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Machine Embroidery Series: Metallic Thread
Specialty Threads: Metallic Thread This series is written by guest blogger, Pamela Cox. Pamela is an expert embroiderer, designer, digitizer and all around wonderful girl! We are so happy to have her contributing to the Sulky Blog! If you have been following the Sulky Blog about “Thread”, hopefully you agree that one of the most important elements needed for stitching exquisite machine embroidery is to have a variety of Sulky Threads on hand to select from! There is really not a single “perfect thread”, but rather “perfect choices” for different applications. For example, 60 wt. PolyLite™ is best for lettering, while Sulky 40 wt. Rayon reflects the luster of…
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Machine Embroidery Series: Rayon vs. Polyester
Rayon versus Polyester Thread Rayon versus polyester: which thread to use for machine embroidery? Crayons, oil paints, water-colors, and even chalk are ways in which an artist expresses creativity. Almost all of us began our machine embroidery love affair by stitching designs in a 40 wt. Rayon or Polyester Thread. Embroidery supplies and techniques tend to be very personal, and we may have, at one time or another, engaged in a somewhat excitable conversation in defending our choice. Hopefully, after understanding a bit more about both Rayon and Polyester Thread you will agree that not only is there a place for both threads in machine embroidery, but that it is…
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Is Cotton Thread a Good Choice for Machine Embroidery?
This series is written by guest blogger, Pamela Cox. Pamela is an expert embroiderer, designer, digitizer and all around wonderful girl! We are so happy to have her contributing to the Sulky Blog! Cotton Thread and Machine Embroidery Rumor has it that synthetic threads are the best threads to use for machine embroidery. They flow through the machine’s mechanics effortlessly, plus they reflect light and shine just like an angel’s halo! I must admit; this rumor is all true. These threads ARE perfect for machine embroidery! However, there is also a rumor floating around that you should stay away from cotton thread because it will only bring embroidery heartache. And…
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Thread Applied to Machine Embroidery
Thread Applied to Machine Embroidery This series is written by guest blogger, Pamela Cox. Pamela is an expert embroiderer, designer, digitizer and all around wonderful girl! We are so happy to have her contributing to the Sulky Blog! Crayons, oil paints, water-colors, and even chalk are ways in which an artist expresses creativity. Thread articulates individual creativity when machine embroidering! Just as all artists look for “quality” raw materials in creating their next masterpiece, so should a seamstress, quilter or a machine embroidery enthusiast. But what defines “quality” in thread? One that is strong, smooth (not fuzzy), consistent in thickness, and resists tangles One that is made from long, tightly…
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Machine Embroidery Series – Upholstery
This series is written by guest blogger, Pamela Cox. Pamela is an expert embroiderer, designer, digitizer and all around wonderful girl! We are so happy to have her contributing to the Sulky Blog! Upholstery Fabrics Let’s talk about Upholstery Fabrics, which include a wide variety of textures, patterns, weights, fiber content and weaves. Most materials sold under this heading are strong, durable and resist stains making them perfect for accessories such as tote bags, backpacks or even small purses. You will also find uses in home deco projects including placemats, throw pillows… and, yes, even actual upholstery! Although fiber content may vary, the shared characteristic is that these…
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Machine Embroidery Series – Paper
This series is written by guest blogger, Pamela Cox. Pamela is an expert embroiderer, designer, digitizer and all around wonderful girl! We are so happy to have her contributing to the Sulky Blog! Embroidered Paper Several years ago, when first asked to present a machine embroidered paper project, my initial thought was…. “why?” Why invest time, not to mention the cost of materials, into a “disposable project”? Seriously? However, once the experimentation began, it was then I realized that paper is not only a fun foundation for machine embroidery, but it presents many wonderful possibilities, which I guarantee will never be thrown away! Some embroidered items, such as a card, may be treasured for the…
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Cork Fabric Needle Case – A Free In-The-Hoop Project
Cork Fabric Needle Case In-The-Hoop Project by Pamela Cox Supplies: 3-1/2”x 5-1/4” piece of cork fabric 3-1/2”x 5-1/4” piece of felt Sulky Soft ’n Sheer™ Stabilizer Sulky KK 2000™ Temporary Spray Adhesive Sulky 40 wt. Rayon thread Basic Needle Case Embroidery Design – Free download (Download is below) Color Chart for Needle Case – Free download (Download is below) Embroidery Design of Choice – optional (No larger than 1-1/2”x 2-1/4”.) Preparation: Download both the needle case design and the color chart here: Needle Case Emb Designs If a design is to be added to the cover of the needle case, open the basic case design in a software editing program. Be sure…
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Cork Fabric Embroidery (Plus a Free Project!)
This series is written by guest blogger, Pamela Cox. Pamela is an expert embroiderer, designer, digitizer and all around wonderful girl! We are so happy to have her contributing to the Sulky Blog! Cork Fabric Cork, a natural product obtained directly from the bark of an evergreen oak tree – mostly found in Portugal – has been in use for thousands of years. Relatively recently, cork fabric has been developed by adhering thin cork sheets to a fabric backing. This innovative, new material presents the sewing world with a friendly, extremely versatile, medium to work with. Available in many colors and textures, cork fabric has the…
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In-The-Hoop Projects and Photo Frames – A Better Way (& a Valentine’s Day Gift!)
By Guest Blogger: Patti Lee, Vice President, Consumer Relations, Sulky of America I have fallen in love with in-the-hoop projects. Yes, the first prototype of each project takes some extra time; but once you’ve done the first one, they become easier and faster. My favorite thing about in-the-hoop designs is that when you’re done, you’re done. There is usually very little finish work once it is out of the hoop. We found this frame on at the embroiderylibrary.com – here is a link to the design/project Click here to download the “Hearts Abound” In-the-Hoop Frame Project. (Note: Fits in a 4 x 4 hoop.) You will need to sign in or…
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Machine Embroidery Series: Leather
This series is written by guest blogger, Pamela Cox. Pamela is an expert embroiderer, designer, digitizer and all around wonderful girl! We are so happy to have her contributing to the Sulky Blog! Leather Leather is not as difficult to embroider on as one might imagine. However, it is important to first understand leather’s properties and then to follow a few rules to ensure success. “Fabric” is made up of woven or knitted threads which can stretch, move and recover. Leather does not have this “memory” and is therefore not forgiving. Once a mark, or a hole, has been made in leather, it is forever there. “Unforgiving marks” also encompass…
