop doesn't mean you can't embellish an entire jacket back or make a dress length really sizzle.Any size hoop is still going to require that you plan out the positioning for the overall look.Don't be afraid to "piece together" something bigger because you might have to re-hoop once or even twice.Practice pin-basting the project to the stabilizer on smaller items so that, when it comes to doing something bid, you'll have the confidence to put it together without having to leave hoop marks on and already embroidered design.
Make great use of embroidery designs and blank tees this summer by putting together T-shirt dresses for your girls.Trim the tee to just half an inch below where you want the waist to sit.Coordinate a favorite design with a cute skirt print, and trim the fabric to skirt length (plus extra for hem and half-inch seam allowance).Stitch the side seams for the skirt, gather, and attach to the tee.Then, just hem the bottom of the skirt and you've got an easy play dress!(Editor's Note:I've done this for dresses for myself, too!)
Did you know that you can print directly on fabric using your printer (laser or ink-jet) without pre-treating the fabric?I use a temporary spray baste to stabilize the fabric with a plain sheet of paper and then feed it through just as I would paper.After printing, cover with a pressing cloth to protect your iron, and press to heat-set the ink.With this, you can use our scanner and wrapping paper (or any other pretty paper) to print your own fabric for use with designs or other projects.(Editor's Note:NEVER run adhesive spray baste through your printer.Instead, press your fabric to a sheet of freezer paper, cut to size - 8½"x11" for regular paper size - and run through.If any wax from the freezer paper happens to get inside the printer, it will act as a lubricant.Adhesive will gum up the inside of the printer.My printer tech friend gives you this advice with love!)
Did you know that the more you work with a wide palette of colors the more colors your eye will learn to distinguish as different shades?I think the same can be said for seeing designs in different colors.If you're new to embroidery, practice seeing designs in a completely different color scheme than what is offered.Could you do it in red, white and blue?Would the same font in pastels work for a baby blanket?You'll have more fun and get more value from the money you spend on designs.
Don't forget to experiment!There are new products and threads entering the market all the time.It's easy to get locked into using traditional methods unless you really get out there and play with what's new.Try a solar thread or start planning something fun with glow-in-the-dark threads.If you haven't tried solar threads yet, they start out white indoors and turn their designated color when under direct sunlight.Think of a flower blossom that changes colors depending on where you are.Have fun!
A design doesn't have to show crystals on it to be compatible with working them into your own project.Even sand, flip-flops or beach pails could use a little bling with the help of your hot fix wand.Mark out a simple outline behind your stitch-out (in dots) and use the crystals to make a great, sparkling frame.Bling!
Don't wait for an ad to land in your lap to find just the inspiration you're looking for to get you moving again.Make a separate folder in your internet bookmarks (favorites) for digitizers you love, and a folder for designs you want to go back for when you have the money.A couple of seconds taken to add to your favorites can save hours of searching for designs you "saw somewhere" later.When you get several extra minutes at one time, browse your digitizers list for what's new or find a "search for designs" game to lead you to new treasures.
When shopping for designs, or when choosing them from your designs files, don't just see them as presented by the designer!You can change season or style of the design by simply dreaming up your own color scheme.To save money on designs, choose those that will suit more than one project, theme or age group.
A healthy stock of fabric scraps is a great resource for appliqué on your embroidery machine.Keep an eye out at thrift stores and yard sales for packaged scraps.You only need a couple of inches to make all the difference in getting just the look you want to fill in that appliqué space.Organize your scraps by color groupings as you get them to help make a quick choice - mine even get arranged within the color groups into prints and solids.(Editor's Note:small, clear boxes and Ziploc bags are perfect for sorting scrap fabrics.)
Appliqué doesn't always mean you have to use cotton quilting fabrics.There are plenty of fun fabrics available that can add texture and dimension to your design.Take a stroll through the fake furs and plush fabrics at your local fabric store and start to imagine sheep and monster designs that touch you back.The price of these fabrics can be high, but if you only need ⅛- to ¼-yard pieces for appliqué, then it becomes quite affordable to play with.Take a friend, or group of friends, shopping to split and share those ⅛- to ¼-yard pieces into workable appliqué squares.You'll end up with a nice stash assortment for everyone for very little money.
