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Alignment and Placement Embroidery Tips & Techniques Software

7 Steps to Improve Your Embroidery

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

1. Print a template(s) of your embroidery design so you can plan the embroidery layout. Place it on the item (garment, home décor, craft or quilt) and critique its placement and size.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

2. Build a test stash. Keep a test polo shirt, stretchy t-shirt, terrycloth towel and common items that you embroider on all the time in your test stash. Use this resource when testing a design for a final project. Fill every available inch with test designs then toss it when there’s no more room for additional tests.If you’re stitching on plain fabric, always buy more than you’ll need so you have material to use for a test stitch-out. So many problems can be avoided by stitching a test of the design with the fabric, stabilizer and thread combo that you’ll be using for the final project.

3. Press the fabric – use starch and steam to get the fabric to behave. Press the stabilizer if it’s wrinkled so it will lay flat behind the fabric.

4. Hoop on a flat, sturdy surface, not your lap. Ironing boards work in a pinch but best results are achieved when hooping on a solid surface, such as a cutting table and mat. Use the lines on the mat to square the fabric in the hoop.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

5. Select the right hoop for the job. The best hold is achieved with the smallest hoop for the design. For instance, a 4” x 4” hoop is the best choice for a 2 ½” x 3” design.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

6. Insert a fresh needle when starting a new embroidery project.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

 7. Learn how to use simple embroidery editing software. You probably don’t need a full-blown digitizing system but a simple sizing and editing program can do 75% of daily embroidery tasks. Rotating, merging, mirror imaging and sizing designs are the top four chores I do to almost every design I stitch.

Eileen's Machine Embroidery Blog

 

Here’s your assignment this week:

Summer is almost here! Leave us a comment about your plans for summer vacation and tell us if they involve embroidery. One comment will be chosen to receive a copy of Machine Embroidery in 6 Easy Lessons written by Eileen Roche! Eileen demystifies embroidery machines and tools, designs, placement, hooping, stitching and finishing in easy to understand segments. It’s a great book for beginners or seasoned embroiderers alike. Good luck and thank you for reading!

The winner of last week’s assignment is:

Leave us your ideas for items that would be perfect to put in totes for women in chemotherapy treatment. Two readers will receive this beautiful butterfly pin created on behalf of the Brookharts family in memory of their wife and mother, Joanne. If you’d like to pick up one for yourself or a friend you can do so here.

Thank you to everyone for sharing your thoughtful suggestions and touching stories. This week our two lucky readers are:

Mary Ann – “Maybe a box of note paper and stamps. For one who likes to write, a journal can be therapeutic. Also, light weight gloves for cold hands. Thanks for all the great ideas!”

Nell S. – “My mom has to take dialysis three times a week and she likes word puzzle books, a light weight lap blanket and ear plugs!”

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195 COMMENTS

  • Natalie

    I have a new grandbaby, so I plan embroider some onesies for her.

    • PAtricia Hite

      Remember to use the appropriate size of the embroidery design for the onesie, and placement of that design. Most of the babies neck covers the neckline and the design needs to be lower then where you think it should be and not so low that it is covered by any pants or shorts. Have fun.

    • Anita Patterson

      I promised myself I would learn to use my embroidery machines this summer. I have a Babylock and a Janome for 3 & 4 years, and have not gathered the courage to embroider yet, which I long to do. I have a very large family and dream of all the things I want to make for them, especially the 20 great grandchildren. I have everything I need to start. I just wish I could shop for a large bag of courage to get started. Love your magazine & website. Have a good day everyone!

      • Nancy Friese

        Just jump in. The worst you can do is waste some fabric. I bet you will have a lot of fun!

      • Nancy

        Just do it!!! It’s so so much fun!! You’ll LOVE IT!!!

  • Sharon Brockhouse

    My husband and I are concentrating on getting healthy so we’ll be ready to travel in the fall. This will include a lot of therapeutic embroidery and sewing in general. Thanks for the super tips.

  • Patty Happel

    Hoping for a trip to TX to see family. The rest of the summer will involve embroidery, quilting and gardening.

  • Yvonne Foy

    My intent this summer is to make items and embroider them to sell, but, of course, other things interfere and I will most likely be making things and giving them away to think about starting that business in a future year. Thanks to the patterns and designs I get from Craftsy and other places.

    • Donna Tuch

      I would encourage you to find time to work on your inventory for selling whenever you can starting now. I set aside a certain time each week and literally disappear for that time. I tell myself I’m “going to work” like I did years ago. Then my husband knows I am off limits. A good day at a fair or farmer’s market can wipe out your inventory. But find time for the fun stuff, too. Been at this for 30+ years, can’t seem to get it out of my blood. Good luck with your venture.

  • Lisa

    I am embroidering a stock of polo shirts as a fund raiser for one of my dog clubs.

  • judy revell

    our grand kids enjoy the pool, i’m makinf swim coverups for all of them

  • Jill

    I plan to try an embroidered quilt! I can’t wait!

  • Linda Knudson

    I moved a few months ago, so I plan on getting my machine set up somewhere so I can get back to sewing and embroidering!

  • Richelle

    Just put my embroidery machine in for a tune up. When it gets back I’m going to make a Muppet quilt for my Great Nephew.
    Thanks for the ideas.

