tutorials - Creative Machine Embroidery
Transcription
tutorials - Creative Machine Embroidery
presents... tutorials for embroidering hems 2 3 tutorials for embroidering hems Embroidering hemlines can be tricky, as it can be difficult to choose designs that work well with the chosen hem type, embroider continuous designs along the entire hem length, embroider along curves and more. Learn simple tips and techniques that help simplify the process in these three informative tutorials. Included in this e-book are three tutorials from the 2006 regular column “Better Hems.” The Part 2 installment discusses how to embroider a banded sleeve hem, beaded jacket hem and peasant skirt hem. Part 3 gives instructions for embroidering along a pants hem, reversible hem and a robe hem. Part 4 gives tips for embroidering hemline corners and convertible cuffs. We hope you find these tutorials informative and apply the techniques into your projects. Happy stitching! Colleen Exline Associate Editor, CME TABLE OF CONTENTS “Better Hems: Part 2” Stephanie Corina Goddard 2 3 .............................. PAGE 3 “Better Hems: Part 3” Stephanie Corina Goddard .............................. PAGE 8 “Better Hems: Part 4” Stephanie Corina Goddard ............................. PAGE 13 better hem s part 2 of 6 By Stephanie Corina Goddard In our series on embroidering hemlines, we feature three more ideas to embellish a basic hem for fashion focus. Sheer Pleasure Add a pretty sheer underlay to abstract embroidery. This technique also works as a hem-lengthening method for ready-to-wear. On ready-made pants, simply remove the hem and inseam stitching, then follow the construction method below. Supplies Pattern of your choice for cropped-length pants Fabric yardage according to pattern envelope 1 ⁄ 4 yard of sheer accent fabric Tear-away stabilizer Embroidery, bobbin and sewing thread Size 75/11 needle Repositionable tape Dressmaker tracing carbon Shaped edge embroidery design of your choice approximately 2" tall Preparation Ken Clubb Illustrations Loes Hinse Design 5003 3 Creative Machine Embroidery Tissue-fit the pattern and make any adjustments necessary. Determine the finished length; trim the front and back pattern pieces even with the desired finished hemline. Print or stitch a template of the embroidery motif. Use repositionable tape to temporarily hold the front and back pattern pieces together for the lower 10" of the side seam, lapping the seamlines to draw the border. Allowing a margin of 3 ⁄ 4" between the lowest point of the shaped edge and the pattern cut edge, trace (with the embroidery template on top and the dressmaker tracing carbon between the template and the fabric) the embroidery motifs across the pattern pieces, including the hoop alignment marks for each motif (allows a margin of 3 ⁄ 4" for cutting ease). Measure 3" above the cut edge and draw a topstitching line (A). Cut out the garment sections. Re-tape the pattern pieces as before. With right sides up, lap and pin the lower side seams of both pant legs in the same manner. Pin the pattern over each pant leg and use dressmaker tracing carbon to mark the topstitching line and the hoop alignment marks on each leg. Sew the pant side seams and press the seam allowances open. Cut the sheer fabric 7" wide across the fabric width. Fold in half, matching short edges, and press. Serge or zigzag the raw edges together and set aside. Embroidery Hand- or machine-baste the pant leg to a layer of stabilizer. (You’ll need to release the stitching in order to trim the contours of the embroidery.) Hoop the fabric. Embroider each motif and repeat until the hem is completely filled. If the last motif doesn’t fit entirely on the width of the leg opening, skip through the stitches falling outside the fabric or simply allow them to stitch out only on the stabilizer. Remove the remaining basting stitches and stabilizer. Press the work from the wrong side. Construction From the prepared sheer strip, trim two lengths equal to the measurement of the pant hems. Place the motif edge right side B Overlap ends slightly at each side seam; A Measure 3” above cut edge and draw machine baste lower edge of stabilizer to cut edge of one garment layer. Handbaste upper edge. topstitching line. up over the sheer strip with the lowest point of the embroidery 3 ⁄ 4" above the sheer fold (refer to Figure A). Pin through all layers along the top stitching line. Use embroidery thread in the needle and choose a decorative machine stitch that reflects the character of the embroidery. Stitch along the line. Construct the rest of the garment according to the pattern guidesheet, matching the sheer folded edges when pinning and sewing the inseams. Trim the inseam seam allowances to 1 ⁄ 4" at the hem; clean-finish with a serger or zigzag sewing machine stitches. If desired, make a clip in one side of the inseam seam allowance above the hem area to press the rest of the seam allowance open. C Machine-baste hem onto stabilizer, overlapping ends. Stabilizer Garment Layer 3 1⁄2" Zigzag 3" 2" 3⁄4" Sheer Edge Garment Layer Finished Hem Creative Machine Embroidery 4 Reversible hem Sail east, sail west—embroider a reversible pullover top by matching embroidery and bobbin thread