Innehållsförteckning för Winter 2022 från Creative Machine Embroidery

Dear Readers, It's the most wonderful time of the year! It's also the most wonderful time of the year to cozy up in your sewing studio and embroider away—and while you are there you can stitch up all your seasonal décor and gifts. 2022 is the year for a handmade holiday season. Our dollar doesn't go as far as it used to in these days of high prices and inflation. Crafting and sewing for the holidays are not only money-saving tactics, but they can also help relieve stress. I know the busyness around the end of the year always gets to me, and I crave my alone time in my studio. Another place I love to spend time around the holidays is in the kitchen, with my family cooking and…

quilt this As a painter who also loves textiles, It was only a matter of time before I started painting fabrics to make quilts. My first painted quilt was made way back in the early '90s. Those earliest pieces were painted and then quilted, but my later work exploited the texture of the quilted surface and color was applied only after the quilting was complete. Much as I favor the “hand of the maker” being the dominant force in a quilt, I also love to work with new technology. I enjoy creating original designs and printing them digitally on a wide-format printer. Recently, I began using an embroidery machine to layer stitched designs onto the prints in combination with the freemotion quilting I always favor. Today's embroidery machines include built-in…

MATERIALS Supplies listed are enough to make one ornament. + 12” square of felt + Water-soluble topper + Approximately 6 ounces of polyester fiberfill + Thread: bobbin, all-purpose & embroidery + One small skein of variegated yarn + 8” length of embroidery floss or decorative cord + 4” × 6” piece of cardboard + Zipper foot + Chopstick + Small rubber band + Floral initial design (see “Design”) EMBROIDER • Load the design onto the machine. Thread the needle with embroidery thread and the bobbin with matching bobbin thread.• Hoop the felt, centering the right half of the felt within the hoop. Place the hoop onto the machine. Position a piece of topper over the felt. Select a basting stitch and baste the topper perimeter to secure. Or use the baste-in-hoop function.• Embroider the design, changing thread colors as desired…

MATERIALS Materials listed are enough to make five ornaments. + Five 5” × 7” rectangles each of felt & cork fabric + Tear-away stabilizer + Metallic machine embroidery threads + Size 90/40 metallic needle + Double-sided embroidery tape + Five 5” lengths of ½”-wide ribbon + One yard of 1”-wide ribbon (optional) + Clear tape + In-the-hoop gingerbread Christmas ornaments (see “Designs”) EMBROIDER • Load the first design onto the machine.• Install a size 90/40 metallic needle onto the machine, and then thread the needle with metallic embroidery thread.• Hoop the felt rectangle and a piece of tear-away stabilizer. Place the hoop onto the machine.• Embroider the design, stopping before the last stitch sequence. Remove the hoop from the machine, but don't remove the felt from the hoop. Position the hoop wrong side up on a flat work…

MATERIALS + ½ yard of print cotton fabric + ½ yard of solid cotton fabric + Fusible tear-away stabilizer +14” square pillow form + Thread: all-purpose, bobbin & embroidery + Spray starch + Removable fabric marker (optional) + Christmas wreath embroidery design (approximately 5” square; see “Design”) CUT • From the print fabric, cut a 15” × 42” rectangle.• From the solid fabric, cut a 15” × 29” rectangle.• Cut a 15” × 20” rectangle of fusible tear-away stabilizer. EMBROIDER • Download the wreath wrap designs from www.sewdaily.com/go/CMEfreebies until February 28, 2023. Choose the design featuring the desiredletter. Load the wreath design onto the embroidery machine. • Spray starch on the solid fabric rectangle. Let sit for one minute, and then press. • Center the stabilizer over the fabric rectangle wrong side; fuse according to the manufacturer's…

The suit was custom designed and elaborately embroidered using tone-on-tone interpretations of embroidery designs that are exclusive to the PFAFF creative icon 2 sewing and embroidery machine. Each embroidered section of the jacket features combinations of these designs that were carefully placed and oriented to emphasize the dramatic lines of the jacket shaping and collar. Creating a custom design like this requires the skillful use of embroidery design templates for precision placement of designs within each jacket panel. Each design combination must fit exactly within the garment seaming area, and must mirror perfectly to create the dramatic effect. Careful consideration must be given to the selection of thread colors, so that even when working with a limited palette, all design elements can be easily seen. Embroidering a textured fabric such…

FABRIC COLOR PALETTE Wintery blue threads look stunning on off-white chiffon or other solid sheer fabrics. DRESS PATTERN Opt for a flowing maxi-length dress with long sleeves, high neckline, and intricate details for a regal look. Don't want to sew a full dress? You can use your favorite maxi skirt pattern! FINAL TOUCHES The design placement and type really create visual interest and movement in this look—think starbursts, beaded lines, regal motifs, and even some florals! Mix and match embroidery designs with the lines of your dress pattern.…

stitch along WINTER STITCH ALONG WITH US Register at sewdaily.com now through February 28, 2023, and get this pretty in-the-hoop towel topper and how-to free! Then stitch this Christmassy decoration along with us. THE DESIGN This useful project adds a quilted topper to a kitchen towel, allowing you to fasten it around an apron string to keep it at your side through all your holiday cooking and baking. Or use it to attach the towel to the handle of the oven or a drawer, keeping it from sliding off from repeated use. Featuring both quilting and appliqué in the hoop, you hardly have to do a thing to make this handy addition to your seasonal décor. Our sample uses traditional Christmas colors and prints, but you're not just limited to…

