Machine Embroidery Series Embroidery on Straw!

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1 Machine Embroidery Series Embroidery on Straw! This series is written by guest blogger, Pamela Cox. Pamela is an expert embroiderer, designer, digitizer and all around wonderful girl! We are so happy to have her contributing to the Sulky Blog! Most of us take machine embroidery skills very seriously as we strive to produce heirloom quality projects; and well we should! We are investing many hours to create projects expressing love for someone or to capture a special occasion. We trust that this item will be passed down through the generations.

2 However, along comes summer, which just cries out do something just for fun!! So what if the embroidered item is

3 not considered an heirloom? Fun is good; it all works!!! Dollar Stores are pretty prevalent across the USA. A variety of items can be found to experiment on at a relatively inexpensive price point. Summer items, such as hats, placemats, totes and even beach mats, are often made of straw ; albeit mostly synthetic, but the texture is still there. It doesn t take much effort, or materials, to make these items, extra special with a touch of machine embroidery. However, it does require the right stabilizer and a bit of know how to make it happen!! Considering a pre-made item cannot be directly hooped, the use

4 of Sulky Stabilizer Sticky+ is a must. Large sticky surfaces offer more stabilization, meaning, even if a design is only a 4 square, using a larger hoop which exposes additional sticky surfaces, will only be a plus when securing and stitching out the given design. Gaining as much surface exposure be can be accomplished in one of two ways: 1. Secure Sticky+, with paper release sheet intact and facing up, in a hoop much larger than the design stitchout requires. Sticky+ is available in 8¼, 12 and even 21 widths in rolls! Slightly score the paper with a straight pin do not apply too much pressure or you will score right through the stabilizer itself. Expose all the sticky surface within the hoop s frame.

5 Hoop the Sulky Sticky+ with the release sheet up. release sheet and tear it off. Score the Or 2. Secure Sulky Soft n Sheer Cut-Away Stabilizer directly in a hoop much larger than the required stitch-out and pull it as tight as a drum as possible.

6 Cut a piece of Sticky + as large as possible but still enabling it to lay flat within the hoop s frame. With paper still intact, stitch it to the sheer stabilizer ¼ in from the paper s edge on all four sides using a regular sewing machine and a seam stitch length.

7 Please note, that although the photo seems to show that Sticky+ is buckling, the actual stabilizer is tight and smooth. The paper sometimes lifts.which is a good thing since we now have an area of easy separation. Once the top stabilizer has been stitched in place, re-tighten the Soft n Sheer by pulling on it in all directions to make sure it is as tight as possible. Score the release sheet with a pin, and remove the paper, first from inside the stitched box, and then from outside the ¼ stitching.

8 Other helpful suggestions to ensure that embroidering on straw is a success is to use a 100/16 Topstitch needle for the embroidery process and reduce the speed of the machine at least by half. Monitor the stitching process and, if comfortable, gently apply finger pressure.

9 Or use an aid like a stiletto or bamboo skewer to further prevent the hat from lifting off the sticky stabilizer.

10 The se suggestions are optional and are directly dependent upon the texture and or finishing process of the straw item in use. I found most items rather slippery, not willingly adhering to tape or adhesives, which is why the recommendation of reinforcing with two or more techniques. However, if the item you choose is more porous, many of the extra precautions may not be needed at all, especially when using Sticky+, known for its temporary, but very secure adhesiveness. (And here s a hint if your stabilizer is not as sticky as you want it to be for your particular bulky project, spray some Sulky KK 2000 Temporary Spray Adhesive on it to add

11 tackiness.) Please note that both samples feature the second method of gaining as much exposed surface as possible. Blue Placemat sample: Features Design #292-Dragonfly, a free download available to Sulky Embroidery Club members at Step 1: Indicate a design center placement on the placemat by using a piece of painter s tape. Considering this is a FUN project, exact placement is not truly necessary, however, a general indication of stitching position is always necessary.

12 Step 2: Sulky Soft n Sheer was secured, as tight as a drum, directly in a 260 x 200mm hoop

13 Step 3: Cut a piece of Sticky+ to fit within the hoop s frame and secure accordingly. Score and peel away the release sheet as shown above with the hat.

14 Step 4: Press the placemat to the exposed sticky surface and tape any available edges with painter s tape to reinforce.

15 Step 5: Match design and machine center, remove the marking tape and stitch the design.

16 Step 6: Once stitching is complete, remove excess stabilizer and cut jump threads from the wrong side.

17 By doubling up stabilizers, we negated the tear away feature of Sticky+, but the two stabilizers are easily removed at the same time using a pair of small sharp scissors. Cowboy hat sample:

18 Features a design found within Husqvarna Viking s editing program: Ultra Premier + The design is one of the built-in SuperDesign : Category Borders, 3rd line, second design in from the left. One additional star element was added to complete this particular border sequence. The color theme was changed to a more youthful one considering this is a child s size hat. Step 1: Indicate design center placement on the hat by using a piece of painter s tape. Step 2: Sulky Soft n Sheer Stabilizer was secured, as tight as a drum, directly in a 200mm square hoop Step 3: Cut a piece of Sticky+ Stabilizer to fit within the hoop s frame and secure accordingly Step 4: Press the hat to the exposed sticky surface and tape any available edges with painter s tape to reinforce.

19 Step 5: Match design and machine center, remove the marking tape and stitch the design. Please note the position of the hat in the above photo. It is inside out. In other words, the design is being intentionally embroidered on the underneath brim of the hat knowing that this side is to be turned up in the end product to offer a saucy look. True, successful hooping not only requires proper supplies, but it also requires knowledge of the final product s look and usage!! It is important to go slow and monitor the design progress, maybe even supporting the item as it stitches, depending on it s bulk and weight.

20 Step 6: Once stitching is complete, remove the excess stabilizer and jump threads.

21 Although, embroidering on summer-fun, straw items will never, ever, be considered an heirloom, by any ruler, can you picture the surprise, and happiness, of seeing items embellished for a child s birthday party or other special occasions? It is not hard to personalize a pre-made item. I am also willing to guess that these special items, although not an heirloom, will still be preserved and, lovingly, reused for many additional summer seasons!