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Design Embroidery Software

Digitize embroidery motifs with design embroidery software and a computerized sewing machine.

Simply Quilts : Episode QLT-1122 -- More Projects » (Continued from Page 1)
Hoops and Stabilizer
  • The Bernina Artista 200 sewing machine uses one of four different sized hoops (small, medium, large oval and mega hoop). The proper hoop size may have been selected when digitizing although another size may be used as long as the design fits in the hoop. The medium hoop was used for the majority of this project.
    • PHOTO

    Figure F
    PHOTO

    Figure G
    PHOTO

    Figure H
    PHOTO

    Figure I
    PHOTO

    Figure J
  • Most computerized machine embroidery units require that a stabilizer be used so that the fabric does not pucker and the embroidery lays flat. One method is to hoop both the stabilizer with the fabric. Charlotte Andersen prefers to use a sticky stabilizer that permits her to only hoop the stabilizer, then the fabric is applied to the sticky surface (on top).

    Two Hooping Methods for the Stabilizer and Fabric

    1. Hoop the stabilizer between the two rings of the hoop. Score the protective layer just inside the ring (figure F). Remove the protective layer exposing the sticky surface (figure G). Press the fabric down onto the sticky surface of the stabilizer (figure H).

    2. Clamp the outer ring and the inner ring together (without the fabric or the stabilizer) (figure I). Peel the protective layer off of the stabilizer and place the clamped hoops on top of the sticky surface. Press the fabric down onto the sticky surface of the stabilizer.

    Tip: Sticky stabilizer can be reused several times by patching the hole (left by the previous embroidery) with a smaller piece of stabilizer (figure J). Guest recommends Sulky Sticky stabilizer.

    • Embroidery Stitching

    1. Use a lightweight bobbin thread in the bobbin and more expensive decorative threads for the top thread. Note: Sulky 40 wt. rayon threads were used for the embroidery motifs on Josephine's Amazing Neutral Colored Dreamcoat.

    PHOTO

    Figure K
    PHOTO

    Figure L
    PHOTO

    Figure M
    PHOTO

    Figure N
    2. Properly thread the machine, drop the feed dogs, attach the presser foot and clamp the hoop into the embroidery module (figure K). Next, push the button to engage the machine to automatically embroidery-stitch the motif. The machine will pause after approximately eight stitches to allow you to trim the threads (figure L). (Note: The machine will pause to allow you to change thread colors as needed.) The software specifies how many stitches are in the design and approximately how long it will take to stitch. If the thread breaks, the machine will stop; rethread and back up so that no stitches are missed. It is best to trim jump threads and tail ends after each color is stitched.

    3. After the stitching is complete remove the hoop from the machine (figure M), gently and carefully tear the embroidery out of the stabilizer. Try not to rip into any of the surrounding stabilizer. Then, if you want to do more stitching, all you have to do is cut a square or rectangle of sticky stabilizer 1/2-inch larger than the size of the hole, peel off the protective layer, lay the patch sticky side up on a work surface, place the hoop down on it and press the patch in place (figure N). The hoop is now ready to be used again.

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    Simply Quilts : Episode QLT-1122
    •Design Embroidery Software
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