Something everyone thinks they know how to do, but do not really know is hooping embroidery correctly.

Work with your hoop until you get a good design sewn out, then take note how your hoop is set up, the size, stabilizer, design consideration, etc. Always hoop your fabric and stabilizer.

It should be tight like a drum when hooped .. not stretched .. just taunt.

1. Use a hoop that is in a good condition. Note that after hundreds of designs hooped, the hoop will lose some of it's original quali...
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Which stabilizers do you use and when?

Cut-away:
I've used the same product for many years. I have tried different ones, but keep coming back to the same thing. I use the stabilizer from OESD.

Sheer:
A newer product. I am beginning to use this most of the time now. I've also used this product on the industrial side for a good number of years. It works well with light weight and knits. I always hoop it and use two layers, placed with gains running in perpendicular directions. Sometimes I'll use ...
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Once you have completed your project, you may want to make some fastening cords or ties. Here is a simple way to create your own cords, using your sewing machine.
instructions
 
Gather a selection of fine knitting yarn, cord, crochet cotton, etc.

Cut threads and yarns to desired length. Knot one end and gently twist the lengths together.

Set the machine to a wide zig-zag stitch.
Thread top and bottom threads with toning shades as both will be visible.

Place the knot of the threads behind the lowere...
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 Confused by all the new jargon associated with machine embroidery? Here's an alphabetical glossary of basic definitions to help you "come to terms" with this exciting and evolving technology.

Appliqué: Decoration or trimming cut from one fabric piece and stitched to another to add dimension.
Back Appliqué: A fabric piece used behind a design, where the front fabric will be cut away to reveal the fabric beneath it.
Backing/Stabilizer: Woven or nonwoven material used beneath the embroidered fa...
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Are there any secrets for stitching out beautiful embroideries? I’m referring to those embroideries which do not have any puckers, where the top thread and the bobbin thread remain within their own parameters and where we are not testing the stitchouts time and again to achieve that sought after perfection. The answer is YES, definitely YES. A design is nothing more than stitches. Our embroidery machine is the means to achieving that embroidery and that is where we need to be prepared befor...
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Confused by all the new jargon associated with machine embroidery? Here's an alphabetical glossary of basic definitions to help you "come to terms" with this exciting and evolving technology.

Appliqué: Decoration or trimming cut from one fabric piece and stitched to another to add dimension.

Back Appliqué: A fabric piece used behind a design, where the front fabric will be cut away to reveal the fabric beneath it.

Backing/Stabilizer: Woven or nonwoven material used beneath the embroidered fab...
Continue reading ...

That which distinguishes two of the same embroidery designs from each other, is the use of colour.  Everyone seems to think that someone is going to knock on their door with a search warrant if they don't use the exact colours a designer used in the test sew out or the colour numbers used in the stitch directions.

Not so. If you don't think outside the box and use the colours that you enjoy, or just prefer, you are really missing the real fun of machine embroidery! Not only do you expand your ...
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