  • Trella Shores

    I’m learning to use my serger to make tops using different types of knits; now it’s time to learn how to embroider on them. I’ve always been afraid they’d pucker or start drawing up after laundering.

    • Mary Haggenmaker

      Try washing and drying your fabric before you sew it. This will get shrinkage fears at bay.

      • Beverly Rutherford

        Make sure the embroidery design and the stabilizer you select is appropriate for the weight for successful embroidering without puckers on knit fabric.

        Beverly

  • Kathy Elamon

    Working on an embroidered quilt for my granddaughter for Christmas. She’s the joy of my life.

  • Kimeran

    Have a new granddaughter and new serger. Will be making baby items and adding monograms and embroidery.

  • Brenda Howard

    I am in charge of our guild retreat in September and have chosen a fall theme. I decided to do a simple 9 patch block for our retreat quilt with every other block plain and then I am going to embroider on it with fall theme designs. We will put the quilt together as quilt as you go. Excited and scared!

  • Amanda boehle

    I will be taking care of my 4, 3 and 1 1/2 year old kiddos and when everyone is asleep in their beds (hopefully their bed!), I will be embroidering baby gifts for my best friend!

  • Donna Tuch

    My 12 & 15 year old granddaughters are coming for a month. Haven’t seen them in 4 years so I plan to do a lot of custom embroidering for them: beach towels with their names on them, special tees, totes, borders on bed sheets and pillow cases—all using designs they pick out.

  • tammy moore

    my third grandchild which is a girl is due in Sept and i have a neice who is expecting a boy in Sept so baby gifts all around.
    Something to place in the bag would be hand lotion and maybe nail files

    • Kacy

      That’s really thiinkng at a high level

    • http://www./

      It’s a relief to find someone who can explain things so well

  • BJMarley

    I have to work most of the summer, but I plan to embroider a wedding gift for a friend.

  • valerie csmith

    I want to use this summer to get better acquainted with my new embroidery machine and learn all of its functions

  • Christine Smith

    I am going to make an altar cloth for my women’s group. I am making it in a pieced quilt form, with Suzy Toronto’s wild wacky women designs. I am so excited to see it finished. These women mean the world to me, and I can’t wait to give it to them.

  • Elise Stone

    I plan on embroidering some “housewarming” towels for my niece when she moves into her new house.

  • Linda Sheets

    Summer is perfect for getting those embroidery items done. I have three new babies in the family and am busy embroidering bibs and blankets for them. I also am embroidering monogramed towels for a relative’s retirement party, something secial but so simple, thanks to Embroidery web site ideas and tutorials.

  • kbo

    I’m packing now to travel from the West Coast to the East Coast, but first I want to Machine Embroider my hoodie (front & back)so I know it’s mine.

  • Linda Sheets

    oops meant something special but so simple.

  • trina coffey

    This summer involves a family camptrip.
    The rest of the time will be embroidering many projects planned.
    T-shirts, baby bibs, towels. Learning more about this wonderful fun hobby.

  • Terrie

    My summer vacation revolves around “Camp Granny” and keeping my grand-daughters for a week here and there. While staying with me this summer, they will learn to use my embroidery and sewing machines to make some fun projects for themselves.

  • Paula Roney

    My summer vacation begins next week with a week long sewing / embroidery retreat. It is the highlight of my summer. My sister hosts 5 of us for a week long sewing retreat where everyone shares techniques,ideas and sewing expertise. This will be our third anual retreat and promises to be just as much fun as the last two. We all take our machines and make whatever project we wish. We help eachother develop new skills and the days fly by so quickly. It’s a week long bash that includes good friends, wonderful food, and loads of laughs. I’m going to make stipple quilt using my Ellisimo for my project and can hardly wait.

  • Cindy Amend

    I am in the process of starting an embroidery business. I am taking possession of my new 12 needle commercial bridge embroidery machine in two weeks. I will be digitizing and creating embroidery all summer.

  • Linda Norheim

    I have a new machine and so help me I am going to figure it out this summer!!!!

    • Helen

      Linda what type machine do you have? I have had several different kinds and am self taught in learning new ones. It is intimidating at first but don’t give up, the books that come with the machines are great a some are very detailed. I also teach at our local quilt shop and one of the classes is Know your Machine. If I can be of help just email me.

  • jan

    well…i sew for a living….my machines are in use every day! but i hope to make many things for my granddaughters this summer….have to squeeze them in here and there!

  • Lynn Stumblingbear

    Our family will be hitting the pow wow trail this summer. I have begun using floral embroidery patterns on ladies Native American dance shawls. I have fabric lined out and ready to go!

  • Kim G

    I am new to machine embroidery so aside from learning how to use my machine I really want to embroider some jean pockets and some towels this summer! Also, I just found your blog and am now a new reader. Thanks for the chance to win!

  • Nancy

    I will be making doll clothes for 18inch dolls and for the twin girls age 4 that will match. It is lots of fun keeping the sewing machine busy.

  • Nina

    Bought a new Brother PR650E last Saturday. Want to spend time embroiderying shirts and dresses for my four year old granddaughter that lives with us as she will start pre-kindergarten next fall and I want her to be the best decked out kid in her class 🙂

  • Lisa B

    We are heading to the beach with embroidered towels and chairs!! My summer project is to embroider on garden flags for a friend of mine that is redoing a room in her house…wish me luck!!!