A simple project becomes more personal if you add a message.Put those design fonts you've been collecting to work on your next project, and don't feel limited by your 4" x 4" hoop.You don't have to hoop it all at one time to spell out your thoughts.Experiment with putting down the words and then adding the design in a second step.If you can pin- or fuse-baste your project to the hooped stabilizer, then you don't even have to worry about leaving hoop marks in previous embroidery stitches.
Save those extra pieces of heavy-duty water-soluble stabilizer (WSS) - like BadgeMaster or Aquafilm - for use in making buttonholes where you don't want stabilizer to show.Long strips of WSS scraps can also work well to stabilize long lines of decorative machine stitching or chains of embroidery.
Quilters can make use of lightweight water-soluble stabilizer (WSS) for free-motion quilting that won't mark up your precious quilt top.Lay the transparent WSS over the pattern to be quilted and trace it with a permanent marker.Place this over the desired area of your quilt that has been LIGHTLY spritzed with water - to make it sticky - and quilt through the stabilizer and the quilt sandwich.The stabilizer will disappear when you wash your finished quilt.
The next time you’re dreaming about what to do with all those quilt fabrics and you just can't choose from a whole wall, try purchasing several ⅛- to ¼-yard pieces of your favorites to add to your appliqué stash.Also, be sure to think of appliqué when sewing friends are de-cluttering their sewing rooms.It only takes a couple of inches to cover an appliqué area.Great appliqué projects start with a variety of fabrics to choose from so that you are sure to get just the color and texture you desire.
No matter what time of year it is, doesn't it seem like Christmas - or any holiday - is just around the corner?As you are sifting through your holiday designs, print your favorite designs on a transparency sheet at their full size.Display these transparencies in your favorite creative space.Besides adding a fresh, decorative touch to your space, you can also use these as templates when deciding where to place the designs on your projects.
Some of the best inspiration for embroidery or shopping can come from a simple trip to your closest clothing store.Keep a little notebook handy and take great notes on how they are using trims in combination with embroidery for a professional finish.You can even use less gas if you let your fingers do the shopping all around the internet, giving "window shopping" a whole new meaning as you check out children's boutiques, women’s' couture, and high end home decor around the world.
Have you forgotten that your embroidery machine can be used to quilt?It's easy to get in the habit of thinking of the machine in terms of full stitch-outs and appliqué.When you're considering the finishing touches for your quilt, you can save yourself time by letting the machine do the quilting stitches, too.Use a water-soluble stabilizer (WSS) in the hoop, and it will simply wash away when you launder your finished quilt.
You've put names and dates on baby blankets, so now try them on a teddy bear.There are several patterns available for stuffed animals that use only one or two pattern pieces, making the entire construction process simple.These sew up in about an hour from start to finish, and the great part is that you can stitch your message or design on the belly before sewing the bear.
If you're new to embroidery on fleece or other fuzzy fabrics, and a bit frustrated with the fuzz peeking through your design, adding the right stabilizer layer will give you great results.In addition to the stabilizer under your fleece, add a layer of water-soluble stabilizer on top and stitch as usual.This should cure those icky pokies.(Editor's Note:add a layer of tulle or organza on top as well for even more control.Just gently tear or cut away the excess around the edges when you're done stitching.)
Catalogs can be the greatest place for inspiration on new ways to use your embroidery.They show coordinated designs and placement ideas for clothing, gifts and decorative items.Look at your catalogs as an invaluable source of inspiration.
Are you really seeing all the embellishment possibilities your machine offers?Did you buy it to make cute stuff for the kids and totally miss out on the possibilities for your socks, pant legs, dress hems and lapels?Some of the cutest designs I've seen in catalogs have taken kids' characters and used only the outline stitched out on the lower hem to make a jacket more mature.Look at your designs by the color stop and then take another look in your own closet to imagine the possibilities.For a really coordinated look, use the same design theme from the headband to the socks, and everything in between. Have you ever wanted to cry because you thought your machine "ate" your project?See the problem in a new light and think of fixing it with applique.Re-hoop the damaged garment with fresh stabilizer and run your outline color stop once.Very carefully trim away the fabric with the damaged design without cutting into the new stabilizer.Stitch the outline color stop again, add fabric, and proceed with the final applique step.Then, stitch a full design within the applique space.It's better than tossing out the project completely!
