New to machine embroidery and still figuring out how stabilizers work and what to use when? If so, you’ll soon discover that tear-away and cut-away stabilizers are two of the most common stabilizer types. While these stabilizers may look similar, they differ in how they’re constructed, when they’re used, and how they’re removed. Having both…
Embroidery designs, especially machine embroidered ones, can be hard and itchy on the back. For instance, embroidered infant items. No baby wants to sport a onesie with a scratchy embroidery design! Thank goodness for iron-on embroidery backing. In addition to this benefit for machine embroiders, embroidery backings are also helpful for hand embroiderers. Backings can…
While some hobbies are easy to pick up in a few hours, embroidery takes longer to learn. Of course, you can unbox your first embroidery machine and stitch a test project pretty soon after that. However, learning to produce professional results takes much longer. So, how long does it take to learn embroidery exactly? Here’s…
The first time I truly started salivating over an embroidery machine with a bigger hoop was when I saw the Anita Goodesign Dollhouse Quilt Pattern. As a mom of two young daughters, I wanted to create this quilt so much! (Before they outgrew dolls.) After yearning over unrealized dreams for almost a year, I finally…
I stepped away from my Brother embroidery machine yesterday, and it managed to stitch almost 1,000 ugly stitches with my bobbin thread showing on top of the embroidery. Thankfully, I caught my machine before I ruined the entire project, and I could spot the cause and backtrack my machine. However, troubleshooting bobbin thread problems isn’t…
I despise when my embroidery machine thread keeps breaking in the middle of a project when I’m on a strict deadline. Whether it’s late at night or I’m in a rush to finish something, my machine often has a mind of its own, and that’s when things start going wrong. Luckily, I have a sequence…
Having a needle break on an embroidery machine is not only dangerous to you and your machine, but if your machine keeps on stitching, you can also ruin your project. Thankfully, when my needles start breaking, there’s usually an apparent reason: user error (aka me being careless.) However, the answer isn’t always so obvious or…
While working on my latest machine embroidered quilt, I continually ran into a problem with my Brother embroidery machine skipping stitches. It drove me batty that my machine would, out of nowhere, irregularly skip long-length basting stitches and longer-length fill stitches. Thankfully, following basic troubleshooting steps fixed the issue, and I could breathe easier. Is…
At some point, your embroidery machine will likely need either routine servicing or repairs. I remember the first time I dropped one of my machines off for maintenance–I had no idea how long it would take, how much it would cost, and what to expect. Thus, if you’re new to needing embroidery machine repairs or…
Mini sewing machines are a decent option for sewists on the go. Weighing less than 3 pounds, you can travel with them and store them in small spaces. However, the manual that came with my miniature sewing machine left much to be desired in terms of usage and troubleshooting instructions. If you are frustrated with…
While I infrequently practice now, I’m still an eye doctor by training. Hearing patients tell me they’ve stopped sewing, cross-stitching, or embroidering because they can’t see well enough is so sad! Especially when there are sewing aids and sewing tips for low vision patients that can get many of them back to pursuing their hobbies. …
Mini sewing machines are easy enough to use once set up. However, learning how to thread a mini sewing machine takes effort. Why? The manual included with my mini sewing had no pictures for several aspects of threading (like winding the bobbin)! So, for those who also like step-by-step color pictures, here’s a tutorial on…
Using the wrong embroidery bobbin thread in your embroidery machine can cause thread breaks, skipped stitches, and even tension problems. And one frustrating aspect for beginners is machine manuals (well, mine at least) lack in-depth details regarding compatible machine embroidery bobbin thread. Thus, if you need extra help with this topic, read on to learn…
Before purchasing my Brother Luminaire XP2, I had no idea embroidery apps even existed! However, once I discovered my machine worked with two of the Brother embroidery apps, I was excited to search for more. So, I downloaded everything I could and compiled this list of the best free machine embroidery apps for iPad, iPhone,…
Looking for an embroidery machine with a 5″x7″ hoop size? Thankfully, you have several options, as 5″x7″ is a popular hoop size (and the size I use most often for projects!) I did a lot of research into the available 5×7 embroidery machines before purchasing my Brother SE1900 and put together this guide for beginners…
