Supplies And Stuff |
Read
Please: These tips are original and exclusive to OPW Mall.
Feel free to use them for your personal embroidering and quilting
needs, however, it is strictly prohibited to publish them without
permission. |
|
The supply types are listed
alphabetically. |
- **Adhesive**
Wonder Tape is a water-soluble, two-sided fusible web tape that
holds almost any fabric to another fabric - or even to a notion.
Try it as a replacement for those pins if you're still pin basting
the items that can't be hooped. It is also simple and fast to use
when installing zippers or finishing hems during garment
construction. Don't forget to experiment with new uses for your
notions as much as you experiment with your software.
|
- **Adhesive**
Are you trying to find more time for your sewing? Sometimes all
you need is the right notion to get the time you need. Experiment
with water-soluble thread or fusible web tape. These are both
great basting options that can really save you time. Once your
project is done, these simply wash away.
|
- **Crystals**
A design doesn't have to show crystals on it to be compatible with
working them into your own project. Even sand, flip-flops or
beach pails could use a little bling with the help of your hot fix
wand. Mark out a simple outline behind your stitch-out (in
dots) and use the crystals to make a great, sparkling frame.
Bling!
|
- **Fabric Markers** There are many different type
of fabric marking pens available today. Always test your
marking pen on the fabric that you are using prior to marking the
actual stitchout. For fabric that cannot be washed or wet,
try iron off markers.
|
- **Spray Adhesive**. This is commonly used with
appliqu�s, delicate fabrics, or fabrics that can be damaged when
hooping. This is not a stabilizer. It is used over tear away or
water dissolvable films. The spray facilitates the attachment of
the fabric to the stabilizer. It widely used with success but it
can leave residues of the adhesive on the hoop and needles.
|
- **Needles**
Remember to change your needle in your machine to the correct
fabric. This can make a big difference on your stitchout.
As a general rule, a smaller needle is for lighter or more
delicate fabrics. A larger needle is for heavier or sturdier
fabrics. Always use
a ball-point needle on kit fabrics to avoid �runs�
around the embroidery.
|
- **Needles**
Ah, how easy it is to forget the last time you changed your
machine needle! You've bought the right stabilizer and a design
from a digitizer that you're sure is of the highest quality. Now,
why is it that we cringe at the idea (and miniscule expense) of
putting in a new needle? Choosing the right needle, and being
sure that it's new, can seriously impact your satisfaction with
the outcome of your project. So, keep a good and varied supply
and go put in a new needle! (Editor's Note: buy needles in bulk
to cut costs and assure that you always have a good supply.)
|
- **Scissors**
You may have seen those scissors in your local store with one
blade that resembles a pelican's beak. What in the world could
that be for? They are a great example of the right tool for the
job. These funny looking scissors are designed for the unique
need of trimming close to appliqu� edges without cutting the
stitches you want to remain. The large blade lifts the fabric
slightly, while the razor sharp edge of the regular blade trims it
away. If you plan on doing appliqu�, these scissors are highly
recommended for your tool box.
|
- **Tape** Oh No...you don't have a marking pencil?
Mark it with tape. Place a piece of tape horizontal and one
vertical that are the 1/4" smaller than the opening of your hoop -
the right side and the top of the tape will be your center lines.
Now hoop your fabric. When hooped, remove the tape. You are
ready to sew. p.s. you can reuse the tape a few times
before it no longer sticks.
|
- **Tweezers**
A pair of curved
tweezers, available at sewing and craft stores, is a handy tool
for picking out small pieces of stabilizer, and for grabbing
thread for close trims. These can help you trim your
design nice and clean!
|
Back to Tips Index |