Planning and Shopping
Tired of using the same designs in the same old way?The next time you're heading for the store, take along a notepad and take notes on how they are using embroidery.Catalogs are another great source for ideas of new ways to combine colors and outlines to create a whole new feel with the same design.Keep an eye out for designs at the hem that relate to the designs closer to the neckline.New ways to use the same designs make the designs in your stash more valuable.
It's important, when shopping for designs, to take the time to consider the multitude of ways the designs could be used when deciding its true value.Can the colors be changed to alter the mood?Bright, primary colors changed to pastels can make a design meant for an older child just adorable for an infant.The black and orange Halloween design can become Americana red and blue for the 4th of July.Practice seeing what isn't there each time that you shop.
When shopping for designs, or when choosing them from your designs files, don't just see them as presented by the designer!You can change season or style of the design by simply dreaming up your own color scheme.To save money on designs, choose those that will suit more than one project, theme or age group.
Some of the best inspiration for embroidery or shopping can come from a simple trip to your closest clothing store.Keep a little notebook handy and take great notes on how they are using trims in combination with embroidery for a professional finish.You can even use less gas if you let your fingers do the shopping all around the internet, giving "window shopping" a whole new meaning as you check out children's boutiques, women’s' couture, and high end home decor around the world.
Catalogs can be the greatest place for inspiration on new ways to use your embroidery.They show coordinated designs and placement ideas for clothing, gifts and decorative items.Look at your catalogs as an invaluable source of inspiration.
Technology Talk
Okay, you've made the monthly backup of all the precious design files on your computer.Now, do yourself a favor and make a date with yourself each month to go through a category, or even all of your designs, and see if you're keeping designs you'll never use.Freebies/sample designs accumulate and design tastes change.It's much easier to find just what you're looking for in your design files if they're not cluttered with stuff you'll never use.
Did you know that you can print directly on fabric using your printer (laser or ink-jet) without pre-treating the fabric?I use a temporary spray baste to stabilize the fabric with a plain sheet of paper and then feed it through just as I would paper.After printing, cover with a pressing cloth to protect your iron, and press to heat-set the ink.With this, you can use our scanner and wrapping paper (or any other pretty paper) to print your own fabric for use with designs or other projects.(Editor's Note:NEVER run adhesive spray baste through your printer.Instead, press your fabric to a sheet of freezer paper, cut to size - 8½"x11" for regular paper size - and run through.If any wax from the freezer paper happens to get inside the printer, it will act as a lubricant.Adhesive will gum up the inside of the printer.My printer tech friend gives you this advice with love!)
Don't wait for an ad to land in your lap to find just the inspiration you're looking for to get you moving again.Make a separate folder in your internet bookmarks (favorites) for digitizers you love, and a folder for designs you want to go back for when you have the money.A couple of seconds taken to add to your favorites can save hours of searching for designs you "saw somewhere" later.When you get several extra minutes at one time, browse your digitizers list for what's new or find a "search for designs" game to lead you to new treasures.
Clean, clean, clean!!!When you're doing your routine design backup, take an extra moment to really review the samples you've collected for any that you know you'll never use.Time is so precious to all of us with this hobby, and searching through scores of designs you should have deleted will eat up that treasured stitching time.Keep tidy, realistically sized collections of designs.
It is very important to know what to do when you get a new computer and your programs that worked perfectly in Windows XP refuse to cooperate with your new Vista operating system.Before you give us in frustration and haul the computer back to the store, try this simple solution.Right-click on the program and select "Properties".Click on the "Compatibility" tab.Check the box that says "Compatibility Mode" and select the operating system that your software last functioned with properly (most likely it was Windows XP SP2).Then, be sure to click on "Apply" to make the change.Good luck.(Editor's Note:this is working with fewer and fewer programs now, but still give it a try.A better bet is to check the program manufacturer's website to see if they have a patch or update and to see if they have instructions for making the program work with the new OS.)