MATERIALS + Bucket Bag pattern (such as Bonnie Bucket Bag by Swoon Patterns; see “Source”) +1 yard of faux leather (exterior) + ⅔ yard of fabric (type according to pattern envelope; lining) + Notions (according to the pattern envelope) + Thread: all-purpose & embroidery + Cut-away stabilizer + Water-soluble pen + Art Deco border design (approximately 1½ × 6”; see “Design”) PREPARE • Trace a copy of the pattern pieces. • Position the main-panel pattern right side up on a flat work surface. Trim away the center-front seam allowance. Designate as the front-panel pattern and label the center-front edge as “Cut on Fold.” • From the faux leather or vinyl, cut the front panel on the fold, two back panels, and one 2” × 20” rectangle for the handle. • From the lining fabric, cut one 2”…

MATERIALS + Kid's woven skirt with paperbag waist (such as Sassy Skirt by Petite Stitchery; see “Source”) + Lightweight linen fabric & notions (according to the pattern envelope) + Cut-away stabilizer + Thread: all-purpose & embroidery + Water-soluble pen + Floral medallion design (approximately) 4¾” square; see “Design”) PREPARE • Cut the pattern pieces from the fabric according to the pattern instructions. • Transfer all pattern markings. • Fold the skirt-front lower edge ¼” toward the wrong side. Fold the lower edge again 1” toward the wrong side; press. Edgestitch close to the first fold, beginning and ending the stitching 4” from the sideseam edges (A). EMBROIDER • Print a template of the design; cut out.• Position the skirt front right side up on a flat work surface. Mark the skirt center front using a…

MATERIALS Supplies listed are enough to make one necklace. + 3½” × 20” rectangle of velvet fabric + Paper-release adhesive watersoluble stabilizer (see “Sources”) + Water-soluble topper (see “Sources”) + Two 21” lengths of ½”-wide velvet ribbon + Thread: all-purpose polyester & embroidery + Needles: hand sewing & size 75/11 embroidery + Nine ¾”-diameter wooden beads + Chalk pen + Tube turner (see “Sources”) + Holly border design (approximately 1” × 5”; see “Design”) tip If desired, use marbles instead of wooden beads to create the necklace shape. EMBROIDER • Install a size 75/11 embroidery needle into the machine.• Select an embroidery hoop at least 814” × 15¾” to fit the entire design in one hooping.• Cut two pieces of the paper-backed stabilizer larger than the hoop. Remove the paper backing from each piece, and then layer onto of…

Download the Oyster Wrap Blouse pattern from www.sewdaily.com/go/CMEfreebies until Feb. 28, 2023. Purchase the pattern at www.sewdaily.com after the expiration date. MATERIALS + Wrap blouse pattern (such as the Oyster Wrap Blouse by Kimberly Payne for Sew News; see “Sources”) + 2½ yards of linen fabric + Lightweight fusible interfacing + ½”-wide elastic (amount according to your measurements) + Stabilizer: self-adhesive water-soluble + Thread: all-purpose, bobbin & variegated embroidery (see “Sources”) + Snowflake design (approximately 4¾” × 10”; see “Designs”) PREPARE • Prewash the fabric. Make a muslin or pin-fit the pattern and make any necessary changes to the pattern. • From the fabric, cut the pattern pieces according to the pattern instructions. EMBROIDER • Hoop the adhesive stabilizer on a large hoop and stick the right front piece, right side up. • Using the design…

Q I'm terrified of making a mistake in my embroidery! How do I avoid them? A The best way to avoid mistakes really involves preparation and knowledge. First, if you're in any way unsure about what stabilizer you should use with your material, what needle to choose, how to work with your thread, or anything else, look it up! Check back issues of CME, look at your machine manual, or just do an internet search. You'll be surprised how much information is out there. I've never gone looking for an answer and not been able to find one. On the off chance you can't find an answer to your question, it's time to experiment! Use a small design that stitches quickly and try out a few different stabilizers, needles, threads—whatever…

linda kemshall Linda Kemshall's (“The Artful Touch”—page 22) first love is painting and drawing in her sketchbooks and she brings these talents to her textile work, combining piecing with digital printing, hand painting, free-motion quilting, and commercially available machine embroidery designs. Her quilts have been exhibited internationally and have won many awards. With her daughters, Laura and Frances, she has offered online video workshops since 2009. designmatterstv.com stacy schlyer (“Funky & Festive Bag”—page 27, “Girl's Holiday Twirl Skirt”—page 38, and “Whale Plushie Present“—page 60) is a self-taught seamstress and self-proclaimed fabric junkie whose goal is to reach SABLE (Stash Accumulation Beyond Life Expectancy). She lives in Kansas with her family and blogs about her sewing adventures daily. stacysews.com bianca springer (“Initial Ornament”—page 35, and “Metallic Gingerbread Medallions”—page 45) is a…