colors before you set sail. Supplies Pattern for loose-fitting pullover knit top Two lengths of lightweight knit fabric in yardage according to pattern envelope Lightweight cut-away and watersoluble mesh stabilizer (do not substitute) Embroidery and sewing thread Size 75/11 needle 1 ⁄ 4"-wide clear elastic Embroidery border design of your choice with satin stitch edge approximately 2" tall Preparation Because the entire garment will be soaked after embroidery, pre-wash and dry both fabrics separately before cutting. In order to prevent the embroidery stitches on knits from distorting, a layer of cut-away stabilizer must be incorporated into the hemline. Be sure to choose a pattern style and size that will fit over your head and shoulders without stretching. Tissue-fit the pattern and make any adjustments necessary. Check the neck opening seam allowance and the sleeve and body hem depths; adjust them to 1 ⁄ 4" if not already called for on the pattern. Cut out both fabrics according to the pattern layout, omitting any neckline facings. Construction Kwik Sew 3120 5 Creative Machine Embroidery Sew the shoulder, sleeve and side seams of each fabric (as if you were making two separate garments). To prevent the neckline and shoulder seams from stretching out of shape, incorporate 1 ⁄ 4"-wide clear elastic to the neckline seam allowance. Apply the elastic in a 1:1 ratio. Serge or sew in the seamline during construction. Cut two strips of lightweight cut-away stabilizer, 1" taller than the embroidery motif (accounts for hem depth, turn of cloth and bit of space above and below embroidery) and slightly longer than the width of the garment when measured flat at the lower front and back hem. Overlapping the ends slightly at each side seam, machine baste the lower edge of the stabilizer to the cut edge of one garment layer. Hand-baste the upper edge (B on page 67). Place the two garment layers right sides together, neckline raw edges matching. Pin. With the machine set for a very slight zigzag stitch, sew a 1 ⁄ 4" neckline seam. Turn right sides out and press. Arrange the garment layers as if they’re in the finished position with wrong sides together, making sure the sleeves are not twisted. At each wrist sleeve seam, tuck each hem, right sides together, and place a single straight pin through the folds. Reach through the body with your hand between the sleeve layers. Carefully grabbing the straight pin and draw the entire sleeve out through the body lower edge. Grasping the folds firmly so they don’t lose alignment; remove the straight pin. Pin the cut edges, right sides together. Sew a 1 ⁄ 4" seam. Repeat for the remaining sleeve; return both sleeves to the finished position. Press. Turn the garment with right sides together, matching the body hems. Pin, leaving approximately 10" open for turning. Sew the pinned hemline with a 1 ⁄ 4" seam, then turn the garment right side out through the opening. Press under the remaining hem seam allowances to close the opening and pin. Slip-stitch the folded edges together by hand. Thread the needle with a color to match one garment layer; wind a bobbin with a thread color to match the other. With the garment color matching the needle thread right side up, edgestitch the neckline, sleeve and body hems close to the finished edges. Embroidery Choose an embroidery motif with only small areas of fill. Avoid designs having large areas of dense fill stitching. Because you’ll be embroidering in the round, try different hoop sizes before combining borders in software or on the machine screen. In embroidery mode, machine thread tension generally causes the needle threads to wrap slightly to the back. For the best results when stitching a reversible embroidery motif, it may be necessary to tighten the needle tension in order to balance the stitching. Test-stitch a sample on two layers of scrap knit with a layer of cut-away stabilizer between; take note of the tension setting that produces the best results without causing thread breakage. Measure the total circumference of the garment hem and add 2". Cut a length of mesh water-soluble stabilizer to fit the measurement. Machine-baste the hem onto the stabilizer, overlapping the ends (C on page 67). Plan to embroider on the “inside” layer of the garment, pushing the rest of the garment out of the way as needed. Hoop the basted stabilizer so that the first motif will begin stitching near a side seam. Make sure the hem edge is parallel to the vertical sides of the hoop. Using the same thread in the needle and bobbin, embroider the first motif. At each color stop, trim all jump stitches front and back before switching both needle and bobbin threads for the next color. After completing the first motif, remove the work from the hoop but do not remove the stabilizer. Re-hoop for each adjoining motif and repeat the embroidery process, making sure to change bobbin threads each time the needle thread color is changed. At the last motif, be prepared to stop each color at the place where it meets up with the first motif. After completing the embroidery, trim the stabilizer close to the work and then soak away the remainder. Stretch & Sew 2074 Elegant trapunto Add elegance to a satin robe with an easy trapunto