Bobbin threads for embroidery machines are a lighter weight (a higher number) such as 60 weight as opposed to embroidery thread which is 40 wt. The tensions of your machine have been set for this combination of thread. FSL designs are stitch intensive in order for them to retain their shape when they are completed. Therefore, it is important to use a proper weight bobbin when stitching. Bobbins pre-wound with 60wt colored thread are available. When using pastel colors to stitch these designs using regular bobbin weight thread in white is just fine. It blends right into the colored threads on the back of the design. The time listed above is for stitching out the design. Drying time is not included as it may vary greatly depending on the weather and humidity in your location.
Step 1:
Tautly hoop two layers of fibrous water soluble stabilizer in your embroidery hoop.
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Step 2:
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With 40wt thread in the top of the machine and 60wt thread in the bobbin stitch out the design. Remove the design from the hoop and cut loosely around the shape pf the design with about a ¼” margin.
Step 3:
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Trim the two tie stitch threads on the back of the work. Hold the bookmark under running hot water just long enough to remove the water soluble backing. We want some of the backing to remain in the bookmark to help it be stiff.
Step 4:
Lay the bookmark on a smooth cotton dishtowel to dry.
Step 5:
This picture is of the backs of these bookmarks sewn with white bobbin thread. As you can see the white thread barely shows due to the density of these designs.
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Step 6:
If any of your bookmarks do not lie flat it is perfectly OK to press them with a dry iron. Place them between a folded piece of fabric to protect the embroidery.
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Step 7:
Congratulations your bookmark is complete! Make one as a gift for all the members of your embroidery or book club.
Award winning Digitizer, Embroidery Educator, Author and a Consultant to the Industry, Pat Williams has 30 years of experience in the embroidery industry. Pat has won multiple awards for her digitizing expertise including the 2007 Impressions Awards Grand Championship, Best of Show as well as the 1st and 2nd Place Awards. Pat’s love of digitizing has afforded her the opportunity to write numerous articles for Impressions magazine in the United States and Images Magazine in Europe. In 2001 Pat was named “Embroidery Educator of the Year.” For many years Pat taught digitizing seminars at the ISS Shows in Long Beach, CA and for Compucon software. She now resides in Tucson, AZ.