CME October E Book Terry Cloth/Towels

IDEAS, INSPIRATIONS & TECHNIQUES
Presents
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FREE GUIDES
Machine Embroidery Basics
Quick
Gift
Ideas!
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2
13
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FREE GUIDES
Machine Embroidery Basics
Machine embroidering on terry cloth can be a bit
tricky than other types of fabrics. Learn tips and
techniques for embroidering on terry cloth and
microfiber for a better-than-store-bought look.
In “Terrific Toweling” learn how to monogram
on terry cloth for a luxe look to guest linens.
Table of Contents
1
Terrific Toweling
Jeanine Twigg............................. pg 3
2
Terry Cloth
Ruth Cox......................................... pg 7
“Fabric Fun: Terry Cloth” will tell you how to
pick the right embroidery designs, what types
of stabilizer to use, pressing tips, threads to
3
Fabric Forays:
Microfiber
Pauline Richards......................... pg 11
choose, proper needles and more tips for great
results. More and more households are using
microfiber towels. They’re ultra-absorbent
and durable. Learn how to embroider on
4
Fruits of Labor
Sue Barnabee................................pg 13
microfiber in “Fabric Forays: Microfiber”. Finally,
use all these tips and techniques and create
a cute terry cloth dish towel set in “Fruits of
Labor”, perfect for a housewarming gift.
Happy stitching!
Jil l Case
Jill Case
Online Editor
Creative Machine Embroidery
2
back to basics
Machine embroidery 101
Terrific
Toweling
By Jeanine Twigg
Thick or thin, formal or casual—towels are simple to embroider
and make great gifts!
Toweling choices
Design decisions
Towels are available in an assortment of styles
and sizes, with a band or border, or without. The
band area on towels can vary from 1" to 1 1 ⁄ 2".
Embroidery is traditionally centered above the
border or band.
More luxurious or commercial towels are
available without a band. There is more creative
embroidery freedom with towels that do not have
a band or border. The embroidery or monogram
can be positioned in a more pleasing location
and the addition of trims can enhance the
finished appearance.
Kitchen towels have little or no nap depending
on the style. Most specialty towels usually do not
have a border, which makes them ideal for
embroidery. A decorative border can be added
for a contrasting band of color.
Monograms are an obvious choice for towel
embroidery. The satin stitches of monograms
make for distinctive personalization as well as
hold down the towel nap. Fine stitches will sink
into the toweling. Select designs with sufficient
width to withstand the toweling nap and not
sink in.
Fill designs with a lot of stitches can be
embroidered on towels with a few precautions.
Pre-wash the towels before embroidery. This will
help prevent the design from cupping (laundering after embroidery makes the toweling shrink
but the design stitches stay in place causing the
design to buckle under pressure). Use a topper
to prevent stitches from sinking into the nap
and make sure the design has sufficient underlay
to hold the nap down.
Look for designs with
novelty stitch types, such as
compact chain stitches, that
will hold the nap down as well
as satin and fill stitches.
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Quick
Gift
Ideas!
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13
Test-stitch designs on similar fabric
to make sure sufficient underlay has
been used to hold down the toweling
nap or loops. Determine if your digitizing
software can import designs and add
underlay if more is needed.
Embroider using a polyester thread as it
will hold up to repeat washing and bleach.
Use a size 14/90 embroidery needle to
accommodate the toweling thickness.
Stabilizers
Toweling has a nap; therefore a topper
is required to hold down the loops. The
most common is a water-soluble topper.
Use a clear tear-away variety that is easy to
remove. If a permanent topper is necessary, consider using a vinyl topper or a
layer of sheer organza or organdy in a
color that matches or contrasts the toweling. The organza or organdy layer will be
a bit more difficult to remove. Use it with
designs that are solid fill designs without
gaps in the embroidery. Use a very sharp
curved tip scissors to remove the layer.
Sometimes just opening the scissors and
holding the fabric taut is enough to
support the fabric trim as the scissors
glide around the design outer edge.
