Machine Embroidery - General Tips

1. Always test on scrap fabrics first!
2. Watch your machine carefully as it stitches.
3. Trim jump stitches as you go for a nicer final result. If you leave these stitches til the end, you may find your needle getting caught in the jump stitches.
4. Place a layer of fusible web UNDER your fabric BEFORE your tack down stitch. Trim as you trim your fabric. You can iron over your applique upon completion of the stitching and the fusible will bond the applique to the article.
5. Use cut-away stabilizer when using knit fabrics with a water-soluable stablizer on top of the design. This will ensure the stitches will look nice and even and stitches will sink in the knit fabric.
6. Iron a piece of interfacing to the BACK of the design. This makes the design more comfortable to wear and ensures the integrity of the design -- just in case it should get snagged.

Happy stitching!

Embroidery Machine - Applique Tips

1. Place your article (properly hooped and stabilized) in your machine and stitch the first placement stitch. The purpose of this stitch is to show exactly where the design will be when finished.

2. Next, place the applique fabric on top of the placement stitches. You may wish to use some spray adhesive to help hold it in place. Let the machine proceed to the next stitch, the tack down stitch. Carefully remove the hoop from the machine, but DO NOT REMOVE the article of fabric from the hoop. Trim the edges of the fabric closely - be sure you DO NOT cut the stitches! Curved, sharp embroidery scissors work well for this.

3. Return the hoop to the machine for the satin stitch. If you see any fuzzies left behind, this means the fabric was not trimmed close enough to the stitch. Not to worry though, these can be cleaned up later. Just remember, DO NOT CUT THE STITCHES!