  • Darlene K

    I plan to over extend myself – embroider, embroider, embroider! Gifts, new designs, quilts, Christmas presents, etc. Just purchased the Floriani software so also learning to create my own designs! So much fun!!!

  • Kathy E.

    My plans for summer embroidery are to make some garden flags with seasonal applique designs. I will also be embroidering baby things for my niece who is expecting in August. I would rather sit at my sewing machine than do just about anything else!

  • MistyBee

    Lots of beach themed embroidery planned for my 4 year old!

  • Debbie Murphy

    I plan on making minky blankets with embroidered names.

  • Charity McAllister

    I have fairs that I will be vending at. I have lots to embroider for them.

  • Mary E. Baker

    A friend and I are making 30 or more pillowcase dresses for a Vacation Bible School Craft. The children will paint on a plain border on which I have embroidered a world. The dresses will be put into shoes boxes with other items to be shipped overseas as gifts to children.

  • Sandi Hagen

    A new foster grandson is here, so lots of t-shirts and fun things for him.

  • Mary Ellen Lee

    Summer plans are (once again) organize my projects and finish some left undone. Of course that’s right after the 16 tote bags for my Cursillo team (each has a colorful rooster – DeColores) and using some “stash” for mug rugs and applique. Also hope to make a couple of banners and yard flags while mastering Monogram Wizard Plus from the Everything Applique Conference. And most of all avoiding hurricane season . . .

    • Pamela Owen

      I would like to purchase the Cursillo colorful rooster – DeColores for an embroidery project for Father’s Day. Do you know who has one?

  • Charla Clark

    I recently lost a lot of weight & have to replace my wardrobe. I plan on making & embroidering new clothes this summer. I am always looking for great ideas.

  • Vicki L in MN

    After a year at my part-time job (I also hold down a full-time job) I’m quitting so I’ll have more time for things I enjoy. Like embroidery! I plan to embroidery shirts for my 5-month old grandson, and decorate a jean jacket I bought specifically for that purpose. I also plan to make some tote bags for Christmas gifts, which will all have embroidery on them. I love summer!

  • Carol Goertz

    I am having surgery on June 27,2013, so my husband and I plan on skipping vacation until the fall. So that means I will be doing a lot of embroidery to stay busy and not get bored until the fall.

  • Freddie Lloyd

    My husband and I bought a membership in a camping resort, after a busy day of fun, I like to embroider or sew to relax and chill—“ME TIME”—-so my machine goes with me —any season of the year

  • Kim Rodriquez

    I’m embroidering and making my first quilt, I was just told I’m going to be a Great Auntie so I now need to make something GREAT!

  • Diana Langston

    Since I work everyday, I am going to try and embroider on the weekends. I just finished organizing my new sewing room so now I can embroider the designs I bought for christmas gifts. (Trying to get a head start..♥♥)

  • Mary Haggenmaker

    In the process of reorganizing my sewing room but that does not stop the machines. I need to design a logo to embroider on probably towels as there is going to be a big family reunion this summer and I thought this would make a great souvenier. Aside from this I have a job to do plus restocking inventory for craft fairs in Christmas season.

  • Pam Robinson

    I am looking forward to my 13, 12 and 5 year old grandchildren this summer. I would like to get them started sewing and I need ideas and suggestions on embroidering myself. Would like to conquer the nack of sewing appliques.

  • Shelly C

    We are planning on visiting our children and grandchildren all over the USA. I try to take the grandchildren shirts I have embroidered. Last year I made patriotic shirts but this year I am trying to make them more personal. We just had new baby girls born in April and May so we are up to 13 boys and 5 girls (we are so out numbered,lol) so the babies are easy, onies, bibs, burp cloths and receiving blankets, I am choosing designs of things the older ones enjoy doing like piano, soccer, football, bugs and lizards…lol, so far I have the babies 90% finished. I am already running behind!!! lol

    • Lynsey

      Heck of a job there, it abultsleoy helps me out.

    • http://www./

      The genius store called, they’re running out of you.

  • Marilyn Krzus

    Alas, another year without a vacation. Instead, I’ll be embroidering rectangular pieces of microfiber, putting them together, adding rubber-backed flannel beneath it so mom can sit on her furniture and not worry about leaks from her ostomy. Also hoping to find a job….

  • Pam Uhan

    I sell many of my projects and enjoy embroidery so much. I love how it makes a plain bag or garment pop with color! I think this book could help on those “not so fun” fabrics that always give you a run for your money!!!

  • Leslie J Hahn

    I will be sewing, embroidering and crafting to build inventory to open my Etsy shop, RedfishCottage, in September.

  • Mary Birenbaum

    While my husband volunteers doing surgery in Bolivia this summmer, I intend to hole up in my sewing room and create embroidered baby quilts for a drug-free site for expectant mothers here in Portland.

  • Kim N

    We are taking a family trip to Destin, FL. I have 2 year old granddaughters (born 2 months apart) that I am monogramming and appliqueing matching outfits. People always ask if they’re twins (instead of cousings)–and they really will now!

  • Diane M.

    My sisters, nieces and a few friends participate in the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure each autumn. I am going to create a “team shirt” that we all can wear.

  • Scavenger Annie

    Hoping to start teaching sewing workshops this summer. Will definitely have to embroider an outfit for such an occasion hehe!