VARIETIES Suiting is typically made using wool, silk, linen, polyester, rayon, bouclé, or cotton, or a combination of these fabrics. Very fine wool suitings, such as Bemberg, have a very soft hand and are often used as linings for a variety of garments, including skirts and dresses. Suiting widths vary from 45” to 60” and are available in light- to heavyweight varieties. Choose the weight that best corresponds With the pattern and/or season. THREAD Choose metallic or rayon thread to create stunning designs (A). If using metallic thread, position the thread spool vertically on the machine to prevent thread tangling and breakage. STABILIZER Cut- and tear-away stabilizers are appropriate to use for most suiting varieties, but test-stitch on scrap fabric to ensure the chosen stabilizer and fabric work well together.…

MATERIALS Materials listed are enough to make one garland. + ½ yard of velveteen fabric + Water-soluble stabilizer + Thread: all-purpose & embroidery + 5mm-diameter punch + Appliqué scissors + Twenty-seven ⅝”-diameter wooden beads + Eight 1”-diameter wooden beads + Fabric glue + 28” length of leather cording + Two ¾” lengths of thin cording + Embroidery software (optional) + In-the-hoop mitten & snowflake ornament design (see “Designs”) CUT • From the velveteen fabric, cut two 5” × 14” rectangles for the tassels and eight 4” squares for the appliqué. EMBROIDER • Load the mitten design onto the embroidery machine.• Hoop a piece of water-soluble stabilizer. Place the hoop onto the machine.• Embroider the placement stitch (A). • Center one velveteen square right side up over the placement stitch; tape to secure.• Repeat to center one velveteen square on the hoop wrong…

MATERIALS Materials listed are enough to make one clock. + 10“ × 14” rectangle each of linen fabric, fusible woven cut-away stabilizer & heavyweight tear-away stabilizer + Thread: all-purpose, bobbin & embroidery + 9”-diameter hand embroidery hoop + Seam sealant + Clock mechanism kit + Round fabric punch tool + Craft foam scraps (at least 2” square) + Hand sewing needle + Embroidery software + Snowflake design (approximately 6” square; see “Design”) PREPARE • From the foam, cut eight 2” squares. Punch a centered hole through each foam square. • Adhere the fusible woven stabilizer to the linen-rectangle wrong side according to the manufacturer's instructions. EMBROIDER • Open the snowflake design in embroidery software. • Select the desired font, and then add the number 12. Center the number 12 above the snowflake upper edge. • Repeat to add the…

MATERIALS + Two-color pleated skirt pattern (such as BurdaStyle #121 09/2016) + 1½ yard each of gray and light blue bottomweight fabric (see “Sources”) + 9” coordinating invisible zipper + Self-adhesive paper-backed tear-away stabilizer + Thread: white bobbin, coordinating all-purpose & white metallic embroidery (see “Sources”) + Needles: metallic & universal + Removable fabric marker + Ruler + Snowflake embroidery designs (approximately 2½” square; see “Designs”) PREPARE • If using a digital pattern, print and tile the pattern. • If using the featured BurdaStyle pattern, label piece 21 as the front yoke, piece 22 as the back yoke, piece 23 as the outer pleat, and piece 24 as the inner pleat. Add ⅝” seam allowances to each side and ¼” hem allowances to the inner and outer pleats. • Cut out the pattern pieces. • Gently fold the…

Download the whale plush design free from www.sewdaily.com/go/CMEfreebies until February 28, 2023. MATERIALS Supplies listed are enough to make one whale. + Whale plush pattern (such as Salvaged Selvages by Sew News; see “Source”) + 12” × 15” rectangle of blue velvet + 6” × 8” rectangle of pink velvet + 8” × 10” rectangle of white velvet + Cut-away stabilizer + Water-soluble stabilizer or topper + Thread: all-purpose & embroidery + Temporary spray adhesive + Fiberfill + Hand sewing needle + Eye & anchor design (approximately 1” × 1¼” & 3” × 3¾”; see “Designs”) PREPARE • Download the whale plush design at www.sewdaily.com/go/CMEfreebies until February 28, 2023. Print out the pattern at 175%; cut out. • Mark a new eye placement on the whale body pattern ½” to ¾” above the original placement (A). • Before cutting the…

How did you get started in machine embroidery? I bought my first embroidery machine in 2012—then I bought a lot of embroidery designs, some of them being ITH designs, which I love. In 90% of the designs, I found the instructions disappointing and not very helpful, and some even didn't come with instructions. Loving to write and create things, I said to myself, “I can do better than this!” I attended an online digitizing course to learn about digitizing my designs, and the first software I worked with was Embird. I have a long history of being creative; I learned how to sew when I was 13 years old (I am now 53), inspired by my older sister who had started an apprenticeship as a dressmaker, and I come from…