The base stabilizer can be a mesh or
adhesive water-soluble, or a tear-away.
Mesh water-soluble stabilizers can be
trimmed after embroidery; the remainder
will dissolve in the laundry process. Trim
close to the design outer edge and leave it;
or use a needle-tip bottle filled with water
to surround the outside design area and
remove the entire excess stabilizer. Use a
paper towel to dab stabilizer not removed
around the edges or within small areas of
the design.
A clean tearing stabilizer will dissolve
over time if one is used as a base. Note:
The heavier or more compact the design,
the heavier the stabilizer needed.
Hooping
Hooping a towel with the stabilizer can
be a daunting task. To do so, loosen the
hoop screw sufficiently to accommodate
hooping the topper, toweling and base
stabilizer together.
Or, hoop the stabilizer and spray it
with temporary adhesive. Secure the towel
to the stabilizer. Lightly spray the topper
and secure it to the toweling. Use a
perimeter basting or “fix” stitch to hold
all the layers together during the
embroidery process.
Or, hoop a water-soluble adhesive
stabilizer and use it as a base and a topper
for embroidery. Allow the laundry process
to remove both layers. Note: Removing
an adhesive stabilizer from loop toweling
can be difficult as it can pull on the
delicate loops. It is advisable to launder
the towels again to remove the stabilizer.
Bath mats can be embroidered if they’re made from
lighter weight toweling. Place monograms or designs in
the center; or create a border pattern at the
upper and lower edges.
14 5
Prevention Is The
Best Medicine
Design Placement Guide
To avoid cupping or design
Above Band
or Border
Above Hem
2 1 ⁄ 2" - 3"
1 1 ⁄ 2" - 2"
1" - 1 1 ⁄ 2"
1"
1"
5"
4"
2"
1 1 ⁄ 2"
1 1 ⁄ 2"
Bath sheet
Bath towel
Hand towel
Finger tip
Washcloth*
*Can also be embroidered in the corner at a diagonal
Design placement
Creative ideas
Embroider at the opposite end of
the label. Do not remove the label as it
contains care instructions. Some towels
are microfiber and have different
laundering instructions than those
made from cotton.
Use the above chart as a guide; center
designs with the lower edge at the following measurements from the band/border
or hem (A). Always audition designs
using a design template and be creative
with design placement.
Sometimes the band or border of a
towel can be an obstruction. Look at this
area as an opportunity to show off your
creativity. Cover the band or border with
cotton flannel fabrics in an assortment of
widths. Cotton flannel matches the toweling texture and is more absorbent than
most fabrics when pre-washed (see the
purple towel on page 13). Or, consider
embroidering the band with a continuous
border embroidery design.
If the towel is large enough and the
band is unnecessary, cut off the toweling
below the band. Serge or overcast the raw
edges and hem. Add a decorative trim
over the hem if desired.
Most kitchen towels do not have a band
or border. If one is desired, add decorative ribbon or rickrack to create the look
of a border (see the fruit towel at left). A Center designs with lower edge at
following the measurement listed in
chart from band/border or hem.
Bath Towel
Hand Towel
Jeanine Twigg is the contributing editor of CME
magazine. She is also the author of the Embroidery
Machine Essentials series published by Krause
Publications.
2"
4"
11⁄2"
2"
problems after embroidery,
pre-wash towels before
embroidery according to
the manufacturer’s directions even if you’re giving
the towels as gifts. Towels,
washed and dried, will
shrink and can shed or
produce an abundance
of lint. Pre-laundering is a
preventative measure that
will keep your embroidery
designs looking fresh
wash-after-wash.
Remove excess lint
from the pre-laundered
towels by using a fabric
comb. Determine the
toweling nap and gently
wipe the comb over the
toweling with the nap. This
will aid in removing the
lint as well as making the
towels look like new. More
luxurious or quality toweling
will have far less lint than
less expensive brands.