  • Lorraine

    I plan to embroider squares on white fabric to make a baby quilt for charity this summer!

  • Pat Helm

    I use embroidery in some of my quilts. I hope to move it up a bit and make a quilt for myself centered around embroidery.

  • Judy B

    After a brief trip to Kansas City, MO, I will be addressing at least five embroidery projects that have lined up this week. I’m new to this so I’m taking it slow!

  • Marcie

    FULL summer! Grand kids coming to visit. FORTIETH high school reunion, trip to see the two younger grand children. Procedure tomorrow to ablate nerve endings to stop decade old back pain. LOTS of swimming, walking and getting my life back!

  • Laura Lipponen

    I’m doing my job internship for school this summer – at my own small business!! I make embroideries and use Urban Thread’s designs. It’s awesome to be able to just focus on my business – and get credits for school! (I go to Kymenlaakso University of Applied Sciences here in Finland)

  • Kim M Harrington

    Camping, sewing, camping some more, sewing, I love my embroidery machine and I have plans to use it as much as possible. I often give people embroidered kitchen towels when I visit.

  • Mindy

    I just bought a new embroidery machine so I plan to do a lot of embroidery while learning how to use the machine!!!

  • Jenny

    It’s not summer in aus but supposedly winter(16 max today) so I’m going to do embroider towels,bibs for markets. Love the help as I have a 2nd hand machine and I’m learning by error. Thanks

  • Edge

    A full summer of outdoor and indoor events, fairs, and conventions leading us into the winter indoor events, up and down Washington and Oregon. We find that the UT### patterns are great for on the spot Special Orders, however, some of our one off creations seem to fail and have errors up the kazoo. Is there a better way to improve our designs to prevent these very public errors; in front of our customer? We have a Brother PR-600II and Version-9 of PE-Next. My Lady Black Stitch, is most talented, however; we are still running into these little problems. Can you help us please? We love your site and would be grateful for any help you provide.
    Thank you for your time.
    Edge – Sales Manager and machine babysitter
    White Hot Edge Productions

  • Julie Pointer

    In a two-week period my son graduated from college, came home for a party, applied for a job, was called for an interview, went for his interview, was offered the job, moved home, started working, got his first check, found himself an apartment, and moved into his apartment, which means my sewing room was turned into his bedroom and my dining room was turned into my sewing room. I now have my sewing room and dining room back, and I plan to embroider and sew. I am currently making a cover for a colostomy bag for a friend of my sister. If anyone has any tips, I would appreciate them. I haven’t decided how to do the elastic opening.

  • Jill

    Plan to do lots of embroidery, organize sewing studio and having fun doing it. I have enjoyed your blog. Thanks for all the hard work to pull it together for us.

  • Susan Slovinsky

    Retiring in July and planning to finally finish all those UFOs and to do lots of sewing/embroidery for the Grands.

  • Debbi Biedler

    I already have a busy summer planned with camping, fishing and a vacation to Arkansas for grandson’s wedding. I do have some UFO’s I’d like to finish. Your book would be a great help. I’m new to machine embroidery.

  • Kathy Fiffick

    I have one goal this summer. To get over my fear of machine embroidery and test the waters. I bought an expensive machine and I’m petrified to use it. I do not have time to take classes in person so I’m going to hit the books and produce something.

    • Terrie

      It can be intimidating for the inexperienced. I do not like to sew, but I have always loved to do various other crafts. Machine embroidery is not as difficult as many seem to believe. Take a deep breath, relax and then dive in. Yes, you will make some mistakes, but they are all learning experiences. Buy some cheap fabric and download some free designs and have some fun. Visit with your local dealer and ask for a few quick lessons. I didn’t take formal classes. I did two, one one one, quick lessons with my dealer and I was on my way. The rest I picked up from machine embroidery forums. I think you can find lots of tutorials on YouTube. Best of luck with your endeavors.

  • Debi Lombardi

    I will be spending my summer learning my new embroidery machine that I just received. It is a first for me & I am having so much fun.

  • Ruby Nelson

    I plan to sew mostly quilts and improve my embroidery skills with my granddaughter and daughter. Also I plan to spoil my great grand children even more then they already are.

  • Cindy McCarty

    I have embroidered several shirts and I just love them. I need some done for summer weather. I also want to embroider another few purses. They are just so much fun to do. Additionally, I love, love, love to have some hostess gifts ready. I like to sew and embroider aprons. The name can be added at the last minute and, then, my hostess gift is ready. ‘Love it! And, my husband is super impressed at that moment. A win, win…

    • corvette vs camaro

      There haven’t been. What kinds of problems are you running into? Your best bet is to ask questions on either the Cocoa-Dev or the Xcode-Users mailing list, both of which are hosted by Apple.

  • Sherrie Lilly

    I plan to finish my Anita Goodesign Tree of Life Quilt. Do the Hoopsister Mystery Quilt and Finally do the Craftsy Machine Embroidered Quilt Class.

  • Martha

    My 11 year old granddaughter has been sewing on my handcrank Singer for a year or so. This summer we are going to learn how to embroider by machine. She is very excited and I love her enthusiasim! Next week we start!!

  • Terrie Underwood

    Plan on an embroidery softwawre training, and possibly taking in a couple of embroidery conferences. Obviously, embroidery is my life!

