Creative Machine Embroidery

Dear Readers, Fall is such a special season. It’s a time to take a breath before the December holiday rush, enjoy the uniquely lovely weather, and appreciate the special beauty of the season—the falling leaves, the harvest bounty, and of course the spooky elements that make Halloween so much fun. We at CME always try to make this issue embody all the wonderful things about the fall, and this year I think we did a pretty good job. Pumpkins are a favorite motif at this time of year, and you’ll love our Stitch-Along take on it. Join us and stitch a simple FSL pumpkin project with interlocking pieces that create a 3D look. My favorite part is the curly stem, which allows you to easily hang the project as an alternative to…

BAG SAVVY Embroidering ready-made bags is difficult because they’re hard to hoop. To easily embroider a ready-made bag, turn the bag wrong side out. Hoop the fabric with the embroidery area right side facing up. Clip the remainder of the bag away from the hoop and needle during embroidery. Linda M., email FINE OUTLINE When stitching the final design outline, change the bobbin thread to black. This way, if the outline stitches aren’t quite right, they can be picked out easily from the wrong side without snagging the threads on the right side. Then touch up the design with hand stitching or a fine-tip permanent marker. Jan, email SKEWER STYLUS Use a wooden skewer as a stylus to guide fabric or float toppers near the machine needle to avoid poking fingers. Joyce, email COLOR CODE MODE To keep stabilizer rolls…

1. If you find yourself wanting a faster and more efficient way of embroidering, then you’ll want to check out the BERNINA 790 PLUS sewing and embroidery machine. You can sew and embroider for longer periods of time without interruptions because of the bobbin—it holds 70% more thread! We think that’s reason enough for a machine upgrade, but you’ll also fall in love with the exciting embroidery features like Pinpoint Placement, Enhanced Editing, and Total Embroidery Stitch Control. Second guessing your stabilizer choice? Just refer to the machine’s built-in screen support for all things relating to your embroidery project. Stitch and create with confidence and efficiency for the busy holiday season ahead. (Contact your local dealer; www.bernina.com) 2. The Design Pro Appliqué Mat by Clover is the ultimate tool to assist…

TENSION Tension refers to the balance between the needle thread and the bobbin thread. For standard stitching, the tension should be balanced. When stitching a perfectly balanced seam, only the needle thread is visible on the fabric right side and only the bobbin thread is visible on the wrong side. • When embroidering designs, a perfect stitch is actually unbalanced. On the design right side, only the needle thread is visible. But when you look at the wrong side, the bobbin thread and also some of the needle thread along each embroidery-object perimeter is visible. In other words, hints of color should show on the design wrong side. If you only see the bobbin thread color, the tension isn’t set correctly for embroidery. The needle thread must pull slightly to the wrong side…

THE DESIGN This simple freestanding lace design is perfect for dressing up your space for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or just all of autumn. Two separate pieces interlock to give the final product three dimensions and allow it to stand on its own. Or make several and hang them individually or as a garland. To hang the design, use a wire ornament hanger or simply tie a ribbon or string into a loop around the curve of the stem. It’s a good idea to secure the pieces together with a drop of glue at the join if you’re going to hang them. Switch up colors for more visual interest. Pumpkins grow in a wide range of colors, including white, blue-gray, and red. Or go for a spooky Halloween feel by using purple and black for…

TYPE Use balsa wood for embroidery, as it’s lightweight and soft, but still retains its strength. Balsa wood is available in 1/16" and 1/32" thicknesses and is typically 3"-, 4"- or 6"-wide. USES Look for unfinished wood items, such as trays, baskets, jewelry, recipe and tissue boxes, newspaper and spice racks, trays, and drawers at discount stores. Use ready-made wood items as-is, or stain and paint them before embroidery. Or cut a rectangle from a piece of wood to make a banner or wall hanging. Purchase balsa wood online or at local craft stores. Bend and cut the wood using a craft knife, scissors, or rotary cutter along the crosswise grain (A). Don’t cut the wood along the lengthwise grain because it isn’t flexible. Attach embroidered wood to ready-made items using craft or wood…