Embroidery 101: The Embroiderer's Checklist Embroidery Project
Whether you’re a veteran embroiderer or a neophyte, it’s important to remember simple steps lead to successful embroidery. You can avoid frustrating mistakes by asking yourself these 12 questions before you touch the start button on your embroidery mac
Materials
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Cut Away Stabilizer - 2.5 Oz wt.
Cut Away Stabilizer - 2 oz wt.
Whether you’re a veteran embroiderer or a neophyte, it’s important to remember simple steps lead to successful embroidery. You can avoid frustrating mistakes by asking yourself these 12 questions before you touch the start button on your embroidery machine.
1. Is the template securely taped in the proper position?
If not, the template can move unknowingly out of the desired position. Avoid this common mistake by using two pieces of tape to securely hold the template in place before hooping.
2. Is a single layer of fabric hooped with the stabilizer?
As the inner hoop is forced into the outer hoop extra layers of fabric can get caught. Always flip the hoop over and check the underside.
| 3. Are there any puckers in the hoop? Run your finger across the surface of the fabric. If the fabric snowplows, it’s too loose. Don’t pull on the fabric to correct the situation - instead rehoop. |
| 4. Did you set the tension in the hoop? Hoop your fabric and stabilizer. Hand tighten the screw. At this point, all of the tension in the hoop is concentrated at the location of the screw. Release the inner hoop and hoop again countersinking the inner hoop. Since there’s no need to tighten the outer hoop, all of the tension is now evenly distributed around the hoop. |
5. Is the fabric taut like a tambourine? Tap the palm of your hand on the wrong side of the hooped fabric. It should feel tight, like a drum. |
6. Does it need a topper? Many fabrics require a topper. A topper helps the stitches stay on top of the fabric and stops them from sinking into the fabric. Typical fabrics that call for a topper are terry cloth, fleece, fur and knits. |
7. Have you selected the desired design from the menu? Check carefully as many designs are similar on the machine screen. |
8. Does the design on the screen match the template or does it need to be mirror imaged or rotated? If you intend to make final adjustments now’s the time to do so. |
9. Is the needle in the center of the template? Leave the template in position and move the needle to the center of the crosshair. |
10. Is the correct thread in the needle? Check the color sequence and insert the correct thread. Nothing worse than stitching black snow! |
| 11. Is there anything obstructing the movement of the hoop? Clear a space on your sewing table for the hoop to move freely. Lamps, stacks of fabric and notions can bump the frame and cause damage to your embroidery and machine. |
12. Did you remember to remove the template before pressing the start button? I have lots of templates with tiny needle holes stitched in them! Although it doesn’t really hurt the template, the needle most certainly doesn’t like it! |