When working with computers, especially online, it is important to remember one word:SECURITY!When was the last time you changed a password?If you haven't been so inspired, imagine a total stranger sitting down at your computer with total access to everything on it.Did that do it for you?Now, when you create those new passwords, remember that the best passwords include both numbers and letters - upper and lower case - and symbols where allowed.You might want to keep a passbook, or journal, of passwords rather than using easy to remember passwords.(Editor's Note:NEVER use any type of pop-up or "service" that offers to "remember" your passwords for you.)
A place for every design and every design in its place!It doesn't take long for your design archives to get so out of control that you can't remember what you have or where you put it.Create a new file in My Documents with a simple, generic title like "Designs".Then, open it and create more category files for your designs like "children", "flowers", "animals", "sports", etc.As your collection grows, you can even add sub-categories - in "flowers" you can add sub-categories like "daisies", "roses", "bouquets", etc.Don't be afraid to add a new folder when there's no relevant place to save a new design.Like a clean office, a filed design is a comfortable, easy and pleasant place to work.(Editor's Note:Click here for a free download of pre-made file folders for your use.Simply download, unzip, and save in your My Documents folder.)
When downloading a new design, especially freebies/samples, don’t be afraid to rename it to something that tells you where it came from.It never fails that you want to know the terms of use for a particular design, or need some other information, and you can't figure out who it came from or what their terms of use are.
When making even the simplest alteration or adjustment to a design in your computer software, be sure to use the "Save as" function and just add a simple extension to the original file name - i.e. "Bluebells" to "Bluebells02".This keeps your original design as it was and makes sure your changes are saved without over-writing the original.
No matter what time of year it is, doesn't it seem like Christmas - or any holiday - is just around the corner?As you are sifting through your holiday designs, print your favorite designs on a transparency sheet at their full size.Display these transparencies in your favorite creative space.Besides adding a fresh, decorative touch to your space, you can also use these as templates when deciding where to place the designs on your projects.
Housekeeping and Organization
Okay, you've made the monthly backup of all the precious design files on your computer.Now, do yourself a favor and make a date with yourself each month to go through a category, or even all of your designs, and see if you're keeping designs you'll never use.Freebies/sample designs accumulate and design tastes change.It's much easier to find just what you're looking for in your design files if they're not cluttered with stuff you'll never use.
Clean, clean, clean!!!When you're doing your routine design backup, take an extra moment to really review the samples you've collected for any that you know you'll never use.Time is so precious to all of us with this hobby, and searching through scores of designs you should have deleted will eat up that treasured stitching time.Keep tidy, realistically sized collections of designs.
Ah, how easy it is to forget the last time you changed your machine needle!You've bought the right stabilizer and a design from a digitizer that you're sure is of the highest quality.Now, why is it that we cringe at the idea (and miniscule expense) of putting in a new needle?Choosing the right needle, and being sure that it's new, can seriously impact your satisfaction with the outcome of your project.So, keep a good and varied supply and go put in a new needle!(Editor's Note:buy needles in bulk to cut costs and assure that you always have a good supply.)
A place for every design and every design in its place!It doesn't take long for your design archives to get so out of control that you can't remember what you have or where you put it.Create a new file in My Documents with a simple, generic title like "Designs".Then, open it and create more category files for your designs like "children", "flowers", "animals", "sports", etc.As your collection grows, you can even add sub-categories - in "flowers" you can add sub-categories like "daisies", "roses", "bouquets", etc.Don't be afraid to add a new folder when there's no relevant place to save a new design.Like a clean office, a filed design is a comfortable, easy and pleasant place to work.(Editor's Note:Click here for a free download of pre-made file folders for your use.Simply download, unzip, and save in your My Documents folder.)