technique that shows best on light-reflecting shiny fabrics. Supplies Robe pattern Yardage according to pattern envelope, plus 1 ⁄ 8" yard extra for hem depth 1 ⁄ 4 yard low-loft polyester batting Tear-away stabilizer Embroidery, bobbin and sewing thread Temporary spray adhesive Open embroidery design approximately 1 1 ⁄ 2" tall Creative Machine Embroidery 6 Preparation Adjust the front and back pattern pieces, increasing the hem depth to 2 1 ⁄ 2". Cut out the fabrics according to the pattern guidesheet and construct the garment up to the point of turning the hem. Measure the total length of the hem cut edge and cut a 2"-wide strip of batting to fit. (If necessary, piece batting strips by butting the edges and joining loosely by hand.) Fold the hem cut edge under 1 ⁄ 2" and press a crease. Open the fold, then pin the batting strip to the wrong side of the hem depth, aligning one long edge with the crease line. With the batting layer right side up, machine baste close to the batting edge (D). Re-press the 1 ⁄ 2" fold over the batting. Turn and press a 2"-deep hem with the batting sandwiched inside; pin from the right side. With embroidery thread in the needle, choose a decorative machine stitch that reflects the character of the embroidery. Stitch from the right side, 1 3 ⁄ 4" from the hem fold (E). function to position the embroidery field under the needle. Embroider each motif and repeat until the hem is completely filled. If the last motif doesn’t fall entirely on the fabric, skip through the unnecessary stitches or simply allow them to stitch out only on the stabilizer. Embroider sleeve bands if desired. Remove as much stabilizer as possible from the back of the work, but do not press. Attach the collar band and finish the garment according to the pattern guidesheet. Choose a continuous quilting design. For hooping ease, use customizing software or on-screen editing capabilities to combine enough repeat motifs to fit the largest hoop available. Because you’ll be embroidering very close to the fabric edge, choose one of the following placement methods: Use the “fix” or “baste” function on the machine. Hoop only the stabilizer and then stitch out a placement outline. Remove the hoop from the machine and spray the surface with temporary adhesive. Place the hoop on the machine and finger-press the hem in place over the outline. Re-sew the “fix” stitches, then begin the embroidery sequence (F). Hoop the stabilizer and then draw a placement line on it parallel to the hoop frame, using a straightedge for accuracy. Keeping the pins well outside the embroidery field, carefully straight pin the fabric to the hooped stabilizer, with the hem edge along the placement line. Hand baste the fabric to the stabilizer along the hem fold. Place the hoop on the machine and use the re-centering D Machine baste close to batting edge. E Stitch from right side, 1 3⁄4" from hem F Sew “fix” stitches to hold hem in place. Embroidery fold. 1 3⁄4" 2" 1⁄2" 7 Creative Machine Embroidery Stephanie’s Corina Goddard is a frequent contributor to Sew News. She writes and sews in Easton, Md. to the sounds of classical music and dog snores. Shaped edge: Husqvarna Viking, Endless Romance, design 13 Boats: Grand Slam Designs, Sailboat Border (Large) #BRDR40 Outline design: Embroidery By Design, Quilting Blocks 2, design 049-03a, better hem s part 3 of 6 By Stephanie Corina Goddard We continue our series on embroidering decorative hemlines with three more ideas. Vent about it The Sewing Workshop Mimosa Top & Pant Tuck corner motifs into the vents at the hemline of a blouse. It doesn’t matter whether the front and back hemlines hang at the same level or at two different levels; the result is just as interesting. Supplies Blouse with side seam vents Fabric and notions according to pattern envelope Tear-away stabilizer Pattern tracing supplies including dressmaker’s tracing carbon Embroidery, bobbin and sewing thread Temporary spray adhesive Corner embroidery design of your choice Preparation Ken Clubb Illustrations Tissue-fit the blouse pattern and determine the finished hemline level(s). Making a few adjustments ahead of time to the hem and vent allowances ensures that you can machine stitch them in place without interfering with the embroidery. Trim and/or increase the hem and vent depths to 1" for a finished double-folded hem of 1 ⁄ 2" (A). Use the pattern tracing supplies to trace duplicates of the front and back pattern pieces onto semi-sheer tracing paper. On the pattern duplicates, draw the foldlines for the hems and for the vent openings. Print or stitch a template of the corner motif and slip it under the vent corners of each pattern piece. Rotating or mirror imaging the motif as needed, position it 5 ⁄ 8" from the hem and vent fold lines. Trace the outline of the motif and the hoop registration Creative Machine Embroidery 8 W hen a garm entw ith side ventsisvery loose-fitting the hem edgesare prone to fluttering,exposing the w rong side ofthe fabric. Considerw inding color-m atched bobbinsfor each em broidery thread colorin the design so the inside looksasneatasthe outside. marks onto the pattern (Refer to Figure A). Using the adjusted pattern pieces, cut out the garment sections according