Rose: Brother Innov-ís 4000D built-in design
Kitchen fruit designs: Machine Embroidery Room by
Room published Krause Publications
C & T letters: Anita Goodesign; Victorian Monogram
hdce3, hdvce3b, hdvt3
Holiday Arch: Vintage Embroideries by Mary Mulari
and Rita Farro, design Arch
Washcloth
11⁄2"
1"
6
15
Terry Cloth
by Ruth Cox
Terry cloth is cuddly, cozy and great to snuggle up in. When it comes to
selecting embroidery designs, bright and bold styles are the way to go.
Terry Types
Terry cloth is a warp pile fabric
traditionally made from 100% cotton, although modern variations
may contain synthetic elements.
The fabric contains loops on both
sides, giving it a soft texture and making it comfortable to wear. Classic terry cloth is woven and
stable, but versions containing Lycra are also
available for sportswear. Expensive terry cloth
varieties, such as French terry, typically have
closer weaves and plush, dense textures. Hemp
terry cloth is also available and is an eco-friendly
option.
Ideal Uses
Terry cloth has a natural absorbency, making it
suitable for bathrobes, beach jackets, sportswear,
towels, children’s wear, soft toys and diapers.
It’s also appropriate for casual garments, such as
pull-on trousers, T-shirts and loose jackets. The
fabric is easy to sew and wear, making it ideal for
simple projects.
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Tip
Use water-soluble
toppers to prevent
hoop burn.
Sewing Tips
Wash and tumble-dry terry cloth several times
before cutting to remove any surface finish and to
shrink the fabric. After laundering, cut the fabric
using large shears or a rotary cutter. Most terry
cloth varieties can be cut without nap, but check the
fabric to see if the loops naturally fall in one direction. Terry cloth ravels, so serge raw edges before
sewing. Because the fabric is thick, use glass-top
or flower-head pins and sew using long machine
stitches. Choose simple patterns with minimal
seams and closures, such as kimono-style robes.
Bound seams and edges that use quilt-wt.
cotton fabric are better alternatives to serged
seams and provide a neat way to tame the fabric
pile without adding bulk. To prevent seams from
creeping, use an even feed foot. Faced hems and
facings made from contrasting cotton fabric work
well as does salvaged ribbing from waistbands,
cuffs and neckline trims. When making buttonholes, place a layer of water-soluble stabilizer over
the fabric before stitching. Use a twin needle
when topstitching hems.
Pressing
Use a steam iron on a high heat setting. Tumble-dry
to give the fabric a nice, fluffy texture.
Thread
Choose polyester thread for embroidery, as it will
withstand frequent laundering at high temperatures and won’t fade when biological detergent is
used. Polyester thread has a nice luster and is available in a wide variety of colors, such as fluorescent
shades, making it perfect for baby and children’s
wear. Rayon or metallic thread may be used for luxury items that require occasional laundering.
Needles
Use a standard size 12 needle for general sewing
and embroidery. Use a size 14 metallic needle when
using metallic thread.
Stabilizer
One layer of tear-away stabilizer is usually sufficient, as it won’t shift in the hoop or stiffen the
embroidery. Some manufacturers provide special
hoops for handling bulky fabrics. For small items
that are difficult to hoop, such as infant wear,
use an adhesive-backed tear-away stabilizer.
Hoop the stabilizer, score the release paper
with a pin and remove the paper from the hoop
center. Smooth the fabric onto the adhesive surface and embroider the design. Tear away the
stabilizer once stitching is complete.
Topper
Use a single layer of water-soluble stabilizer as a
topper to create smooth and even stitches that sit
proudly on the fabric surface. Hoop the stabilizer
and fabric; embroider. Once embroidery is complete,
tear away the stabilizer. Remove any remaining
stabilizer with a wet cotton swab or sponge.
Laundering
Terry cloth is easy to launder and wears well. Use
a biological detergent for white or pale colors. Add
fabric conditioner to the final rinse and tumble-dry
for maximum softness.
