Embroidering Collar Points

You have the perfect designs for embroidering on a collar, but how to you achieve perfect placement? And how do you hoop the collar?

Select designs that will fit easily on the collar. You will probably want to use the same design on both collar points (mirror-imaged for symmetry), but you could embroider just one collar point, use two different but coordinating designs, or use the same symmetrical design on both points. If the design does not come with a mirror-imaged version, and you do not have the software to mirror the design, ask the designer if she will do this for you.

Print each design at actual size to create a paper template. Mark the center of the design (your software probably does this for you) and draw a line from the center of the design to the center of the upper edge of the hoop. Trim to fit the collar. Wearing the garment, place the paper template on the collar, trying different positions and angles until you find the one you like best. Tape the paper into place. Do the same for the other collar point.

Hoop lightweight stabilizer. Stick the collar to the stabilizer, using sticky stabilizer, spray, tape or pins. If using tape or pins, be sure they are outside the embroidery area. Be sure the line that goes from the center of the design toward the top of the hoop is parallel to the sides of the hoop. Position the needle over the marked center of the design. Remove the paper template and stitch.

Repeat this process for the second collar point. Remove excess stabilizer.

Some designs include placement and basting stitches for foolproof results. You can also buy software that includes placement templates, such as The Perfect Placement Kit  from Wendy's Treasures or Place & Stitch Embroidery from Nancy's Notions.

Next issue: traveling with your machine

from Mary Jane Allen of Perfect Little Stitches

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Clock Blocks

This pattern includes designs and instructions to make 3 different clock faces.
Very quick and easy to make with a little machine stitching required to complete.
You can make a real working clock to place on a shelf (they fit over a half-gallon
milk or juice carton), or a stuffed toy. For 5x7 hoops.

Frosted Donuts

A fun name for a ring full of Frostings
bobbins. Frostings is the name for the
assortment sets of MasterPiece bobbins.
Each of three sets contains 12 colors for
a  total of 36 colors. The BobbinSaver
donut-like ring holds exactly 36 L-style
bobbins so they put 36 colors of
MasterPiece bobbins in the ring and
called it Frosted Donut. Keeps bobbins
organized and prevents unraveling.