  • Carol K E

    I have 2 baby quilts to make and plan to sew with our grand daughters for the second year. They love choosing fabric and helping with choosing thread colors for embroidery. I love working with them.

  • Frances Powell

    I am having surgery on June 27th, so we will not be able to go on vacation this year. However, I will be able to embroidery and sew for my 4 granddaughters, one of which was just born a week ago. Can’t wait to get lots accomplished in my sewing room.

  • Jean Moe

    Hope to get baby quilts done and embroidered on, make some things for my daughter in law to use for cancer fund raisers , busy summer!

  • Roxanne

    My husband gave me a Pfaff Creative Sensation for Mother’s Day so I plan on learning the embroidery part of it. I would like to make book marks in the hoop for the kids at a local Orphanage. I would then like to make a wall hanging for me.

  • Chris Plater

    When my sister had breast cancer and needed Radiation therapy, fresh washers to put in the fridge to stop the area from burning would be wonderful.I know this is late but I thought the info might help if you were going to do up some bags.

  • Chris Plater

    Here in Aus we have started winter and we do not have the break as you do. We spend winter making track suits with embroidery on them for the grandchildren and knitting. We are in North Queensland where the temp does not usually get below 16. It is a little windy being near the beach so it will give me plenty of time to embroidery all my spring wear before September.

  • Sharon Marhefka

    I will be going to Nashville at the end of July to attend Embroidery Mart. It will be a twofold vacation as my Aunt lives in Knoxville and we will pick her up and take her with us.

  • Fran

    I am working on three lap quilts for my mother, who is 89, and her two sisters. I am designing the labels on my embroidery machine and did my first test stitch out today. I also want to work on your Craftsy class, the machine embroidered quilt!

  • Mary

    My hubby will be getting radiation treatments for the next two months. That puts things on hold. However, besides helping him when needed, I have several girls with 18″ dolls and plan on making them some clothes for those dolls.

  • Denise Latour

    I am a school counselor and will have 6 weeks off. I plan to catch up on downloading embroidery patterns I have purchased and spend some time playing in my sewing room.

  • Janice King

    I want to embroidery a Christmas quilt for myself. All my sewing, quilting, embroidery, usually goes to others; so, I would really like to make a special quilt for me to celebrate the season. Thanks for the pointers to improve my embroidery. I really needed to be reminded of some of them…lol!

  • Berenice

    I promise upon my honor I will complete one homemade gift for each member of my family for Christmas before Labor Day!!

  • Pammie

    I will be traveling to Texas,to visit my daughter,and I also will be taking my embroidery machine with me,so I can do some things for her and her home,,,,I love my machine so much, I can’t leave it behind I don’t have grandchildren ,but do have grand doggies ,I will make two blanket while I’m there..I love all the information u give .and I want to say thank you.

  • Liz

    I will be embroidering some gifts for my best friend who lost her husband of 50 years two weeks ago.
    I want to sprinkle her with some nice little gifts over the next few months to lift her spirits. I also expect to make a few things for my young granddaughter and her 18″ doll, perhaps matching outfits?

  • judit z

    Just want to take time to spend with family and do some embroidered gifts for them to
    remember grandma and great grammie.
    Learn the ins and outs of proper stabalizing.
    juditz

  • joycej

    Recently retired,plan to get to practice on my new embroidery machine.

  • Becky

    My summer plans are “summer embroidery camp with Nicci Brazzell” at Jeff’s Sewing & Vac in Martinez, GA. It is always great fun to be with others with like interests and we have an excellent teacher in Nicci; so we have a blast. Guess my only travels will be embroidering state outlines on tea towels and adding the names of a few cities in that state. It will be like traveling to different states without the travel expenses, being able to sleep in my own bed and spending my “travel expense allotment” on classes or embroidery items; this way I can save for a trip to a Stitching Sisters event .

  • Pam J

    My summer vacation will be a trip to Alaska in August. It will involve embroidery, in that I will be embroidering on several pieces of clothing to take with me. I’m planning designs on a denim jacket, a vest and several sweatshirts. I also want to do shirts for my husband, and my best friend who will also be on the trip with me. I guess I had better get busy stitching! So many projects, so little time!

  • Linda Seemann-Korte

    I want to brighten up my bathrooms with some hand towels that have bright colors and summer things like flip flops, watermelon and sea creatures.

  • Ogabes Finn

    I’m making some embroidered tote bags this summer and embroidering some T shirts to give as gifts.

  • Michelle H

    I hope to spend time with my drandkids, and work on learning more about my new sewing and embroidery machine!

  • Julie Birbeck

    It’s Winter here in Australia now & I’m looking forward to lots of cosy days indoors with the fire blazing. Lots of stitching to be done & I’d like to get organized with some embroidered clothes for next Summer.

  • Mary

    After raising 3 sons, I now have the pure pleasure of making doll clothes for my niece’s 18 inch dolls. It is so much fun! And the plan is to add a lot of embroidery to them.

    I also make bags and I want to add lots more embroidery than I have to date.

  • Valerie Brown

    I only get to see my granddaughter in California twice a year, so we’ll be driving out there this summer (from Louisiana). I plan to take her an embroidered outfit for her first birthday. It will be so good to see her, and I plan to take lots of pictures of her in all of the clothes and tees I’m making for her. Of course, I’ll be taking the time to embroider or appliqué something cute on each one.