to the pattern guidesheet. Embroider each motif; remove as much stabilizer as possible and press the work from the wrong side. embroidery. Or, turn the facing down and fasten the tab on the outside of the pant for a self-fabric tone-on-tone detail. Construction Supplies Embroidery Working over a single layer of fabric at a time, re-pin the pattern over the vent area of each garment section. Note: For a wrapfront blouse, don’t put a motif at the left front unless it clears the closure. Slip dressmaker’s tracing carbon between the layers and record the hoop registration marks on the fabric. To embroider each vent corner, hoop a layer of tear-away stabilizer and treat the surface with temporary spray adhesive. Using the machine’s on-screen functions, rotate or mirror image the design as needed to fit each corner. Finger-press the fabric onto the adhesive and hand or machine baste the layers together. A Trim and/or increase hem and vent depths to 1" for finished double-folded hem of 1⁄2". Construct the garment according to the pattern guidesheet. When instructed to sew each hem and vent edge, first press under 1", then open the fold and bring the raw edge to the crease line. Re-fold and press, yielding a finished double-folded hem or vent edge of 1 ⁄ 2". Topstitch the hem and vent edges in place when instructed to do so on the pattern guidesheet. Convertible Cuff Sometimes you feel like a cuff…sometimes you don’t. Make a cuffed pair of pants to wear as the mood strikes. To match with a contrasting color top, button up the hem facing to expose the 1 3⁄4" B Fold rectangles to scrap of tearaway stabilizer and sew single vertical buttonhole, 3⁄4" long, within point. 1⁄2" 1⁄2" 1" 5⁄8" 1⁄2" 1" 1" 1⁄2" 1" 9 5⁄8" Original cutting lines. Creative Machine Embroidery 4 1⁄2" 3 1⁄2" Straight-leg pant pattern Fabric and notions according to pattern envelope 1 ⁄ 8 yard of contrasting fabric for hem facings Tear-away stabilizer Pattern tracing supplies including dressmaker tracing carbon Embroidery, bobbin and sewing thread Temporary spray adhesive Two 5 ⁄ 8"-diameter flat sew-through buttons, closely matched to main fabric color Two 5 ⁄ 8"-diameter flat sew-through contrast buttons Continuous border embroidery design, approximately 1 1 ⁄ 2" tall C Pin each tab 1⁄4" in half, right sides together. Mark stitching lines as shown. 1⁄4" Stitch acrossthe top pointw ith a single sm allstitch.Turn and press.O ptional:Edgestitch the tab edges. Preparation Tissue-fit the pattern and determine the desired finished hemline with the cuff turned down to full length. Draw the hemline on the front and back pattern pieces, adding 1 ⁄ 2" for seam allowances. It’s important that the lower 6" or so of the pant leg be stovepipe straight. Make any adjustments necessary to the vertical seams. Cut out the pants according to the pattern guidesheet and sew the side seams (including side zipper insertion, if applicable). From scrap fabric cut two rectangles 3 1 ⁄ 2" wide x 4 1 ⁄ 2" long. Fold each in half, right sides together. Mark the stitching lines as shown (B on page 67). Stitch, then trim the seam allowances to 1 ⁄ 4" and clip the corners on the diagonal. Pin each tab to a scrap of tear-away stabilizer (to give you something to hold onto) and sew a single vertical buttonhole, 3 ⁄ 4" long, within the point (C on page 67). Attach a tab to each pant leg at the side seam. Mark a placement line 6" above the hem cut edge. With the tab and pant leg both right side up and the tab finished end pointing toward the hem, place the raw edge of the tab on the placement line, straddling the vertical seam. Stitch 1 ⁄ 8" from the raw edge. Flip the tab point toward the waistline of the pant leg and stitch 1 ⁄ 4" from the fold, hiding the raw edge. Flip the tab back into finished position and press. Embroidery Measure the length of one pant hem cut edge. From contrasting fabric, cut one 4" wide rectangle twice the hemline measurement plus 1" (allows for embroidery). Using the pattern tracing supplies, place a layer of tracing paper over the fabric rectangle and trace the outline. Measuring 1 1 ⁄ 4" from one long edge, draw a parallel horizontal center placement line (D). Print or stitch a template of the continuous border motif. Slip the paper tracing over the template with the horizontal placement line aligned over the horizontal center of the motif. (If the motif is directional, orient the motif with the “up” direction toward the nearest long side.) Record the outlines and hoop registration marks for the number of embroidery motifs, abutted end to end, needed to cover the length. Pin the paper tracing over the fabric strip, slip dressmaker tracing carbon between the layers and record the hoop registration marks for each motif. Cut a length of tear-away stabilizer at least one hoop length longer than the fabric strip. Spray the surface with temporary adhesive. Center the fabric strip over the stabilizer length; finger-press in place. Hoop one end of the stabilizer for the first motif. Embroider, then re-hoop the stabilizer, moving the adjoining motif into E Position each motif at least 1⁄4" from lower reference D Measuring 1 1⁄ 4" from one long edge, draw parallel line; and at least 2" from side seam cut