When downloading a new design, especially freebies/samples, don’t be afraid to rename it to something that tells you where it came from.It never fails that you want to know the terms of use for a particular design, or need some other information, and you can't figure out who it came from or what their terms of use are.
Hooping Helpers
Being limited to a 4" x 4" hoop doesn't mean you can't embellish an entire jacket back or make a dress length really sizzle.Any size hoop is still going to require that you plan out the positioning for the overall look.Don't be afraid to "piece together" something bigger because you might have to re-hoop once or even twice.Practice pin-basting the project to the stabilizer on smaller items so that, when it comes to doing something bid, you'll have the confidence to put it together without having to leave hoop marks on and already embroidered design.
A simple project becomes more personal if you add a message.Put those design fonts you've been collecting to work on your next project, and don't feel limited by your 4" x 4" hoop.You don't have to hoop it all at one time to spell out your thoughts.Experiment with putting down the words and then adding the design in a second step.If you can pin- or fuse-baste your project to the hooped stabilizer, then you don't even have to worry about leaving hoop marks in previous embroidery stitches.
I've recently been reminded of a need for the knowledge of stabilizer basics for the best embroidered projects.I've been reading stories about crafters using paper towels, plastic wrap, and all types of other paper goods to stabilize.Please, from a digitizer who puts a lot of time into creating quality designs, use a quality stabilizer that is best suited to both the design and the project piece. Tear away stabilizers are fine for light, woven fabrics and can be ideal when you don't want the itchy remnants of a cut-away on the back side of the embroidery.If you're working with stretch knits, I can't stress enough to use a quality cut-away stabilizer for best results.(Editor's Note:always try different stabilizers and use what works best for you based on your research and trials, and always buy the best that YOU can afford.)
Something About Stabilizers
With water soluble stabilizers (WSS) being a bit pricy, most of us hate just tossing out the scraps.Keep those scraps close to your sewing machine in a Ziploc bag and use them as stabilizer when stitching long rows of decorative stitches on your sewing machine.These extras also work beautifully under buttonholes.
Save those extra pieces of heavy-duty water-soluble stabilizer (WSS) - like BadgeMaster or Aquafilm - for use in making buttonholes where you don't want stabilizer to show.Long strips of WSS scraps can also work well to stabilize long lines of decorative machine stitching or chains of embroidery.
I've recently been reminded of a need for the knowledge of stabilizer basics for the best embroidered projects.I've been reading stories about crafters using paper towels, plastic wrap, and all types of other paper goods to stabilize.Please, from a digitizer who puts a lot of time into creating quality designs, use a quality stabilizer that is best suited to both the design and the project piece.Tear away stabilizers are fine for light, woven fabrics and can be ideal when you don't want the itchy remnants of a cut-away on the back side of the embroidery.If you're working with stretch knits, I can't stress enough to use a quality cut-away stabilizer for best results.(Editor's Note:always try different stabilizers and use what works best for you based on your research and trials, and always buy the best that YOU can afford.)
If you're new to embroidery on fleece or other fuzzy fabric, and a bit frustrated with the fuzz peeking through your design, adding the right stabilizer layer will give you great results.In addition to the stabilizer under your fleece, add a layer of water-soluble stabilizer on top and stitch as usual.This should cure those icky pokies.(Editor's Note: add a layer of tulle or organza on top as well for even more control.Just gently tear or cut away the excess around the edges when you're done stitching.)
Quilting with Embroidery
Quilters can make use of lightweight water-soluble stabilizer (WSS) for free-motion quilting that won't mark up your precious quilt top.Lay the transparent WSS over the pattern to be quilted and trace it with a permanent marker.Place this over the desired area of your quilt that has been LIGHTLY spritzed with water - to make it sticky - and quilt through the stabilizer and the quilt sandwich.The stabilizer will disappear when you wash your finished quilt.
Have you forgotten that your embroidery machine can be used to quilt?It's easy to get in the habit of thinking of the machine in terms of full stitch-outs and appliqué.When you're considering the finishing touches for your quilt, you can save yourself time by letting the machine do the quilting stitches, too.Use a water-soluble stabilizer (WSS) in the hoop, and it will simply wash away when you launder your finished quilt.
