Favorite Embroidery Tip

[Pedal Pusher]

I thought it might be fun to have the best of the best tips all in one place. If you could give a future addict a tip what would it be?

[susank]

I love this idea! My tip relates to embroidering on T-shirts. One of the first things I did was a T-shirt and it was a disaster. My tip is to be careful to roll the shirt well around the hoop so that parts of it do not get caught underneath --- taking that sort of mistake apart is a nightmare. If anyone has a tip on rolling the shirt so it does not get caught would be great - I found it especially hard on a t-shirt I did for my 3 year old nephew. It's much harder when it is so small.

[artsiegirl]

Another great tip I learned here on Embroidables is to use those hair clippie thingies to clip the t-shirt or onesie fabric around the edges of the hoop. That way it doesn't spring back into the stitching area and get stitched all together! You wouldn't believe how many onesies I went through before this tip showed up!

[rodneytb]

When you download designs, add something to the name of the design that will tell you where the design came from. I had already accumulated quite a few designs before I figured this out.
Martha

[Granny313]

I can always use good tips. I make a folder and keep them all in to refeer back to. Kep em coming!!!

[susank]

Speaking of folders - when I create designs using my software I print out the photo and thread colour list. I keep them in a folder in my desk. This is especially helpful when I change the colors because I write down the substitutions so I will know for the next time.

[The Hen]

This is a great idea, giving tips to help us who are less capable. This isn't really an embroidery tip, but you know how the loose ends of threads can be a pain and make a birds nest in your sewing basket. when you undo a spool of thread, take a sharpie and highlight the thread slit on the end of the spool then you can easily reinsert your thread end. This really works great especially for those of us who wear glasses.

[Granny313]

Speaking of folders - when I create designs using my software I print out the photo and thread colour list. I keep them in a folder in my desk. This is especially helpful when I change the colors because I write down the substitutions so I will know for the next time.

I do the same thing. Also if I have a back-up disc or especially on my floppy discs from my D1, I will write a number on pattern page in my book and correspond the number on the disc, so I will know exactly which disc the pattern is on.

[Sew Fun]

ALWAYS back up your designs - you never know when you'll have a computer crash.

[susank]

Another tip I learned from my dealer is to mark your embroidery thread bobbins with a Sharpie. I find it's a good idea because I have so many bobbins. He just puts a black dot on the bobbin and then he know it has embroidery bobbin thread on it.

[twin mom]

I love all of the tips..I'm going to have to try a few new ones! Thanks everybody!

Here's my tip: I created a separate thread library in my software with the embroidery threads that I own, so that when I am modifying the design in my software, I don't have to try to figure out what I have and what it will look like in that particular design.

Here's another tip: I bought a thread chart of the threads that I use, and have circled the colors that I have. I keep it in my purse, so I know what I have when I am out shopping. It's saved me many duplicate colored spooles of thread and return trips to the store to get what I need.

Happy stitching!

[idesign]

When you download designs, add something to the name of the design that will tell you where the design came from. I had already accumulated quite a few designs before I figured this out.
Martha
Martha, this is a great idea. After giving me that idea, I decided to also add if it can be sewn on a garment for resale, and how many times to the title. Makes for a long title, but much easier than trying to track down the info. I think it is 25 times that we can use a design sewn on a garment for resale for Embroidables, unless you buy a commercial license?

Carol

[stitchcrazy]

I believe it is 20...but I could be wrong...

[smokey]

If you use the washaway thread make sure you mark the bobbin and I keep the bobbin and the spool in a small plastic zip bag marked on the outside what kind of thread it is. I do that with the thread that makes your fabric rumple up too as it is white and you would never be able to tell what it is if the labels come off. (can't think of the name of it right now-grey moment!! :confused: )

[smokey]

I take pictures of each item I make and keep them in albums that are labeled by type of item so I can find it again if I decide to do another one. If I have the instructions for the project and I've put them in my notebook then I print the picture as well and post it with the instructions.

I have an external hard drive that I keep all photos and emb. designs backed up on. Smokey

[The Hen]

smokey, I have done the same thing because I forget how I did it the first time. I find it really helpful when someone wants ideas for a gift. I also put fabric swatches with mine. Much easier to take to the store than the actual project when matching thread and coordinating fabric. I just like looking through the projects, brings back memories.