edge. horizontal center placement line. 1⁄2" 1 1⁄4" 2" 4" 2" Original hem. 1⁄2" 2 x Width of Pant Hem + 1" 5⁄8" 1" 1⁄4" 7⁄8" 7⁄8" 1⁄4" 7⁄8" New cutting line. Creative Machine Embroidery 10 ing directions for the hem. Divide the embroidered strip in half, trimming to fit the measurement of the pant hems. Join each strip into a circle by stitching the short ends, right sides together, using the same seam allowance as the pant pattern. Press the seam allowances open. With right sides together, pin the embroidered facing edge to the garment hem. Align the facing, join the seam with the pant leg inseam. Note: If the embroidery motif is directional, it will appear to be upside down. It will face correctly when the cuffs are turned up. Stitch with a 1 ⁄ 2" seam allowance. To turn the sharpest edge, first press the seam allowance open, then press the McCall’s facing toward the wrong side 4762 of the garment. Turn each pant leg inside out. Turn under and pin the remaining long edge until the facing measures an even 3" wide from the position. Continue embroidering down the lower edge. Set up the machine with neelength of the strip. If the last motif doesn’t dle and bobbin thread to match the garfit completely on the fabric, either use the ment fabric color. Turn each pant leg right on-screen advance function to scroll side out and work just inside the opening through the stitches that fall off the fabric; to edgestitch the facing in place. or simply allow them to stitch onto the stabilizer. Remove as much stabilizer as Mark two button positions under each possible and press from the fabric wrong buttonhole—one with the cuff turned up, side. the other with the cuff turned down. Stitch a flat button in each position, taking care Construction to skim through only the facing layer when Construct the pants according to the sewing the button to the cuff. pattern guidesheet, substituting the follow11 Creative Machine Embroidery Contour companion Add pizzazz to a two-piece outfit with a contoured hem that follows the silhouette of an embroidery motif. Choose one or more embroidery designs with a rounded lower edge that’s suggestive of a scallop shape. Supplies Self-lined top Fabric and notions according to pattern envelope Tear-away stabilizer Pattern tracing supplies Embroidery, bobbin and sewing thread Temporary spray adhesive Embroidery designs of your choice with rounded lower edge Preparation Tissue-fit the pattern and determine the desired finished hemline. To maintain proper proportions, plan the contour detail to project not more than 1" below the rest of the hem. Omitting the hem cut edge, use the pattern tracing supplies to trace a duplicate of the front pattern piece onto semi-sheer tracing paper. Draw the hem stitching line on the paper and then add a parallel reference line 1" below it. Plan to position the embroidery designs toward the right or left side (not at center) of the front garment edge. Print or stitch a template of the motif and slip it under the duplicate pattern piece, rotating or mirror imaging the motif as needed. Position each motif at least 1 ⁄ 4" from the lower reference line; and at least 2" from the side seam cut edge (E). If available, use software and a larger hoop To avoid aw kw ard orw eak notchesbetw een scallops,keep the arcsshallow . to group motifs. Record the outline of each motif as well as the hoop registration marks. On the pattern, draw a contoured stitching line to echo the rounded shapes of the embroidery motifs, allowing 7 ⁄ 8" space from the edges of each motif. This allows for 1 ⁄ 4" breathing space and a 5 ⁄ 8" seam allowance. An easy way to remember is imagine each scallop as a portion of a clock face and keep the pivot points below the 3 and 9 o’clock positions (F). carbon between the layers and record the hoop registration marks for each motif on the fabric. For each motif, hoop the fabric together with tear-away stabilizer. If the fabric edge doesn’t reach the hoop frame all around, use temporary spray adhesive to help hold it in place. Embroider each motif, remove as much stabilizer as possible, and press from the wrong side. Construction Embroidery Cut out the garment according to the pattern guidesheet, adding at least 1" to the hem edges of the garment front and front lining. (If you have sufficient fabric, allow even more space beyond the garment hem for hooping ease.) Place the pattern duplicate over the front garment section, fabric right side up. Align the pattern and fabric cut edges at the top and sides; pin. Slip dressmaker tracing Place the embroidered front fabric right side up over the front lining fabric (wrong sides together). Pin the duplicate front pattern over them, upper edge and side edges aligned. Trim the hems on the contoured cutting line indicated on the pattern. Construct the garment according to the pattern guidesheet. When sewing the hem, stitch slowly and smoothly through the contours, pivoting across each corner with a single short stitch. To turn the smoothest scallops, use pinking shears to trim the seam allowance of each scallop to a scant 1 ⁄ 4". With small sharp scissors, clip the seam allowance of each pivot point very close to the stitching line (G). After turning the hem (but before