Projects with free PDF patterns and embroidery designs

how to make a monogrammed duffel bag

How to make a monogrammed duffel bag

I’ve monogrammed a lot of duffel bags over the years using my embroidery machine, because, frankly, a monogrammed duffel bag makes a GREAT GIFT. The only issue is that duffel bags can be challenging to get on your embroidery hoop. In fact, one time when I was monogramming a duffel bag for my nephew, I […]

what is a feltie

What is a feltie?

What is a feltie? Perhaps the term is one you’ve heard around the machine embroidery water cooler, but you may not be sure exactly what it is or why you would use your embroidery machine to make one.  To be honest, I owned my embroidery machine for a LONG time before I even knew what […]

free in-the-hoop key fob

Free in-the-hoop key fob

If you have been reluctant to try an in-the-hoop project, perhaps I can tempt you this one.  One of the easiest possible projects to make in-the-hoop is a key fob.  And there are tons of different styles – some that clip onto a bag or back pack, some that are essentially just a keychain.  But, […]

in the hoop banner on an embroidery machine

In-the-hoop banner how-to

I’ve always wanted to make an in-the-hoop banner, but never got around to it – mostly because it seemed like A LOT of work.  But, with my little friend, Rowan, turning three, I had the perfect subject for my birthday banner. And – BONUS –  her name is not that long so maybe the project […]

how to make an in-the-hoop napkin ring

How to make in-the-hoop napkin rings

Napkin rings offer a touch of elegance to your place settings. You have probably seen them made of all different types of materials including metals, wood, plastic and ceramics.  But have you considered making napkin rings out of fabric using your embroidery machine? Yep – you can actually make them entirely in your embroidery hoop. […]

how to make a sun hat

How to make a sun hat

Yes, it’s getting to the point in the summer where I’ve gotten my fair share of vitamin D. Between working in the yard and daily runs, I get A LOT of sun. And now that I’m getting older, I see how important it is to avoid the sun for my skin’s optimal health and appearance. […]

how to make an in the hoop pouch on your embroidery machine

How to make an in-the-hoop pouch on your embroidery machine

In-the-hoop machine embroidery projects are pretty remarkable. All you have to do is lay pieces of fabric and zippers on top of floated stabilizer, following the directions of the pattern designer. Then, when you’ve made it through the steps, remarkably, you have a finished project! I love in-the-hoop projects. In fact – I’m a member […]

How to embroider on a sweater with an embroidery machine

One of the best things about the end of the end of a season is scoring some bargain basement clothing. At (what stores consider to be) the end of the winter season (February) you can find tons of sweaters for next to nothing. For example, I hit Old Navy the other day and picked up […]

How to make a monogrammed bow tie

How to make a monogrammed bow tie

A few years ago, I was looking for the perfect accessory for my son’s First Communion outfit. Little girls get new crosses, dresses, headbands, etc… but what about the boys? They deserved something special too.  So, I took matters into my own hands and made my little guy a monogrammed bow tie for his big […]

how to embroider on toilet paper using your embroidery machine

How to embroider on toilet paper

I want to start by saying that I can not believe that I’m writing this blog post. For years, I’ve seen questions about and examples of embroidery on toilet paper in my machine embroidery Facebook groups. And every time I do, I wonder why anyone want to know how to embroider on toilet paper. That […]

Free heart applique design

A heart appliqué for the perfect Valentine’s sweater

It’s sort of ironic that I make this heart appliqué sweatshirt and the fact that I love it so much.  You know why? I’m totally not into wearing holiday related apparel.  In fact, my kids even called me out on wearing a pink dress (with my black velvet pom pom shawl) on Christmas Eve. My […]