Appliqué with Embroidery
You may have seen those scissors in your local store with one blade that resembles a pelican's beak.What in the world could that be for?They are a great example of the right tool for the job.These funny looking scissors are designed for the unique need of trimming close to appliqué edges without cutting the stitches you want to remain.The large blade lifts the fabric slightly, while the razor sharp edge of the regular blade trims it away.If you plan on doing appliqué, these scissors are highly recommended for your tool box.
A healthy stock of fabric scraps is a great resource for appliqué on your embroidery machine.Keep an eye out at thrift stores and yard sales for packaged scraps.You only need a couple of inches to make all the difference in getting just the look you want to fill in that appliqué space.Organize your scraps by color groupings as you get them to help make a quick choice - mine even get arranged within the color groups into prints and solids.(Editor's Note:small, clear boxes and Ziploc bags are perfect for sorting scrap fabrics.)
Appliqué doesn't always mean you have to use cotton quilting fabrics.There are plenty of fun fabrics available that can add texture and dimension to your design.Take a stroll through the fake furs and plush fabrics at your local fabric store and start to imagine sheep and monster designs that touch you back.The price of these fabrics can be high, but if you only need ⅛- to ¼-yard pieces for appliqué, then it becomes quite affordable to play with.Take a friend, or group of friends, shopping to split and share those ⅛- to ¼-yard pieces into workable appliqué squares.You'll end up with a nice stash assortment for everyone for very little money.
The next time you’re dreaming about what to do with all those quilt fabrics and you just can't choose from a whole wall, try purchasing several ⅛- to ¼-yard pieces of your favorites to add to your appliqué stash. Also, be sure to think of appliqué when sewing friends are de-cluttering their sewing rooms.It only takes a couple of inches to cover an appliqué area.Great appliqué projects start with a variety of fabrics to choose from so that you are sure to get just the color and texture you desire.
Have you ever wanted to cry because you thought your machine "ate" your project?See the problem in a new light and think of fixing it with appliqué.Re-hoop the damaged garment with fresh stabilizer and run your outline color stop once.Very carefully trim away the fabric with the damaged design without cutting into the new stabilizer.Stitch the outline color stop again, add fabric, and proceed with the final appliqué step.Then, stitch a full design within the appliqué space.It's better than tossing out the project completely!
Thread Thoughts
Stitcher, know thy threads and their strengths!Polyester threads are great for stitching on garments and other projects that you expect to wash often.While you sacrifice some sheen, you gain durability.Polyester thread is bleach-fast and great to use on items you may need to bleach, like towels and t-shirts.On the other hand, rayon threads offer a glorious satin finish, but might not hold up as well to strenuous use.
Never underestimate the influence of your bobbin thread on your finished embroidery project.Hold your bobbin thread up, as you would to look at a single hair, and look for burrs or fuzzy spots.These less than perfectly smooth threads have the potential to interrupt the smooth stitching of your finer threads.Buy the best thread that you can afford for the best results.
Don't forget to experiment!There are new products and threads entering the market all the time.It's easy to get locked into using traditional methods unless you really get out there and play with what's new.Try a solar thread or start planning something fun with glow-in-the-dark threads.If you haven't tried solar threads yet, they start out white indoors and turn their designated color when under direct sunlight.Think of a flower blossom that changes colors depending on where you are.Have fun!
Whether you're working with rayon, polyester or even metallic threads, it's critical to remember that the quality of your bobbin thread is almost as important as the right stabilizer.A first-class bobbin thread should be as smooth as possible when holding up a single strand.Fuzzies along the strand can lead to irregular stitching with less than desired results.Bobbin thread does come in many colors now, so you aren't just limited to white or black.
Fabric Frenzy
Don't forget textured fabrics when considering your appliqué projects.Could a little furry fleece or even a velour print add 3D life to your project?Keep a stash of ⅛- to ¼-yard pieces of that spendy, but oh so soft, furry fleece on hand for projects that call for sheep or even for fuzzy little appliqué aliens!