pressing), run a bluntly pointed object such as a chopstick over the seamline to smooth away any bumps or puckers. Complete the rest of the garment according to the pattern guidesheet. Stephanie Corina Goddard is a frequent contributor to Sew News. She writes and sews in Easton, Md. to the sounds of classical music and dog snores. Corner design: Stitchitize, Square Corner, design cs068 Border design: Stitchitize, Art Deco Borders, design bo058 Glasses design: Smart Needle, Girls Button Collection, design Glasses F Keep pivot points below 3 and 9 o’clock positions. No Yes G Clip seam allowance of each pivot point very close to stitching line. Creative Machine Embroidery 12 better hem s part 4 of 6 By Stephanie Corina Goddard Our continuing series on embroidering hemlines offers ideas for embellishment. Here we feature three more fashionable ideas. Button detail Stretch & Sew 441 To button or not, a feminine heirloom vent softens the hemline of a flared skirt. Use your machine’s built-in decorative stitches to finish the rest of the hem, or explore the stitch editing functions of embroidery software. Note: We feature the treatment on a fluttery skirt hem, but you could just as easily show it on a cuff. Supplies Flared skirt pattern, such as Stretch & Sew 441 Sueded knit fabric in “with nap” yardage according to pattern envelope, plus 1 ⁄ 4 yard for layout changes Mesh cut-away and tear-away stabilizer Temporary spray adhesive Size 75/11 stretch needle Embroidery, bobbin and sewing thread Pattern tracing supplies Removable marker Scalloped-edge cutwork corner embroidery motif of your choice Optional: Seam sealant; two to three buttons Ken Clubb Illustrations 13 Pattern preparation Before making pattern alterations, first select a scalloped-edge cutwork corner embroidery motif. Measure the height. Choose a flared skirt pattern with a seamless front. Tissue-fit the pattern and determine the desired finished length. Add 1 ⁄ 2", then draw a new hem cutting line on each main pattern piece. Trim each pattern piece on the line and then measure up 1 ⁄ 2" plus the height of the embroidery motif. Draw a hem panel seamline parallel to the hemline Creative Machine Embroidery matching the curve of the lower edge (A). On each lower section, record the grainline and then cut it free of the main pattern piece. Tape pattern tracing paper to the cut edges of the main pattern pieces and lower sections and add 5 ⁄ 8" seam allowances. Trace a duplicate lower front pattern with right and left sides, and divide the length into thirds. At the division nearest the left knee, trim the pattern vertically. The right (longer portion) lower front includes the overlap; add 1 ⁄ 2" to the short end for cutwork handling ease. For the underlap, extend the left (shorter portion) lower front 2" (B). (This includes a 1 ⁄ 2" handling allowance and a finished 1 1 ⁄ 2" underlap.) A Draw a hem panel seamline parallel to hemline. Use a “with nap” layout to cut out the pattern pieces and carefully mark the design areas of both lower front sections. Print or stitch a template of the embroidery motif. Rotating and/or mirror imaging as needed, use the template to mark the fabric for positioning, remembering to allow 1 ⁄ 2" handling ease at the lower and side edges (C). Hoop a layer of tear-away stabilizer and spray it with temporary adhesive. Finger-press the fabric in place on the adhesive. Note: Normally cut-away stabilizer would be recommended for use with knits. Because of the skirt style, tear-away is recommended so when the hemline flutters, the cut-away will not show. Embroider the motif, following the digitizer’s instructions for trimming the fabric. To preserve the fabric needed for the rest of the hem scallops, end the cut line at right angles to the stitches (D). To avoid distorting the fabric, allow the adhesive to dissipate before tearing away as much stabilizer as possible and pressing the work from the wrong side. Finish the remaining hem circumference with sewing machine stitches. On scrap fabric, test-stitch the built-in stitches on your machine to determine the stitch selection and settings that produce a satin stitch scallop that closely matches the digitized version. Begin with the right lower front. With removable marker, draw a reference line 1 ⁄ 2" from the remaining cut edge of the B Use template to mark fabric for C Add handling ease to lower and side Embroidery positioning, remembering to allow 1/2” handling ease at lower and side edges. edges. 