Quick Project - Blackwork Placemats

We wanted to create a design collection that you could use to add some classic style to your project whether you are embroidering evening accessories, elegant linens or an heirloom piece. My Blackwork collection is a versatile set of ornamental designs, professionally digitized for beautiful results in any color.


Supplies needed:

Purchased fabric placemats with 1 ½” border and coordinating napkins
Designs of choice from Ann the Gran’s Classical Blackwork Collection
Tear-a-way stabilizer such as Ann’s medium Tear Away with adhesive back
Or if you don’t want any stabilizer left on the back try Ann’s Water Soluble adhesive back.
Embroidery thread


Placemat

Choose the design you would like to embroider (we used design black-02).

In your machine or software bring the design in 3 times and align horizontally with points touching as shown in picture. Save the design in your format. If you do not have a large hoop you can rehoop and sew the design 3 times along a placement line.

If aligned in software print a full size template and pin to the placemat as shown. Otherwise, draw a placement line with a wash away marker or other temporary fabric pencil (be sure to test if delicate fabric was chosen when buying your placemats).


Hoop the stabilizer in a 6” X10” hoop with adhesive side up.

Adhere the placemat to the adhesive using your template or lines as a placement guide. Place the hoop on your machine. Be sure the needle lines up with the center point of your template or placement line. Remove the template.

Embroider the designs and remove the stabilizer.




Napkins

Stitch edging lines in coordinating colors along the outside edges of the napkin if desired. Begin the first stitching line ½” from outer edge of napkin and repeat ¼” towards the center twice.

Choose the design you would like to embroider (we used number black-02b).

In your machine or software bring the design in and rotate 45 degrees. Add a basting stitch if your software has that feature. Save the design in your format.

If rotated in software print a full size template and pin to the napkin corner . Otherwise, draw a placement line with a wash away marker or other temporary fabric pencil (be sure to test if delicate fabric was chosen when buying your napkins).

Hoop the stabilizer in a 4”X4” hoop with adhesive side up.

Adhere the napkin to the adhesive using your template or drawn lines as a placement guide. Place the hoop on your machine. Be sure the needle lines up with the center point and your horizontal and vertical placement lines where you want them. If you added a basting stitch embroider it now and check your alignment. Adjust if necessary.

Embroider the design and remove the stabilizer.

Remember Classical Blackwork is beautiful in any color you choose for your project.

Here are a couple more quick and easy ideas using this collection.














Notes Box


Purchase a box of note cards or photo box with a frame or create a frame for one you have. Our box had an opening of 3”X4”. Rotate the design if necessary and add lettering using the built in fonts on your machine or using lettering software programs such as Amazing Designs Personalize and Stitch. Stitch on whatever fabric you desire using a medium weight stabilizer. Cut the fabric and stabilizer to fit inside your frame and slide in. A cute gift with a personalized touch.

Elegant Hand Towel


Embroider a row of any design you choose along piece of fabric 18” by 6”. Fold under ½” all the way around and press. Fold bottom in another ½”, press and stitch along folded edge. Pin a 17” piece of trim along the bottom and stitch in place. Fold top in another ½” and stitch along to hem. Place on hand towel aligning bottom edge and leaving ½” on each side of towel. Stitch along top edge of embroidered fabric piece to attach to a standard size hand towel. Fold sides to back of towel and stitch in place along top and bottom seams. What an elegant towel.

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations of which you are especially proud? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation


What Would You Do?
I used purchased placemats and napkins. What is your favorite purchased item on which to do embroidery? Please use the Comments link below to let us know.
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