Category: Resources
What is free standing lace (FSL)?
If you are new to machine embroidery you may not even be aware of free standing lace, otherwise known as FSL. And, if you don’t know what it is, I’m guessing you probably don’t know how to make it. But It is actually pretty cool. Free standing lace or FSL is essentially an object made […]
10 Best Monogram Fonts for Machine Embroidery
I have to admit, I’m in a bit of a monogram rut. It seems like I keep using the same interlocking curly monogram over and over again. And while it’s attractive and serves it’s purpose, I’m frankly getting a bit sick of it. I need to invest in some new monogram typefaces, so I’m on […]
Features of the Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine You Should Know
One of the most popular and highly rated entry level embroidery machine is the Brother PE800. And, this is for good reason. Some of the features of the Brother PE800 include a low price, being easy to use and quick to obtain via Amazon Prime (and many other retailers). But there are a few things […]
Needles for machine embroidery: what to use when?
If you are new to machine embroidery, you may wonder what types of needles you should use for machine embroidery. There are, actually, needles designed specifically for machine embroidery that are different from regular sewing machine needles. But, like regular sewing needles, needles for machine embroidery come in many different types and sizes, so it […]
Gift Ideas for Machine Embroidery Enthusiasts
OK – I know this is going to sound like a first world problem, but one of the more stressful parts of Christmas is not only coming up with gift ideas for other people, but also coming up with gift ideas for yourself. Inevitably, husbands, parents, children, Secret Santas, etc… ask what you want for […]
Which Brother embroidery machine you should buy: the PE535 vs PE800.
If you are thinking about investing in your first embroidery machine or buying one from someone else, you probably looked at the Brother entry-level consumer-grade embroidery machines. These two machines: the PE535, and the PE800, range in price from (currently) $269 to $510 and can be Amazon Primed right to your doorstep in 48 hours. […]
In-the-hoop toys and games to make for the holidays
So, have you tried making any in-the-hoop projects? Well, now may be your time to tackle it, especially since there are so many AMAZING in-the-hoop toys and games to make on an embroidery machine that make super cute and unique holiday gifts. The kids will love them and parents will love them even more. Here’s […]
Machine Embroidery with Metallic Thread
Back in 2009, my three-year old wanted her name embroidered on her new beach towel, so I let her choose the thread. Naturally – she chose the option with the most bling: the dreaded metallic thread. In her defense, the silver metallic thread did match the color of the shark on the towel. But I […]
AMAZING in-the-hoop Halloween accessories
Sometimes my embroidery machine is a total life saver. Here we are, just a few days before Halloween, and I’ve got a bit of a costume situation. I’ve got to do SOMETHING about my son’s Halloween costume. But, instead of getting upset about the predicament, I’m just going to use this as an opportunity to […]
Machine embroidery terms every embroidery geek should know
Machine embroidery terms and acronyms can be a little confusing, especially if you are new to the craft. Just scanning through forums and Facebook groups dedicated to machine embroidery, you may think that members are speaking another language. So, as your friendly neighborhood embroidery term translator, I thought I’d break it all down for you. […]
Should I buy a multi-needle embroidery machine?
So…. you got your first embroidery machine. It’s awesome, isn’t it? Even if your machine is pretty basic and your maximum hoop size is only 4″ x 4″, hopefully you’ve learned that even with an inexpensive embroidery machine, you can still make a lot of cool stuff. But then you start hearing about multi-needle embroidery machines […]
How to become an embroidery digitizer
So you’re wondering how to become an embroidery digitizer? I get it. I remember the feeling. As soon as I started using my embroidery machine I immediately wanted to learn how to create the files that my machine could stitch out. In fact, the goal of becoming an embroidery digitizer was the whole reason I […]