1⁄2" D To preserve fabric needed for rest of hem scallops, end cut line at right angles to stitches. Hem Panel Seamline Add 5⁄8". Finished Hemline 1⁄2" 1⁄2" 2" New Line Creative Machine Embroidery 14 Use custom izing softw are to com bine asm any m otifsaspossible to fitthe largesthoop. lower right front. To stabilize the fabric, place scraps of tear-away stabilizer beneath the fabric as you sew. Set up the scallop stitch with the points toward the right and the rounded portion toward the left. Begin where the hooped embroidery left off. Satin stitch, guiding the scallops along the reference line. Remove as much stabilizer as possible. Next, mark and stitch the lower back (if there’s a center back seam, join it first). Finally, mirror image the scallop setting and embroider the lower left front, picking up where the hooped embroidery left off. With small sharp scissors trim the fabric as close as possible to the satin stitching. Alternative: If available, use stitch editing to remove all but the scallop and embroider the remaining hem circumference in the hoop. Make two to three buttonholes in the right lower front, nestling the buttonholes into the scallops. Construction With right sides together, pin the left lower front to the garment edge, remembering to match the side seams at the level of the 5 ⁄ 8" panel seamline (not at the lower cut edges). Pin the right lower front over all and stitch with a 5 ⁄ 8" seam allowance. If the skirt has a center back seam, join it (including zipper installation, if applicable). Pin and stitch the lower back panel to the garment back. 15 Creative Machine Embroidery Finish the skirt following the pattern guidesheet. When joining the side seams, offset the seam allowances as needed to match the scallops. Stitch the buttons to the lower left front. If a single layer of fabric is too soft to support the buttons, place small patches of self fabric behind for reinforcement. No-stretch knit hem Your little one won’t pop the hem stitching on her comfy knit nightgown when soft cut-away stabilizer supports both the embroidery and the picot-stitched hem. Supplies Knit nightgown pattern, such as Kwik Sew 2446/2447 Fabric yardage and notions according to pattern envelope Soft, lightweight cut-away stabilizer Embroidery, bobbin and sewing thread Pattern tracing supplies Size 75/11 stretch needle Removable marker Continuous border machine embroidery motif of your choice Optional: Continual hoop E Press 3⁄8" hem over cut edge of stabilizer. Pattern preparation & embroidery Tissue-fit the pattern and determine the desired finished hem length, adding 3 ⁄ 8" for the picot hem. Cut out and construct the garment, leaving one side seam partially unstitched for hooping ease. Directions are provided for standard hooping. To substitute a specialty hoop for continuous embroidery, refer to the manufacturer’s directions for use. Cut a strip of lightweight cut-away stabilizer slightly longer than the circumference of the nightgown hem and wide enough for the hoop frame to grip. Print or stitch a template of the embroidery motif, centered in the hoop, and trace at least two copies of the outline, including the cross marks, onto semi-sheer tracing paper. To mark the fabric: Beginning at the garment front and allowing at least 1" of breathing space from the hem cut edge, pin the templates, spacing them as desired. Mark the fabric. the last one doesn’t fit completely on the fabric, skip through the stitches that fall off the fabric or simply allow them to stitch out on the stabilizer. Press the work from the wrong side. Trim the upper edge of the cut-away stabilizer close to the work, leaving bridges between the elements. Remove the basting from the lower edge and trim the stabilizer 3 ⁄ 8" shorter than the fabric. Add a border across the front yoke, if desired. Picot hem Finish sewing the remaining portion of the side seam. Press a 3 ⁄ 8" hem at the cut edge of the stabilizer (E) Select the picot (sometimes identified as a shell rolled hem) stitch, up to 6mm wide. Choose a thread color from the embroidery motif and thread it in both the needle and bobbin. With the garment right side up, stitch along the hem edge with the right needle swing just beyond the hem fold and making sure the 3 ⁄ 8" hem depth remains rolled toward the underside of the work. Adjust the stitch length and width to accommodate the hem stitches accordingly. Bobbinwork border Edge a poncho with embroidery and matching fringe for a pretty presentation. To embroider with threads too large for the needle, choose a motif specially digitized for bobbin work or experiment with a simple outline design that reads well in a single color. Supplies Straight-sided poncho pattern, such as Butterick 4621 Microfleece in yardage according to pattern envelope plus 1 ⁄ 4 yard for testing Lightweight tear-away stabilizer Size 75/11 embroidery needle Decorative thread for bobbin Standard embroidery thread to blend with decorative thread (or same color) or monofilament thread Sportweight novelty yarn to blend with decorative thread Pattern tracing supplies Awl or small punch Tapestry needle Outline embroidery design of your choice, such as one digitized for bobbin work Separate bobbin case for use with heavier weight threads F Use customizing software or machine controls to move design as close as possible to lower right corner of frame. Kwik Sew 2446/2447 Machine baste the stabilizer to the fabric. This method provides a continuous strip of stabilizer to support the picot hem finish and embroidery. Beginning on the garment front, hoop and embroider the motif, but do not cut the stabilizer. Re-hoop for each subsequent motif, keeping the length of stabilizer intact. If Creative Machine Embroidery 16 Pattern preparation If the pattern does not already have a 1" hem allowance add one or adjust the pattern as needed. Cut out and construct the garment according to the pattern guidesheet, Butterick 4621 except for the hem. To allow a sufficient margin for