Did you know that you can print directly on fabric using your printer (laser or ink-jet) without pre-treating the fabric?I use a temporary spray baste to stabilize the fabric with a plain sheet of paper and then feed it through just as I would paper.After printing, cover with a pressing cloth to protect your iron, and press to heat-set the ink.With this, you can use our scanner and wrapping paper (or any other pretty paper) to print your own fabric for use with designs or other projects.(Editor's Note:NEVER run adhesive spray baste through your printer.
Instead, press your fabric to a sheet of freezer paper, cut to size - 8½"x11" for regular paper size - and run through.If any wax from the freezer paper happens to get inside the printer, it will act as a lubricant.Adhesive will gum up the inside of the printer.My printer tech friend gives you this advice with love!)
A healthy stock of fabric scraps is a great resource for appliqué on your embroidery machine.Keep an eye out at thrift stores and yard sales for packaged scraps.You only need a couple of inches to make all the difference in getting just the look you want to fill in that appliqué space.Organize your scraps by color groupings as you get them to help make a quick choice - mine even get arranged within the color groups into prints and solids.(Editor's Note:small, clear boxes and Ziploc bags are perfect for sorting scrap fabrics.)
Appliqué doesn't always mean you have to use cotton quilting fabrics.There are plenty of fun fabrics available that can add texture and dimension to your design.Take a stroll through the fake furs and plush fabrics at your local fabric store and start to imagine sheep and monster designs that touch you back.The price of these fabrics can be high, but if you only need ⅛- to ¼-yard pieces for appliqué, then it becomes quite affordable to play with.Take a friend, or group of friends, shopping to split and share those ⅛- to ¼-yard pieces into workable appliqué squares.You'll end up with a nice stash assortment for everyone for very little money.
The next time you’re dreaming about what to do with all those quilt fabrics and you just can't choose from a whole wall, try purchasing several ⅛- to ¼-yard pieces of your favorites to add to your appliqué stash.Also, be sure to think of appliqué when sewing friends are de-cluttering their sewing rooms.It only takes a couple of inches to cover an appliqué area.Great appliqué projects start with a variety of fabrics to choose from so that you are sure to get just the color and texture you desire.
Supplies 'n Stuff
**Adhesive**Wonder Tape is a water-soluble, two-sided fusible web tape that holds almost any fabric to another fabric - or even to a notion.Try it as a replacement for those pins if you're still pin basting the items that can't be hooped.It is also simple and fast to use when installing zippers or finishing hems during garment construction.Don't forget to experiment with new uses for your notions as much as you experiment with your software.
**Adhesive**Are you trying to find more time for your sewing?Sometimes all you need is the right notion to get the time you need.Experiment with water-soluble thread or fusible web tape.These are both great basting options that can really save you time.Once your project is done, these simply wash away.
**Crystals**A design doesn't have to show crystals on it to be compatible with working them into your own project.Even sand, flip-flops or beach pails could use a little bling with the help of your hot fix wand.Mark out a simple outline behind your stitch-out (in dots) and use the crystals to make a great, sparkling frame.Bling!
**Needles**Ah, how easy it is to forget the last time you changed your machine needle!You've bought the right stabilizer and a design from a digitizer that you're sure is of the highest quality.Now, why is it that we cringe at the idea (and miniscule expense) of putting in a new needle?Choosing the right needle, and being sure that it's new, can seriously impact your satisfaction with the outcome of your project.So, keep a good and varied supply and go put in a new needle!(Editor's Note:buy needles in bulk to cut costs and assure that you always have a good supply.)
**Scissors**You may have seen those scissors in your local store with one blade that resembles a pelican's beak.What in the world could that be for?They are a great example of the right tool for the job.These funny looking scissors are designed for the unique need of trimming close to appliqué edges without cutting the stitches you want to remain.The large blade lifts the fabric slightly, while the razor sharp edge of the regular blade trims it away.If you plan on doing appliqué, these scissors are highly recommended for your tool box.
We would like to thank everyone who has contributed their helpful hints and tips! If you would like to submit yours, please email it to: info@oregonpatchworks.com.