Category: Helpful Techniques
Top machine embroidery tips, tricks and hacks
Some of the best tips, tricks and hacks I’ve learned throughout my journey in machine embroidery are not the kind of things you read about in books. I’ve gotten some of the best (albeit unconventional) tips from the ladies at the sewing store, my embroidery buddies I’ve met in Facebook groups and my few friends […]
How to embroider on a Christmas stocking
We have a new addition to the family, our dog Chili. I’m not really a dog person. In fact, this is actually the first dog I’ve ever owned. But, as we were hanging up our Christmas stockings this year, I realized, now that Chili is a member of our family, she should probably have one […]
How to embroider over a hole
Did you know that you can hide a hole in a garment with machine embroidery? This is one of the most fabulous things you can do with an embroidery machine – embroider over a hole and make it disappear. Products mentioned in this post medium weight cutaway stabilizer temporary adhesive spray adhesive-backed tearaway stabilizer regular […]
Common beginner machine embroidery questions and answers
I often receive emails with machine embroidery questions, but this most recent one from Randi really got my attention. Wow! Newbies have a lot of questions! “I received a Brother PE535 for Christmas last year and still haven’t figured out how to use it or get started. I was wondering if you know what I […]
How to embroider on a visor
Monogramming a visor on my embroidery machine was not a project on my radar. In fact, it wasn’t even close to my radar until a friend of mine asked me if I could do it. I actually didn’t know. I had never even tried. But despite the fact that I had no idea how to […]
How to embroider on a pillow case
Machine embroidery on a pillow case can be a bit daunting. The cuff of the pillow case, where you will likely want to embroider, is doubled over. So, you are essentially embroidering through two layers of fabric which can be problematic if those two layers move around. Therefore, it’s essential to stabilize the pillowcase properly […]
10 hacks for organizing sewing and embroidery supplies
I have to admit, my sewing room is currently a mess. Wait – isn’t that a sign of a creative mind? Maybe? But all I know – it’s not pleasant at the current moment to be in there. I really need to get is it straightened out. So I’ve hit up my Facebook friends for […]
How to organize thread for sewing and machine embroidery
It gets to a point in a machine embroidery career that you realize, “dang – I own a lot of thread.” In addition to all of the different sewing thread you may have already accrued, you have a whole collection of different type of thread for machine embroidery. And, because machine embroidery thread is such […]
Sticky back stabilizer for machine embroidery
If there was ever a major game changer in my machine embroidery habits, it would have to be learning about tear away sticky back stabilizer. Using this type of stabilizer solved a couple of problems for me: hooping difficult fabric and garments and getting my embroidery hoop all gunky. While tear away sticky back stabilizer […]
How to keep fabric out of the way when embroidering
Are you struggling with trying to keep fabric out of the way when embroidering? Well, you are not alone. It can be very challenging to prevent excess material from moving in on your embroidery area. This is especially true when you are working in tight spaces, such as kids’ and baby clothing. On many occasions, […]
Machine embroidery on foam
Ever seen embroidered items with a three-dimensional effect and wonder how they do it? Here’s the secret. There’s FOAM underneath the stitching, and that extra layer of foam underneath the embroidery is what gives the design some extra depth and really makes it pop. Machine embroidery on foam can also keep your stitches from sinking […]
How to do reverse appliqué
If you do A LOT of appliqué, there comes a time when you just want to mix it up and do something a little different. Are you with me? Then, it’s time to give reverse appliqué a try. Not sure what I’m talking about? Reverse appliqué is like regular appliqué except the appliqué fabric goes […]
