I use target rulers to quickly find the middle of a quilt block, pocket, placket or other embroiderable area. Once placed on the fabric, I slip a target sticker into the hole, aligning the crosshairs. Then I confidently remove the target ruler and hoop the fabric.
Once the hoop is attached to the machine, I center the needle over the target sticker, remove the sticker and embroider the design.
Ninety percent of the time, I’m comfortable with that process. But 10% of the time, I need a little more reassurance. So I tape the target ruler to the fabric and hoop the fabric. I make sure the legs are not caught under the inner ring.![TS2BL](https://dzgns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/TS2BL.jpg)
Once attached to the machine, I move the hoop to center the needle over the crosshair.![TS3BL](https://dzgns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/TS3BL.jpg)
Then I activate the trace feature, also known as the trial key. ![TS5BL](https://dzgns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/TS5BL.jpg)
I touch one of the four center points (top, bottom, left and right) of the perimeter of the design. Then I proceed to the next center point always keeping an eye on the needle to see if it continues to align with the target ruler’s crosshair.![TS4BL](https://dzgns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/TS4BL.jpg)
If the needle hits the target ruler right on the line, then I know my design is exactly where I want it.![TS6BL](https://dzgns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/TS6BL.jpg)
That’s a simple step for solid confirmation.
Of course, I could use a printed template of the design and perform the same steps but sometimes I don’t have access to a printer or more than likely, the printer is out of paper, ink, or both! There’s always a work around when you have reliable tools in your embroidery studio.
![Blog image DIME](https://dzgns.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Blog-image-DIME.jpg)