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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…
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Hand Embroidery for Kids – New Video Series, Episode 1
Hand Embroidery for Kids: a New Sulky Video Series Episode 1: SUPPLIES Yes, hand embroidery for kids! In this video series, Laura Bray of Laura Bray designs takes us through the steps to teach children the wonderful art of hand embroidery. Hand embroidery is a gateway craft for kids, as it’s easy to learn and understand how stitches are formed, the supplies are inexpensive, and it’s fun to pick out thread and fabric colors (not to mention designs!) From Laura Hand Embroidery is a wonderful skill to teach your child. It’s a creative and quiet activity for both you and your child. I began teaching my daughter how to embroider…
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Machine Embroidery for Beginners – How to Start
Machine Embroidery for Beginners how to get started with machine embroidery by Pamela Cox Machine embroidery is a fun sewing technique that allows you to personalize readymade items and custom sewing projects. It’s a simple embellishment to learn once you understand the fundamentals, because the machine does most of the work for you! Let’s delve in to the world of machine embroidery to see just how simple and fun it can be. Whether you consider yourself a quilter, garment sewist, home-dec aficionado, cross-stitcher, tailor or general crafter, machine embroidery is a technique that adds another layer to your creativity. Think you need to be a super advanced sewist in order…
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10 Machine Embroidery Myths – True or False?
10 Machine Embroidery Myths To kick off National Embroidery Month, we’re diving into 10 machine embroidery myths. Are these myths true or false…or both? Join us all month long as we learn all about hand embroidery, machine embroidery, free-motion embroidery and more. Fun projects, freebies and product reviews abound! 1. Machine Embroidery Is Too Complicated FALSE. Most people believe that machine embroidery is a very technical skill to master. It’s assumed that because a larger, typically more expensive, machine is required, the skill level must be off the charts. While machine embroidery does require some basic knowledge, practice and “recipes” for success, the actual process is as simple as pressing…
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Secret Heart Pillow with Piecing & Quilting
Secret Heart Pillow by Jennifer Strauser of Dizzy Quilter Create a secret heart pillow that has a zippered compartment for treats or notes. Use one fabric color for the secret heart or piece together coordinating Valentine-themed fabrics to create a 10 1/2″ panel for Piece A. This project is a great way to use a fun fat quarter bundle. Add some quilting using 50 wt. Cotton thread for texture and pops of color. SECRET HEART PILLOW SUPPLIES Sulky 50 wt. Cotton + Steel thread (1) 10 ½” square of heart fabric (1) 10 ½” square of fabric (to back the quilted panel – it will not show, so use up…
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Hobo Cork Bag Webinar with Sallie Tomato’s Jessica Barrera
Hobo Cork Bag Webinar Join us to learn the ins and outs of this Hobo Cork Bag, designed by Jessica Barrera of Sallie Tomato. The bag pattern, Scarlett, is named after Scarlett O’Hara, and features a fun tassel, bag hardware and optional machine embroidery. Available in two colorways, charcoal and cardinal, the Hobo Cork Bag kit, a Sulky exclusive, comes with the high-end cork fabric, bag hardware and Sulky notions, including Organ needles, Fuse ‘N Stitch™ stabilizer, Poly Deco™ thread for construction and a brand new Sulky thread: Poly Star™. This thread spool is not available anywhere else! You’ll be the first to try it and see the sparkle it…
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Fun Valentine Gifts to Give (and Receive!)
Fun Valentine Gifts – Heart Pillow & More! Giving Valentine gifts is a nice way to say “I love you” to your sewing friends! Here are ideas of things to make or buy that are sure to put smiles on everyone’s faces. Valentine Heart Pillow This pillow was made using the free paper pieced heart templates from our Paper Pieced Heart Quilt pattern. I reduced the file size by 30% and then printed both the plain heart and the paper pieced heart onto Sulky Paper Solvy. Paper piece one heart using several fabric scraps, and then create the plain heart using a coordinating fabric. Stitch the heart perimeter with right…
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Paper Pieced Heart Quilt for Valentine’s Day & Beyond
Paper Pieced Heart Quilt designed by Kelly Nagel Create a paper pieced heart quilt featuring heart appliques. This quilt is perfect for Valentine’s Day decor, a Mother’s Day gift or any time you want to express your love! Quilt Overview The hearts in this quilt are created with Sulky Paper Solvy™. This stabilizer comes in 8 1/2″ x 11″ sheets and can be run through your printer to transfer paper piecing patterns. Sew right through the paper and fabrics, and then wash away the stabilizer completely when piecing is complete! No more picking paper pieces out of small seams or intricate patterns! Another removal method, used for this quilt, is…
