Posted by McKenzie on October 19, 2010 | No Comments
While working on an embroidery project this weekend, I, once again, became frustrated when the thread started to break frequently. Before reaching my wits end I checked my needle. Sure enough, that was the issue. My embroidery needle had become dull. With a quick change I was back in action, but it got me thinking: How often should you change your needle?
Amazing Designs recommends inserting a new needle at the start of every project, or after about eight hours of sewing. Also, be sure to change your needle whenever it becomes bent, dull or develops a burr.
Damaged or worn needles result in:
• Broken or shredded threads
• Skipped stitches
• Puckered fabrics
• Damaged fabrics
• Uneven threads
• Hearing the needle hit the machine’s needle plate or hook
Remember, replacing your needle is an inexpensive way to prevent potential stitching problems and lots of frustration.
At Sewing and Craft Club you can purchase Klasse needles at club prices – buy 2 packs, get 1 FREE!
Posted by McKenzie on July 27, 2010 | No Comments
I hate it when my embroidery doesn’t turn out the way I expected — am I not talking about my color choices. I’m talking about the unusual pull, puckers and just plain weirdness. Whey doesn’t mine look like their’s? Here are some tips to try when your embroidery design just doesn’t seem right:
• Rethread the machine, including reinserting the bobbin and removing and reattaching the embroidery unit
• Does the bobbin thread show on the right side? If so, use a lighter-weight bobbin thread
• Clean the lint from the bobbin area — a can of computer air spray works great for this
• Change the needle — make sure it is the right size and type, we recommend Klasse embroidery needles for most designs. And, make sure there is no adhesive residue on the needle
• Slow down the machine stitching speed — the faster it stitches, the more stress it puts on your fabric and embroidery
• Slightly loosen the upper tension
• Make sure the fabric and stabilizer are secure — you could also add a piece of wash away or hydro-melt stabilizer to the design
Posted by McKenzie on June 29, 2010 | No Comments
Debbie Cleek, one of our talented sewists, has these suggestions for use specialty needles when embroidering. And, don’t forget that when you buy 2 needle packs, you get one FREE at Sewing and Craft Club!
For most of your embroidery, using 40 wt. threads, either rayon, polyester, cotton or acrylic you will use an embroidery needle. These needles have a larger eye and allow smooth thread flow AT the higher speeds used for embroidery. The most common size used is a 75/11. However, embroidery needles are also available in sizes 80/12 and 90/14. Embroidery needles are also available with a titanium coating. These needles do not heat up as much from the friction during embroidery which makes them a great choice when using spray adhesives and sticky stabilizers.
Metallic threads can be tricky to work and without the right needle it can quickly turn into a nightmare. Metallic needles have a larger, specially coated eye coupled with a large groove in the shaft. These things are critical to reducing the friction when working with metallic threads. These threads do add a striking touch to your embroidery so don’t avoid them, just be sure to have the proper needle and slow the sewing speed down as well.
Beautiful embroidery can also be achieved using a wing needle. Wing needles are primarily used for heirloom sewing and with the right design can add an heirloom touch to your machine embroidery. There are a couple things to keep in mind when selecting a design to stitch with a wing needle. First, make sure the design is a simple outline stitch design, fill stitch designs do not work well with a wing needle and should be avoided. To achieve the maximum benefit of the wing needle its best if the design uses a bean stitch or similar stitch where the needle will pass through the same point more than once. This will allow the wing needle to create a nice opening at the stitch point giving the design a nice heirloom look. As you would with any specialty technique, be sure to slow the sewing speed down on your machine.
A twin needle yields beautiful results when sewing decorative stitches built into most machines but, don’t stop there. With machine embroidery, even a basic shape with a basic running stitch will have pizzazz when stitched with a twin needle. Expand your creative horizons by trying some basic motif stitches. When trying various stitches, be sure to slow the sewing speed of your machine. Remember, slow and steady sets the pace!
Posted by McKenzie on May 23, 2010 | No Comments
When was the last time you replaced your needle? Is your thread constantly breaking or shredding while sewing or emboridery? Did you know that many sew-lebrities recommend changing your needle after each major project?
If you can’t remember the last time you put a new needle on your machine, than its time for you to change it out. Sewing with a dull needle is like trying to cut a tomato with a dull knife — it doesn’t end up pretty.
Lucky for you Sewing and Craft Club offers buy 2 get 1 FREE on Klasse needles! And, the highest priced pack is your free pack. Happy stitching!
Posted by McKenzie on April 19, 2010 | No Comments
1. Use full-size design templates for accurate placement.
2. Double check our placement on your fabric before you begin stitching.
3. An Embroidery Needle should always be used for embroidery. The Embroidery Needle eye is slightly larger and allows the thread to glide through with less resistance (and therefore less breakage).
4. Attach a thread stand to your machine when embroidery multiples of multi-colored designs.
5. Always use the smallest hoop recommended for the design. This provides the perfect amount of tension for the fabric and stabilizer in the hoop to prevent it from slipping and puckering.
