Embroidering Towels 2

[craftluv45]

Also, when embroidering towels, do you do something to the backs, like use different thread or something..? And what is best on towels, Poly or rayon threads? Would any run on the items..?

[dramaw]

When I stitch on towels, I hoop WSS and layer the towel with either tulle, glad press and seal, or the no show plastic, (can't think of the name of it), and a layer of WSS, then pin all to the hooped stabilizer making sure the pins are clear of the stitching area...Now that I have a machine that will baste, I just use a few pins and do the basting stitch...I just use regular white bobbin thread on the back...

[dramaw]

When I stitch on towels, I hoop WSS and layer the towel with either tulle, glad press and seal, or the no show plastic, (can't think of the name of it), and a layer of WSS, then pin all to the hooped stabilizer making sure the pins are clear of the stitching area...Now that I have a machine that will baste, I just use a few pins and do the basting stitch...I just use regular white bobbin thread on the back...

I mainly use rayon on projects that are going to be washed repeatedly...Also if you put a cup of white vinegar in the wash the first time your colors won't bleed nor fade.

[momma4anna]

Also, when embroidering towels, do you do something to the backs, like use different thread or something..? And what is best on towels, Poly or rayon threads? Would any run on the items..?

Personally, I like to use polyester thread on towels because I use bleach quite a bit. The silk thread does not do as well with bleach as the the poly seems to do.

[momma4anna]

Also, when embroidering towels, do you do something to the backs, like use different thread or something..? And what is best on towels, Poly or rayon threads? Would any run on the items..?

Oh, I forgot, I also will use a matching thread on the back. I bought a set of colored bobbin thread. Using matching thread on the bottom really hides the stitches on the back. Makes it look more professional in my opinion

[sewingfor3]

Is it true if you can see the bobbin thread on the front then the tension is too tight? That's what someone told me, but I don't think I can losen my tension with my machine. I don't have the suped up machines like alot of people do.

[mdquilter]

That makes sense match the bobin thread to the towel color !
Never liked the idea of seeing the bobin thread on the back.
in the past i embroidered on fabric and appliqued it to the towel to keep the back side as neat as possable.

Well DOH why didn't I ever think of that?? The the design would just blend in from the back. I'll have to try this out. I would do the stitch onto fabric and applique to the towel myself, but I'll have to try this oher trick :D

[kurthco]

did you try any yet?
Just wondering how the towels turned out.
You might try to use on old strap.

[sewingfor3]

I hate to sound stupid, but do you just make your own bobbin threads with your embroidery thread, is that how you do it? Or should you buy already prefilled?

[mdquilter]

I hate to sound stupid, but do you just make your own bobbin threads with your embroidery thread, is that how you do it? Or should you buy already prefilled?

Not a stupid question at all. I normally use prewound polyester bobbins when I'm doing embroidery, but when I do free standing lace or if I were to do towels I would wind a bobbin with a matching color (for the free standing lace I would be sure to wind the bobbins from the spool that I'm using on the top). Hope this helps!

[momma4anna]

(for the free standing lace I would be sure to wind the bobbins from the spool that I'm using on the top). Hope this helps!


I have made this mistake once, it was not pretty. Not a mistake I will be very likely to make again. The two colors were very similar in color, but not exact. I cannot believe what a differnce it made. Last time I will be too lazy to run a matching bobbin. I do a lot of free standing lace, especially around the holidays.

[sewingfor3]

Thanks for the tips. Now, I have never done the free standing lace, is that hard? I mainly do baby stuff and hand towels and monogramming.

[momma4anna]

Thanks for the tips. Now, I have never done the free standing lace, is that hard? I mainly do baby stuff and hand towels and monogramming.

No way, free standing lace is one of the easiest things to do. Hardly, if any, thread changes! Just need a good, thick WSS. I use badgemaster from OESD, but there are several good ones out there. Get that good and tight in your machine and slow your machine down a bit if you have one of the fast ones. I have never had any problem. Well, other than the time I was too lazy to wind a bobbin the same color as my top thread.

I did use a different color bobbin thread on purpose once and really liked the end result. I made a few Barbie dresses that ended up being two-toned and looked great, but in general, mkae sure your top and bottom are the same thread.

Don't be afraid to experiment! Our machines are too expensive not to play around with and have fun. Be sure to try applique also.