    P.S. Thanks for the tip on ironing the stabilizer, I’ve been pre washing and ironing my fabric, but have been struggling with rolled stabilizer.

  • Judi H

    My twin daughters play 5 different sports in high school, so there isn’t much free time for them, or me, for that matter! Between their busy schedules, we are squeezing in a week at the beach in Southern California to just chill. In the meantime, I am busy embroidering team items to go in the school spirit packs — Sweatshirts, bags, hats and name tags. I’ll also embroider some sports chairs for the spectators.

  • gayle

    I hope to master splitting designs. A summer challenge !!!!!

  • Rosemary

    Making a quilt for a co worker of my daughter undergoing chemo and radiation .will be embroidering pigs on it as the lady loves cute pigs.

  • Carolyn

    My 13 year old grandaughter is coming to spend the summer with me. She wants to learn to sew and to use my embroidery machine. I ordered your perfect placement kit and am waiting on one of your hoops to be shipped in June. I hope she will love sewing like I do.

  • Beth R

    I plan to take at least two days’ vacation to spend time sewing and working on UFOs – very therapeutic and relaxing!

  • Garilyn

    Mine definitely will be involving embroidery. I just got my first machine, in fact it’s still in the box! I plan to get it out o
    And practice ALL summer!

  • Gail sabramsky

    I am making an embroidered quilt for my son and his fiancée for their August 1st wedding. I expect I will be working on it all of July.

  • Karen

    I will be embroidering many towels for a non-profit organization fundraiser.

  • Diana

    Juat got a Janome 12000. I can’t wait to try everything out. I’m new to machine embroidery so this should be fun!! I have a new
    grandaughter to sew for. I also plan on getting started on Christmas gifts.

  • Lian

    My husband and I are planning a trip to Yellowstone. When we get back I have plans to make some hankies for a wedding and some cute 4th of July shirts.

  • Donna

    My plans is to go to Minnesota to visit my daughter and grandkids for two weeks. We have been working on a quilt of valor for the last 2 summers and hopefully this year will complete the quilt top. My granddaugher has plans for her and I to work on some matching outfits for her American Girl doll so there will be lots of sewing, grilling and board games going on.

  • Lorel Maple

    This will be my last summer working before retirement so in the evening I will stitch out all the free or yet unstitched files I have purchased over the year. I use random towels or washcloths and make notes on my laptop. The embroideries are already previewed and I have items with the designs along with all my girlfriends. Also, all of my friends will get a bundle of 8 fall colored cloth napkins that my husband found on ridulous clearance in January. My vast collection of leaf embroidery files will be stitched on them, changing the colors up and making notes on the best choices.

  • Dale Fedor

    I plan to sit in front of my computer & learn how to digitize a design. I also have signed up for several sewing classes to help inspire me & hopefully complete some of my UFOs.

  • Heidi

    I plan to be home most of the summer, carting kids to an fro and sewing and embroidering whenever I get a chance.

  • Pat Baker

    I am going to learn to make quilted bags – and embroider a focal panel on each with my new Hus. Diamond. Hope to sell some at local farm markets this summer to fall.

  • Linda Turner

    It seems like summer will never get here, but I am like “sew” many others, I have plans to make little dresses for my little granddaughter and work on several other projects with embroidery for friends and relatives. Summer is a time to relax and enjoy “sew” much of what our world has to offer. We plan to visit Michigan, a state I have heard “sew” many nice things about and I have wanted to visit for years! Looking forward to a wonderful time with my husband and friends.

    • Donna

      your post made me smile “sew” much!

  • Ruby

    Where do you get a template of what you want to embroider? Please someone answer this if you know. Thanks Ruby

  • Donna G.

    Plans this summer are for traveling, camping and gardening, and starting on some embroidered Christmas gifts. If I break the process into smaller “chunks” I can make some pretty good progress by summer’s end!

  • Rita Rodenbaugh

    For my vacation I plan to spend a long four day weekend hold up in my sewing room mastering the beginner steps of machine embroidery! I am terrified of trying a project on my own. I have tried two workshops but I felt I was out of my league and was totally lost. I had a hard time keeping up with everyone. So, I will work with myself! Good Luck me….

  • doree shandera

    My daughter is getting married in July so there will be a lot of “busy” going on. I did embroider a banner for the rehearsal dinner. I am also going to try and finish up one unfinished project each month. Have a 1 1/2 done already!!

  • Judy Abbott

    My next project is making tooth fairy pillows for my 4 grand children…only one, a 4-1/2 year old, needs it soon; but it’s easier to get them all done at once. The parents can save the pillows for the other 4-1/2 and two 2’s. The pillows have the fairy on one side and a poem, pocket and their names on the back. They will have a loop handle for hanging. Their fathers’ tooth fairy had trouble getting under pillows to retrieve teeth.

  • Helen Murtagh

    A friend of mine is travelling to South Korea this August to visit with his son. Long, long flight from here, so I am embroidering a blanket for him for the flight. Have stitched his name and am now stitching maps of all the places that he has previously travelled to. Just the thing to snuggle into and nap his way half way across the globe!

  • Calla Ferguson

    We haven’t had a vacation in 30 years, something always comes up. I make “vacation days” whenever there is a holiday weekend and plan a sewing or embroidery project. I haven’t given up on a REAL vacation someday, but until then it works for me.