My grandmother turned 90 this year, and this amazing jigsaw puzzle quilt was my gift to her! Not only does she love puzzles, but she and my mom are my two companions when I go to quilt shows. So, a puzzle quilt was the perfect gift idea. I created the design in Electric Quilt 8…
Like planning new quilt designs or chatting with fellow quilters while using your phone or tablet? What about calculating backing fabric sizes without having to pick up a pencil? If so, you’re in for a treat when you see all the quilt design and quilting calculator apps that assist with calculations and fulfill crafty desires. …
While most of my quilt designs start with colored pencil doodling on graph paper, I now use quilt software as well to render finished designs. Quilt software makes it easy to arrange block designs together and audition fabrics for a completed quilt before cutting. Not to mention, most quilt software can calculate required fabric yardages…
I love my Cricut and its versatility as a sewing and quilting companion and a vinyl, iron-on, and so-many-other-things cutter. Besides my sewing and embroidery machine, my Cricut may be my favorite item in my crafting room, and it’s survived hundreds of hours of craft use. But for those new to the Cricut universe, how…
I recently purchased my Brother Luminaire XP2, and of all the embroidery and sewing machines I’ve owned, this is the first that’s a licensed Disney embroidery machine with built-in Disney embroidery designs. I had desperately wanted a bigger embroidery machine, and I also wanted to be able to “do Disney” before my girls got too…
It’s no secret that I believe a Cricut Maker can carve itself a spot in any craft room. While I primarily use my Cricut to personalize items with iron-on or vinyl and for other non-sewing tasks, I also use it when cutting machine embroidery applique, sewing patterns, and even quilt pieces. So, can the Cricut…
Of my new favorite things to embroider with my machine is jewelry! There’s nothing more exciting than spending a few minutes making a custom jewelry piece to spark conversation about my embroidery hobby. And, many modern machine embroidery necklace and earring designs are actually now super stylish and not tacky. I mean, J.Crew even sells…
I’m picky when it comes to my quilt labels. I spend so much time on the quilt that the finishing touch of a label needs to be perfect. While there are many ways to make quilt labels, I like to avoid cutting them by hand or using my horrible handwriting. Making personalized fabric labels with…
My new embroidery machine finally has compatible magnetic embroidery hoops, and I love the new possibilities! For instance, I can use my embroidery machine to easily finish quilts without hooping or using stabilizer. I can also work with delicate fabrics like leather or vinyl without worrying about hoop marks. Even projects that used to be…
Making custom patches with an embroidery machine takes time and thread but is a surprisingly simple project once you understand the process. However, the process can be a bit perplexing for embroidery beginners. For instance, how do make the patch an iron-on patch? Can you use just stabilizer, or do you need to embroider on…
Embroidery on a jacket is a fun way to showcase your personal style! And while denim jackets wax and wane in popularity, right now, I love the matching embroidered denim jackets I made my daughter and me. Want to learn more about adding machine embroidery to a jacket? Follow along in this tutorial! Denim Jacket…
If you’re new to machine embroidery and feel overwhelmed with the jargon, you’re not alone! The terms embroiderers use are unique and sometimes just plain odd. To help you navigate learning the terminology of machine embroidery, I’ve put together this list of embroidery terms and definitions. And, at the end of the post, you can…
Do you have hand or machine-embroidered clothing that needs a good wash? With two young kids, I always do. So can you even wash embroidered clothes without damaging the design or causing threads to bleed? Why yes, you can! Here’s how to wash embroidered clothes so your garments continue to look their best. Hand vs….
Deciding between an AccuQuilt or Sizzix cutting machine and not sure which to purchase? I was there at one point, and, well, I now own both. My AccuQuilt Go! is my fabric cutter workhorse, and my Sizzix Big Shot Plus cuts the occasional fabric but mostly embosses and rocks at cardmaking. If you’d asked five…
If you don’t have a fabric cutting machine, you’re missing out! I LOVE using my fabric cutters to create perfect applique shapes and quilt pieces. And I don’t know about you, but less time spent cutting fabric means more time sewing, which is a win in my books! Interested in purchasing a fabric cutter to…