[dana]

Oh, I forgot, I also will use a matching thread on the back. I bought a set of colored bobbin thread. Using matching thread on the bottom really hides the stitches on the back. Makes it look more professional in my opinion

I try and match the thread to the item too. It depends on what the design colors are- if they are primarily light on a dark towel- I will use a light color, just in the event something happens with the tension.. my machine is a bit tempermental. :o

[sewingfor3]

No way, free standing lace is one of the easiest things to do. Hardly, if any, thread changes! Just need a good, thick WSS. I use badgemaster from OESD, but there are several good ones out there. Get that good and tight in your machine and slow your machine down a bit if you have one of the fast ones. I have never had any problem. Well, other than the time I was too lazy to wind a bobbin the same color as my top thread.

I did use a different color bobbin thread on purpose once and really liked the end result. I made a few Barbie dresses that ended up being two-toned and looked great, but in general, mkae sure your top and bottom are the same thread.

Don't be afraid to experiment! Our machines are too expensive not to play around with and have fun. Be sure to try applique also.
Thanks so much, I'll have to try that. I've done applique too much,ha ha. I had never tried different bobbin threads except the white and black and now I see it would be better if I matched. I've got stuff to do today and I will defintely do that. After that, I think I'll try the free standing lace. Now, what all do you do with it after you make it?

[ShirleyC]

When I monogram towels, especially if the letters are large, I place the WSS on the top and then some tulle on top of that. That way it is easy to tear or cut the tulle away from the letters, and you won't have to worry about any pokies popping through when washed.

[Yeffie]

When I monogram towels, especially if the letters are large, I place the WSS on the top and then some tulle on top of that. That way it is easy to tear or cut the tulle away from the letters, and you won't have to worry about any pokies popping through when washed.

That is a FABULOUS idea.

I have 6 towels waiting to be monogrammed, and I will def. use your tulle trick!

[pccbradley]

All these suggestions and idea makes me want to run out and buy more bobbins, towels, tulle and sew my heart out.
So far I have only done a few shirts and lots of towels and your ideas to keep the pile from coming up are great,
Keep up the suggestions where would we beginners be without you.

[mrswayne]

I purchase prewound bobbins in white and black. For other colors, I wind my own so the colors match exactly. I have a Brother PC8500 and had problems when I first tried to wind my own bobbins. Once I read the manual (go figure), it was easy as pie!

Rita H
Texas

[StitchinGrandma]

When you wind the bobbins from your own embroidery thread, be sure to mark them somehow. Some colors are so close and you won't know which bobbin goes with which spool. I use a black perm. marker and write the color number on the bobbin itself. Then I know for sure. When it runs out, then I just rewind the same color back on there.

Try the free standing lace if you haven't. It's SO cool and fun to do.

[fun2sew]

Personally, I like to use polyester thread on towels because I use bleach quite a bit. The silk thread does not do as well with bleach as the the poly seems to do.

Yes.. I do the same!

[Asweetymom]

I ususally use the clear "lingere" bobbin threads. It works well on any fabrics including the towels. AND... you don't see it on the back! Good luck..

[Asweetymom]

This may sound silly, but in reading the posts, I keep seeing "WSS". What does this stand for, how do I use it, where do I get it and etc... Don't laugh, I'm not even a new embroiderer! LOL:confused: :confused:

[Asweetymom]

What is "free standing lace"? I have never tried it, sounds interesting, but I can't for the life of me figure out how what you are saying is incorporated into my designs. I usually do monogramming, baby items etc. Once again, don't laugh!! LOL
Confused in NC

[StitchinGrandma]

This may sound silly, but in reading the posts, I keep seeing "WSS". What does this stand for, how do I use it, where do I get it and etc... Don't laugh, I'm not even a new embroiderer! LOL:confused: :confused:
I don't think anyone would laugh. We ALL started somewhere and had to ask these questions. WSS is "Water Soluable Stabilizer" which you would use on an item and then rinse or soak the item in water and the stabilizer dissolves away

What is "free standing lace"? I have never tried it, sounds interesting, but I can't for the life of me figure out how what you are saying is incorporated into my designs. I usually do monogramming, baby items etc. Once again, don't laugh!! LOL
Confused in NC
Free Standing Lace which you may see referred to as "FSL" just so you know that when you see it what they are talking about. These are designs specially digitized to stand alone once the WSS is rinsed out and they are made entirely of the tread stitched into a design such as an ornament. I doubt if that is a very good explanation but hopefully you understand.

[blessedw2]

This is interesting, I have never heard of using tulle! Does it tear off easily without damaging the embroidery?

[Ole' Girl]

I've used tulle myself a lot, and it tears easily, and sometimes I have to clip some areas.

[StitchinGrandma]

I've read quite a few comments from those that use tulle and to "clip" the areas needed they use a woodburning tool to burn the open areas and remove the tulle that way. Personally I'd be afraid I'd burn it but there are so many that swear by this that it might be something I'm willing to try some day.