  • Susan

    My foster granddaughter, only 4yrs old, requested a dress and purse for summer to match her mommy’s (my daughter). How can I resist!!

  • Linda Burwick

    My summer starts out with a family reunion of my husband’s family. After that, I have a stack of T-shirts I want to embroider and a new serger I want to learn to use properly. I also plan to visit my sons. That trip will include taking my embroidery machine so I can do stuff for the grandkids.

    I have one question. What editing program do you use to get such great printouts of embroidery designs? The cross hairs make it super easy to see how to place the design.

  • Chris

    I found a great denim skirt on a clearance rack that I’m planning out right now. I’m also going to start on Christmas gifts this summer. My machine is in for servicing right now, so I’ve been getting the fabric and threads picked out and ready for the next 4 projects. I’m hoping that by having everything laid out and ready I won’t get distracted by the next shiny thing I see. 🙂

  • Nancy Jacobs

    Summer vacation is being spent getting ready for our daughter’s wedding and YES it does include embroidery. Right now I’m embroideing hankies for the bride, myself, and mother of the groom. The hankies have two wedding rings and a heart and I’ve added the bride and groom’s names as well as the wedding date.

  • Chelley black

    We are headed to the beach so I plan to embroider beach towels!

  • Nita

    I am going to a not far from home Applique and Embroidery retreat weekend. Planning on learning alot and having tons of fun.

  • Diana kohle

    I will be embroidering 2 monkey quilts for my grandsons. Then I will deliver them.

  • Jackie Reilly

    I plan to teach my daughters how to sew and use my embroidery machine!

  • Christina

    My son is on vacation at grandma’s house for two weeks! I have two weeks to start a diaper bag for his new baby brother. Now I just need to pick out a name to monogram on the bag.

  • beth daniels

    My vacation is a quilting retreat in the woods at a MIssoinary hotel in central Louisiana. I go and sit and quilt and sew with 25 other women with someone who teaches us about techniques we use mainly in quilting projects. I plan to make two quilt tops at the retreat.

  • Agnes B. Bullock

    Am starting my home based machine embroidery business!

  • Nataly

    Plan to try to print template and build a test stach. I also want to make a sampler book with different fonts. Kind of a project… If I can suggest what works good for me ; to prepare embroidery for quilting I make my test on a white fabric then I put the fabric in the scanner and print it for template. If I have to make a border with a pattern that is not continuous, I print like 7 times the test and play with it on the quilt until it’s fit with the corner. Always have a strange way to do things when I lean by myself, but at the end it’s work. Give it a try.

  • Martine

    Vacation plans went out of the window when I ruptured my Achilles tendon. Operation next Wednesday and then it will take some rehab. But I’m looking forward to do lots of digitising and embroidering, got many ideas and things to try out. Had plans for sewing a number of things but don’t know how well I will master a nice and even pace with my left foot.

  • Nancy B

    I am taking my embroidery machine to my weekend getaway and I plan to embroider new towels for all the bathrooms….. nautical theme for powder room and His/hers for the full baths!

  • Bev Wilson

    Taking Grandchildren to San Diego for vacation hope to get beach towels done for them since I got a Pal 2 for Mothers Day, can’t wait to try it out, been gardening right now so very soon lol Thanks

  • Barbara Riegsecker

    I have plans to create all summer long. I am going to rent a booth for a Christmas flea market. I don’t know how much of anything I will need. I’m so afraid I will run out of things or that no one will want what I have. Any ideas?

  • Ann Hedington

    My summer travel plans include a girls vacation (yarn & quilt shops) and a trip to see my great-nephew. I’ve been away from machine embroidery for several years, but I’d like to get into it more. My goal is to have several hours each day as “me-time” for sewing, quilting, knitting and reading. (the rest of my day will be the “gotta-do’s” of housework, summer chores, etc.)

  • Patty Sack

    I am doing kitchen items and home decor for my son and his girlfriend to take with me when I go to Columbus OH in September.

  • Doreen

    I’m hoping to finish my projects from several years of Sulky Teacher Certification. I hope to embroider a fleece blanket for my nephew going to college this fall. I’m really hoping to finish a lot of things I have hanging around and then I will have room for more!

  • Sharon

    Hubby and I plan a trip to Idaho to visit daughter and friend. I want to spend a couple weeks at our mountain retreat. The rest of the summer is for yard work, embroidering and sewing several projects I have lined up.

  • Pamela HESS

    First and foremost, I am expecting my 5th and last grandchild in late October. I plan on customizing/decorating the entire room with whatever theme the kids decide. In between that I will be trying to get a head start on the halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am just so excited to do it all! Then of course theres embroidering shirts, backpacks, purses, etc for the granddaughters. OMG I’m getting tired just thinking about it LOL

  • Cathy Martin

    I am working fulltime plus, but am trying to cut back. I want to work less, and embroider, sew, quilt more. This is my summer and even if I have to stay working till fall, I will do what I want evenings and weekends. I plan on embroidering on weekends. I have my eye on Christmas quilts next.

  • Judy Wentz

    Hoping to travel in our RV, but I will be taking my laptop to work on organization of my embroidery files.

  • Wendy Stocum

    I am starting my summer at Disney and then going to the sewing convention in Raleigh. After that the summer is my turn to learn since I teach all school year. I will learn my embroidery software and serger. Looking forward to a productive summer of neat projects!