8
Embroidery Designs
Choose designs that provide good fabric coverage
and won’t get lost in the fabric pile. For designs that
contain weave, satin or textured stitches work well
and stand proud on the fabric surface. Avoid dainty
or delicate designs, as they will get buried in the
fabric pile. Choose designs that have distinct shapes
and clear outlines.
Textured embroidery designs that contain heavily textured stitches, such as candlewicking or
crewel-type stitches, are great because they correspond well with the fabric texture. The featured
folk-style design below is comprised of chain and
satin stitches, which provide good fabric coverage. The featured sunflower design on page 18
includes candlewicking and very close set stippling
and satin stitches, providing a 3-D effect that also
works well with the fabric texture.
Satin appliqués add a luxurious touch to items
and work particularly well with plush fabrics. Use
a topper between the terry cloth and appliqué fabric to create a nice smooth surface and clearly visible border stitches. Use temporary spray adhesive
to hold the appliqué fabric in place. Once stitching
is complete, tear away the excess stabilizer around
the design border. Quilting cottons are also a good
choice for appliqués, as they wear well and are
easy to launder.
Monograms work particularly well when stitched
over toppers because they create sheen from parallel rows of satin stitches, providing a good contrast
to the matte fabric surface. Monograms also control
the fabric bulk without adding unnecessary weight.
To create a traditional three-letter monogram,
place the surname initial in the center, the first initial on the left and the middle initial on the right.
9
Tip
Designs that have
satin outlines, such
as fluffy clouds or
cute sheep, work
well for children’s
How NOT
to Embroider
on Terry Cloth
When working with terry cloth, never forget
to use a topper and avoid designs that contain myriad running stitches, such as quilting or
redwork styles. The more the fabric is worn and
washed, the worse the embroidery design
will look because the stitches will get buried
beneath piles of fluffy loops. The featured
embroidery design A is completely lost in the
terry cloth but can be clearly seen on the
smooth linen B. Always look for designs that
have clear outlines and solid blocks of color
to guarantee professional looking results.
A
Designs with weave stitches are great for children’s wear. Weave stitches provide good fabric
coverage, while the shading and running stitch
detail ensure that the design will be clearly visible.
For infant and children’s items, choose small designs so the fabric will retain most of its softness.
Designs
Appliqué: Pfaff, #385, Endless Lace; (800) 997-3233, pfaff.com
or (800) 358-0001, myembroideries.com
Bunny: Built-in design from the Janome 11000; (800) 631-0183, janome.com
Folk art: Brother, SA345, memory card #45, Fancywork;
(877) 276-8437, brother.com
B
Monogram: Built-in design from the Janome 11000; (800) 631-0183, janome.com
Redwork: Brother, SA365, memory card #65, Redwork;
(877) 276-8437, brother.com
Sunflower: Built-in design from the Janome 11000; (800) 631-0183, janome.com
10
11
12
Fruits of
LABOR
by Sue Barnabee
Quickly and easily create a scrubbing dish
towel using a fun fruit appliqué design.
materials
1/4
yard of nylon netting to
match chosen design
Embroidery thread to match
chosen design
Water-soluble stabilizer
12” square dish cloth
Fruit appliqué design
(approximately 4” square)
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EMBROIDER
• Hoop the dish cloth under a piece
of water-soluble stabilizer.
• Load the chosen appliqué design
into the machine. Thread
the needle and bobbin with
matching embroidery thread.
• Place the hoop onto the machine
and embroider the design outline.
• Tape or pin eight layers of netting
over the outline stitches. Tape or
pin a piece of water-soluble stabilizer over the netting. Trim the
netting 1˝ larger than the appliqué
design, and then embroider the
tacking stitches. Remove the hoop
from the machine and trim the
netting close to the stitches.
• Place a piece of water-soluble stabilizer over the netting. Place the
hoop back onto the machine and
embroider the remaining design.
• Remove the hoop from the machine and the design from the
hoop. Wash away the stabilizer
following the manufacturer’s
instructions. §
14
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