The Avid Embroiderer Presents - Hidden tips and tricks for excellent embroidery

There are so many places to learn about embroidery on the Internet.  My blog and that of the other bloggers here at AnnTheGran are among the best sources of information for projects that inspire and teach you at the same time.  Frankly, for quick Tips and Tricks, no one else has the easy to find and search to read blogs as here at AnnTheGran, believe me, I have checked.


These hidden Tips and Tricks are actually visible to anyone who wishes to find them.  The issue is that the clever tips are in videos that are called something else.  For instance, the first link shown below is attempting to sell a product.  If you are uninterested in that merchandise, you will likely not look at the video.


But, have you ever considered that there are things that the demonstrator will do as you watch that will help you understand some of the terminology that may be a little ‘loose.’  One thing that comes to my mind is ‘taut’ for the description of the fabric in the hoop.  Just exactly what is ‘taut?’  Should the fabric sound like a drum if you thump on it?  Or should it have a little slack or even a lot of slack?   


https://www.annthegran.com/prd/Equipment/Designs-Magazine/Snap-Hoop-Monster-for-Quick-Snap-7-In-x-11-In-Hoop/1/SnapHoopMonster_QuickSnap.aspx     Notice how she is pulling the fabric inside a hoop, it is not taut at all. But, it is set to be laying correctly once the embroidery is completed. The Snap Hoops are solving many issues with hard-to-hoop fabrics. Check for your machine type, because this one will make your embroidery more easy to hoop. And, they are expanding the line to include more machine types of hoops. They have, depending on size and differing needs - Baby Lock, Bernina, Brother, Husqvarna-Viking, Pfaff, and Singer to name a few.


Snap Hoop Monster for Quick Snap


This one is with Nancy of Nancy’s Notions and Sewing with Nancy.  She discusses how to embroider on a t-shirt, but discusses ‘no show adhesive stabilizers’ at the same time.  As relatively expensive as stabilizers are, seeing how to correctly use it comes with this video making it a tip that you will understand easily.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ60yUhjthQ  For me personally, I found it strange that she left the outer fabric laying loosely.  There is an opportunity for trouble.  I  I use binder clips to hold the edges of the extra fabric.  They are cheap and keep everything in place.  




Have you ever had a design that was very old and you are not sure if it is an applique design or not? There are some tips here for you to be sure of the type of pattern you have. There are some ideas for doing monograms. https://www.annthegran.com/prd/DLSoftware/BriTon-Leap/1/ATG40238.aspx?green=1009E0CB-227B-5D06-A5A1-32D835ED8A39



Peggy's Stitch Eraser https://www.annthegran.com/prd/Supplies/AllStitch/Peggys-Stitch-Eraser-3--Stitch-Remover-Tool/1/STITCHERASER3.aspx  I prefer to use the remover on a flat surface and have a book or something beneath the fabric to keep it even.  I know that pros are always shown doing it on their hand.  But, let me ask you, when you bought all those small tools to create roses out of tomatoes or an elephants nose from a bell pepper, how was your first or second try?  Mine was not so great, so I  want to have more tips on my side.  You can see my blog on this here: https://community.annthegran.com/blogs/avid-embroiderer/archive/2011/07/22/the-avid-embroiderer-presents-tricky-embroidering.aspx

Perhaps the hand held method works for you, but it did not for me. Practice is the key and you will be proficient in no time. Additionally, I do prefer the corded model, it is more steady in its cutting.





I know that you will find other videos on YouTube and right here at AnnTheGran. Watch for how they are handling the machines, fabric, stabilizers and other items that will make your embroidery even better. Share some with us either here or in the Forum under Tips. Seeing someone do the actual work is a great way to learn when you don't have an expert at your side.

I could have used this hack last week - If you are using Wikipedia and they are using technical words that are not making sense to you, on the left side of the page, select "Simple English" which is the first 'language' in that column title of language.  

I just have to share this one!!  I love to change the colors on my embroidery.  Not every selection is - shall I say - appealing to the eye. . .   I look at the professionals and wonder how they come up with the combinations they have.  https://trycolors.com/  It is fun to play with.  I cannot get my items to really save.  It saves for the time I am there, but it is gone the next them I return.  But, when you save to 'mix' you will see the Pantone color #.

Comments (1) -

I hope that you find just what you are looking for in the way of 'tips.'

If you have an issue you cannot resolve, please give it some exposure here in the comment section. The more eyes that see it (and my blogs are a good resource) the more likely you can resolve your problem.

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