Creative Machine Embroidery

Dear Readers, Oh, spring: the renewal season full of fresh starts and new growth. Spring is like a breath of fresh air, renewed life, and a return to color after a long winter—and we're here for all of it! We love florals here at CME headquarters. Who doesn't? And there are so many ways to incorporate florals into your garments, your home projects, and even your yard décor! • Step out into the fresh air with a new bag for running errands with the Retro Tulip Tote on page 56. • Welcome a new baby into your life with the Fresh Start Baby Bundle (page 42), Earth Garden Mobile (page 47), and Petite Mushroom Ring Sling (page 51). • Freshen up your springtime wardrobe with floral embroidery on fun projects…

THE YARN METHOD For years, I used the old method of stitching rows of basting stitches to create gathers. I discovered the yarn method, and there's no going back. Use yarn or a thicker thread to gather your fabric. Simply sew a zigzag stitch over a length of yarn, then pull the yarn to easily gather your fabric. Sara B. ZIPPER FLIP This tip has saved me lots of zipper headaches over the years. Sew up your seam as you normally would, place the zipper face down over the seam allowance, and sew it in place. Then pop open the seam with your seam ripper to reveal the zipper underneath. It's my favorite way to insert a zipper. Lori Z. THREAD MANAGEMENT This isn't so much a tip or a…

1. The future of crafting and sewing has arrived. The revolutionary PrintModa Studio Fabric Printer prints custom designs, personalized patterns, and even celebratory templates in vibrant color on fabric. This printer will transform your crafting and sewing experience, taking custom sewing projects to the next level. (www.brother-usa.com) 2. We love good storage solutions here at Sew Daily. Store your machine embroidery flash drives in the new KimberBell USB Case. This storage pouch is thick and fully lined, and it features wide elastic bands that securely hold up to 32 drives. Slip each drive into its place, then zip up the pouch with the sturdy zipper. (www.kimberbell.com) 3. The new Karlie Belle Embroidery Design Organization System will help you store your digital files and teach you other best practices for maintaining…

FLEECE • Match fleece fabric, such as polar fleece, Cuddle, or ready-made blankets, with a soft mesh cutaway stabilizer (A). Fleece fabrics are typically stretchy and require a cut-away stabilizer to support the stitches, particularly because the finished projects are washed often. Lightweight cut-away stabilizer has a soft drape that matches the fleece. Choose a stabilizer color that blends closely with the fabric. Hoop the stabilizer and fabric together as one unit. • Select a water-soluble topper to prevent the fabric nap from sticking up through the finished embroidery stitches. Secure the topper in place over the hooped stabilizer and fabric using painter's tape. • Use a size 80/12 ballpoint embroidery needle. Universal needles have a sharper point that cuts the knit fleece, creating small holes or snags in the…

OILCLOTH BASICS Originally, oilcloth was used for functionality over fashion purposes. It was made from cotton or linen fabric that was treated with oil, making it durable, strong, and water-resistant. Today, oilcloth can be used for fashion purposes, as a variety of different colors, prints, and weights are available. Most oilcloth types are made from woven cotton fabric that's treated with a PVC coating. The fabric is great for making patio accessories, handbags, small purses, hats, belts, table runners, and more. Make biodegradable oilcloth by purchasing heavyweight cotton fabric. Stretch the fabric over a large flat surface to create a large rectangle; secure the corners using pattern weights. Draw a pattern or design onto the fabric using fabric dyes and oil paints, if desired. Let the paint or dye dry,…

Oilcloth is a fantastic fabric to sew with and embroider. It's a fabric that gives projects an instant vintage charm. Take the techniques you've learned here and consider making the following to spruce up your summer entertaining space. • An embroidered oilcloth tote for the beach or pool • Embellished oilcloth pillows for your front porch • Customized oilcloth chair covers • Washable bowl covers, like those featured here from the March/April 2017 issue of Creative Machine Embroidery • A personalized gardening apron with tons of handy pockets • An easy monogrammed lunch tote for summer outings • Embroidered and pieced picnic blanket • Reusable sandwich and food bags • Bench seat cover for pets • Easy buckle bike tote • All manner of embroidered tablecloths and placemats for one-of-a-kind…