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Quilt Binding Hacks & Time-Saving Tips to Learn
Quilt Binding Made Easy Learn some great methods to bind quilts that save you time and frustration, resulting in a professional finish. Binding a quilt is the last step in finishing the project you spent countless hours creating. Whether you opt for premade binding in the package or create your own binding strips, there are several methods for applying quilt binding depending on the desired finished look and your machine capabilities. Traditional Quilt Binding Techniques People bind quilts in tons of different ways. Quilters use either single- or double-fold binding, either cut on the bias or along the straight grain, depending on the look and the need for stretch. (Fabrics…
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Stabilizers for Quilting
Choose the Right Stabilizers for Quilting Did you know you can use stabilizers for quilting? That’s right! Stabilizers aren’t just for machine embroidery. You can use stabilizers for quilting to achieve a more professional finish; provide a sturdy foundation for certain techniques; add thread count to lightweight fabrics without altering the drape or hand; and more. If you’ve ever struggled with taming a fabric while sewing, completing a pucker-free appliqué or creating straight stitches when quilting, this post is for you! Using stabilizers for quilting will change your quilting for the better. Soft ‘n Sheer™ This stabilizer is a lightweight cut-away variety that remains with the fabric after stitching through…
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5 Beginner Quilt Patterns – for National Quilting Month
Beginner Quilt Patterns These quilt patterns for beginners are great starter projects for anyone looking to get into quilting, needing a personalized gift, or wanting to use up fabric from their stash. To celebrate National Quilting Month, we’ve compiled several beginner quilt patterns so you can easily start (and FINISH) a quilt this month. 1. HST Quilt What’s a HST? It stands for “half-square triangle.” These triangles are easily created by stacking and assembly-line cutting using a rotary cutter, mat and ruler, which are essential tools you need for accuracy and ease when cutting quilt pieces. This “I Heart the 80s” beginner quilt pattern showcases fun fabrics and Neon Poly…
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Your First Machine Embroidery Project – A Beginner’s Guide
Start Your First Machine Embroidery Project! by Pamela Cox It’s time to start your first machine embroidery project to wrap up National Embroidery Month! We’ve covered how to start adding machine embroidery techniques into your sewing repertoire, and we’ve defined the must-know machine embroidery terms. Now it’s time for the fun stuff–embroidering that first project. WHERE TO FIND MACHINE EMBROIDERY PROJECTS The internet is a veritable salad bar of sewing, quilting and machine embroidery projects. How do we know which ones are good for beginners? Narrow your search by being very specific. What do YOU want to make (think small, and go bigger once you’ve had more practice.)? Do you…
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Leo the Lion Project: Hand Embroidery for Kids, Episode 4
Leo the Lion Hoop Art Project Hand Embroidery for Kids, Episode 4 with Laura Bray of Laura Bray Designs Create this Leo the Lion Hoop Art to display your first hand embroidery project! The Leo the Lion embroidery pattern is a simple pattern to teach kids or to make as a beginner of any age. LEO THE LION EMBROIDERY Download the Leo the Lion pattern. Print it out onto Sulky Stick ‘n Stitch™ stabilizer. Cut around the pattern. Stick the pattern onto the right side of a piece of fabric of your choice. Choose thread colors for the lion, using the wide range of Sulky Cotton Petites™ Thread. For the…
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Stitches of Love “Love to Sew” Pillow – Free Webinar
Stitches of Love Presents The “Love to Sew” Appliqué Pillow! The mother-daughter duo behind Stitches of Love has been a long-time fan of Sulky threads. So we decided to join forces for our March webinar to bring you their Love to Sew pillow, a project developed by Stitches of Love exclusively for Sulky! In this webinar, you’ll learn to LOVE appliqué. Plus, you’ll learn how to work with heavyweight thread to add texture, color, and detail to all the projects you embellish. LEARN WITH US Julie and Brittany will showcase their Love to Sew appliqué pillow to demonstrate the following techniques: Read appliqué patterns Work with pre-fused appliqué pieces and an appliqué placement…
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Basic Hand Embroidery Stitches: Hand Embroidery for Kids, Episode 3
Basic Hand Embroidery Stitches Hand Embroidery for Kids, Episode 3 with Laura Bray of Laura Bray Designs When learning hand embroidery, three basic stitches are essential for most embroidery patterns. Learn these three easy stitches to begin learning the wonderful world of hand embroidery! The below video is great for teaching kids in a safe, fun environment. Have your child practice these stitches on a piece of scrap fabric. They won’t be as nervous about their stitches, which will help them grow their stitching confidence. Backstitch This is one of the easiest stitches. The backstitch is a great stitch to use when outlining a pattern. For beginners, outlining a…
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Understanding Machine Embroidery Terms
Understanding Machine Embroidery Terms by Pamela Cox Understanding machine embroidery terms is essential for navigating through techniques and expanding your machine embroidery skills. Don’t hold back on adding machine embroidery to your sewing bag of tricks because of the word “computerized” or “digital.” Enjoying machine embroidery doesn’t require expert-level computer knowledge! The embroidery machine (a computer in its own right) easily interfaces, or “works with,” the home computer with little effort and minimum knowledge. Machine Embroidery Design Language Why can you not view an embroidery design on your home computer without using software? Embroidery designs are created only for specialized computers, specifically embroidery machines. A home computer, which can perform…
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Transferring Designs: Hand Embroidery for Kids, Episode 2
Transferring Designs onto Fabric for Hand Embroidery by Laura Bray, Laura Bray Designs There are a number of ways to transfer designs (PDF patterns) onto fabric. Some are simpler than others, especially when teaching children the art of hand embroidery. Lightbox or Window Method If your fabric is lightweight, you can use a lightbox or even a bright window. Kids love using a lightbox, and this one is super lightweight and easy to use. Simply print out the PDF embroidery pattern, place it on the light source and then place your fabric over the pattern. Use chalk or water-soluble pencil to trace the image onto the fabric. Transfer Pens Print the…
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Embroidery on Jeans – Applique Method
Floral Embroidery on Jeans by Zandra Shaw Have you always wanted the look of designer jeans with embroidery but are unsure where to start? Or maybe you’ve tried embroidering jeans, and after taking the jeans apart you never get them sewn back up again quite right. This applique method is the answer to beautiful embroidery on jeans without the hassle of having the take the jeans apart. FREESTANDING APPLIQUES Zandra Shaw of Embroider Shoppe teaches how to create freestanding appliques out of embroidery designs! This “patch” method is a great technique to apply to other ready-to-wear projects, too! Give the jeans a vintage-inspired look by using Sulky Filaine thread. This…