hooping so you can embroider close to the hem edge, first use customizing software or the touch screen of the embroidery machine to move the design as close as possible to the lower right corner of the frame (F on page 69). This will move the design from the center so that it stitches out near the hem, while still allowing enough hem allowance for the hoop to grip. Print or stitch a template of the embroidery motif or trace several copies of the outline, including the cross marks, onto semi-sheer tracing paper. Turn the garment inside out. To ensure enough margin for hooping ease, mark a line parallel to the cut hem edge to indicate the vertical center of the hoop frame (G). Play with the tracings, G To ensure enough margin for hooping ease, mark line parallel to cut hem edge to indicate vertical center of hoop frame. 17 Creative Machine Embroidery working around the garment edge and spacing them out over the parallel line (H). Bear in mind that the designs will appear in mirror image on the right side of the garment. Note: It’s easier to keep track of motifs that march around the hem all in the same direction. Once you’re happy with the layout, pin the tracings in place. Embroidery Choose a motif specially digitized for bobbinwork; or another continuous Another Idea As an alternative to bobbinwork, a simple motif digitized for a straight or triple stitch will produce a similar result when sewn in 30-weight thread using a size 90/14 embroidery needle. Be sure to test-stitch first, as it may be necessary to enlarge the design for the larger fiber (but do not change the stitch count). Mark and hoop the fabric as for normal stitching. outline design that doesn’t have jump stitches. Consult your manual or get some tips from your dealer on setting up your particular machine model for bobbinwork. Use a separate bobbin case or one that is intended for use with thicker threads Refer to the manufacturer’s directions for adjusting and installing a separate bobbin case. Choose thread and other fibers that are too large for a machine needle. Slowly machine-or hand-wind a bobbin with the decorative thread, bypassing the bobbin tension disc and gently guiding the thread with your fingers. Thread the needle with a matching color embroidery thread or invisible monofilament thread. On scrap fabric, test-stitch the embroidery motif. Loosen the hoop frame enough to secure a scrap of the fashion fabric, upside down and without stabilizer. This allows a clear view of the cross marks on the fabric for accurate positioning. Avoid over-tightening the hoop, which may leave an impression in the loft of the fabric. If the test hooping process leaves hoop H Play with tracings, working around garment edge and spacing them out over parallel line. marks, consider sandwiching the fabric between two layers of clear tear-away water-soluble stabilizer. This will help prevent hoop burn and add support to the fabric while still being able to see the fabric markings. Advance the needle to the first stitch and slow the machine speed. Place a patch of lightweight tear-away stabilizer over the fabric and then hand-turn the flywheel to make a single stitch. Use the needle thread to draw the bobbin thread to the top (I). Embroider the motif, gently guiding the stabilizer patch until it catches in the stitching. Rather than trimming the thread ends right away, allow them to be caught in the stitching until they’re secure; then stop the machine and trim the threads close to the surface. Remove the hoop carefully and trim the threads, leaving tails of about 4". Gently remove as much stabilizer as possible and use a tapestry needle to draw the bobbin thread tail to the back of the work for knotting. Make any adjustments necessary to the bobbin tension. I Use needle thread to draw bobbin thread to top. To embroider each motif around the garment edge, center each cross mark in the hoop, using the vertical and horizontal indicators on the hoop frame for reference. Be sure to advance to the first stitch in the motif before placing the stabilizer and drawing the bobbin thread to the top each time. Remove as much stabilizer as possible; do not press. Hem & fringe Turn the hem edges under 1". Press and pin. With the garment right side up stitch 1 ⁄ 2" from the fold. Trim the remaining hem allowance close to the stitching line. Plan the spacing for the tassels and mark the hem edge for each. Because microfleece is very tightly knitted, use an awl or small punch to make a hole in the hem for each tassel position. For each tassel, cut four to five strands of decorative thread and/or yarn, each 8” long. Draw them through the hem edge once, using a large, sharply pointed tapestry needle. Bring the ends even; tie in an overhand knot. Stephanie Corina Goddard is a frequent contributor to Sew News. She writes and sews in Easton, Md. to the sounds of classical music and dog snores. Vine design: Husqvarna Viking, Edging Excellence, design 4 Hand-guided scallops made on the Husqvarna Viking Designer 1. Bear design: Artistic Designs, #AD0228B_12 Poncho design: YLI Corp., DigiBobbE Collection 2, design 8. Credit YLI Corp. provided the RibbonFloss for the featured tassels. 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