  • Sandra

    I am taking a month long car trip with my husband and will be reading embroidery placement and tips .
    I’ll plan projects for Christmas.

  • debe

    I will be perusing DIME & other magazines for inspiration for the embroidery club I coordinate & then making samples etc for classes. I like to learn new techniques so this keeps me learning! I also have so many projects that I need to work on.

  • Jan

    I’m am new to machine embroidery. This summer I’m learning to use my machine. I am buying clothing from my local thrift store. My grandson is getting some real cute things. He just turned 1 yesterday. I sewed him a birthday bib, it has a birthday cake on it.

  • Judy Baris

    I would love to have 7 steps to improve your embroidery. I have been doing embroidery for awhile but still have trouble with techniques. Somehow monogram towels never end up with same distance from border.

  • Judi Jaksa

    Each summer during July I give the birthday gifts to all the members of my yahoo group. I give the members an new embroidery design each week during the month to celebrate the July birthdays of my moderators and me. It is fun to give the gifts!!

  • Lyn

    I am in Australia so it is mixed up as far as summer vacation is concerned. My husband and I have just returned from our vacation. We met a couple while we were away and I was delighted to realize the wife and I both shared a love of embroidery. Our husbands spent the day touring about the area sight seeing and we ladies spent the day in the sewing room. It was delightful as I have been embroidering longer that my new found friend so I could help her with many of her unsolved issues and she gave me many ideas re quilting which I have long wanted to attempt. We will stay in touch – even if by email only. I advise you to speak up about your hobbies as you met new folks as many new friendships can develop that way. Thanks Lyn

  • Lyn

    PS I need help too with my embroidering I am only learning still but I was delighted to share what I know with another fellow embroidery buff.

  • susan a Lorio

    my son is getting married. i am making table covers with embroidery (16 of them), making caramel chocolate pretzels wrapped with a small embroidered design attached to each one, making favors which include making tags with a small embroidered design on the front (100 of them), making banners to hang down the aisle, a flag banner at the front of the aisle, monogrammed gifts for the bridesmaids, the ring bearer pillow and a small banner on the back of a wagon which will carry the flower girls. the wedding is nov. 1st. guess i better get started!

  • Debbie Frene

    Our summer plans include a week in Nags Head, NC. I have made backpacks, shell collecting pouches, shorts and tops, and a car organizer for each of my grandchildren. Each has a theme, mermaids and seahorses, anchors and sailboats, and crabs and an octopus. I would l Iove to send you pictures if you’d like.

  • CATHY MARTIN

    I am semi retired. I still work one day a week. I plan to do more embroidery (lots of projects) for myself. I want to do some home decor. This place needs updating. My grandchildren need new things.

  • Dina Salsbery

    I’ll be making 50 towels for my husbands shooting clubs event, and cleaning my closet by working on finishing my unfinished projects. Just finished a project I’ve been working on for a year! Woohoo!,,

  • Mary

    Recovering from a stressful school year! . And learning to use my new BabyLock embroidery machine!

  • Judi J

    Traveling to Austin, Tx for a Ham radio convention in August but right now learning more about In the Hoop projects with zippers. I just completed a tissue holder and a purse. thanks for the 7 tips. I found them to be very helpful.

  • lara curies

    think you …

  • zee digitizing

    It’s amazing, i found what i am looking at this time.thank you so much for this article

  • Beverly Meyer

    I have a daughter getting married in September of 2017 so I will be busy this summer monogramming shirts for the bridesmaids and the bride.

  • Jeri Lano

    Going on a cruise with 3 other couples. I made shirts that say “What happens on a cruise Stays on a cruise”

  • Kathy

    We had wedding in Minnesota right after the 4th. I embroidered chair covers for the bride and groom. They were happy about them. I love to do embroidering on things

  • Vanessa L Lewis

    My summer is planned around on learning more about my brother’s machine embroidery and doing some item to give for Christmas presents. I would also like to learn to quilt on my embroidery machine

  • pat talcott

    Pretty new to embroidery but hoping this will become a passion. My daughter (Kristi) is currently going through chemo. She has asked me to make some chemo caps and neck pillows for her to hand out during her sessions with chemo (so like her to want to give to others!). So I’m looking to embroider some fun designs on those for her.

  • debbie

    Bought a emb. machine, now I am going to learn, can’t wait to start making pretty things….

  • Sandra

    I have three babies due to (friends) this Summer. I plan to make blankets, curtains and chair pads for baby & the new mothers. There will be names, birth dates and teddy bears/balls/trucks/dolls on them.

  • Cynthia Puller

    I’m a beginner. So I’m starting simple. Starting with embroidery lesson on my new machine from the dealer I bought it from. I then plan on starting with playing then moving to monograms.

  • catherine

    what software do you use

  • connie denk

    I am going to try a craft fair. I just started to embroider. I am going to do tea towels, (fingers crossed)

  • Diana king

    My husband was told he has progressive Alzheimer’s. I’m making a embroidery memory quilt. Of things we have done. And all the family on it. For him.

  • Diana king

    My husband was told he has progressive Alzheimer’s. Making a embroidery rag quilt. With things we have done and all the family on it.

  • Great Article! Just what I was looking for. Thanks for explaining it thoroughly I’m sure its going to help a lot of people.

  • I”m definitely going to try those with my next project.

  • Amazing! These tips are very helpful.