My multi-needle embroidery machine has an automatic basting file option which I use in a variety of ways. I know I have shared this feature in a past blog but I did not show you how to use the basting file to hold bulky items in a hoop. For example,embroidering on neoprene fabric such as a lap top case, tablet case or mouse pad. The thick cumbersome fabric is difficult to place in a hoop, even when you use a sticky back tear away stabilizer the item can be pulled out of the hoop. As the embroidery mechanism moves the opportunity for the lap top case to come loose is increased.
This is how I use the basting file option as a third hand.
Step One: Locate the center of the lap top case and place a text target sticker on the fabric. Make sure the monogram or initial is stitched in the correct orientation. The arrow on the target sticker will designate the proper direction for the monogram to be stitched.
Step Two: Place water activated tear away stabilizer in your hoop. Spritz the stabilizer with water and lay the lap top case on the hoop. Keep the target sticker in place until precisely aligned under the needle bar.
Step Three: Load the embroidery design on the screen and touch the basting file icon on the editing screen. 
The basting file will move to the first color of the design. I like to use a thread color that matches the background of my fabric. (For this photo I opted to use red thread so you can see it better).
You have the option of increasing the size of the basting file distance around the design on page 2.
Step 4: The basting file is stitched first and will now hold the bulky fabric to the hoop. The monogram will be stitched next. After the embroidery is complete, carefully remove the basting file stitches from the back of the fabric.
If your machine does not have his feature, you can easily create a basting file in your embroidery software. Go to your appliqué shapes icon, select a simple shape such as a rectangle, right click and convert to “run” stitches. Increase the stitch length to 4.0 . Save the basting file in a folder for future reference.
Join me in my Craftsy class and save now with a $20 coupon.
https://www.craftsy.com/ext/MarieZinno_4963_H
7 COMMENTS
Belinda Germain
9 years agoSome sites have feee basting files if you do not want to make your own.
Bruce
8 years agoCan you share some?
Bruce, https://www.printavo.com
Sharron
9 years agoGood advice. Sometimes we foe get ow helpful certain little tricks are. Thanks foe the memory jog. This was helpful.
Sharon R
9 years agoI just recently started using basting stitches, and they worked exactly as advertised. I also learned a lesson about placing your stitches to close to your design on a heavily napped fabric.
Nancy Stansbury
9 years agoGreat Tip Reminder
Kitt
8 years agoThe fabric I am using has a lot to do with weather I baste or not. I do like to if I can, it sure helps to stabilize the fabric for the design. I am getting ready to do my new laptop case and this little reminder helped.
Lou
8 years agoI’m afraid my basting stitches will show on the item.