Pre-Wash and Press

You are eager to stitch that new design and decide to skip pre-washing and pressing. What could go wrong? The fabric could shrink up around the design with the first washing or the fabric dye could bleed into the thread of the design. If you embroider over a crease or wrinkle, no amount of pressing afterwards will smooth out the fabric at the edge of the design.

Pre-wash with the same wash cycle and water temperature that you will use for the finished item. If you are embroidering something that will never be laundered, you may skip this step.

Press the fabric with an up and down motion (not sliding) to avoid stretching the fabric. Use spray starch with cotton fabrics to add stability. Steam press the stabilizer, just to keep it from shrinking later. Allow fabric and stabilizer to cool before hooping (or you risk setting in the hoop marks).

After embroidering, restore that never-been-washed look by using a little spray sizing as you press the fabric.

Next issue: embroidery requests 

from Mary Jane Allen of Perfect Little Stitches

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SMOKE MonoPoly

Reduced-stretch polyester
monofilament invisible thread
disappears against darker fabrics.
2,400 yards.

Also available in clear
for use with lighter fabrics.

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Moccasin/ Slipper

What could be cozier than a
flannel-lined Moccasin to keep
those little tootsies toasty on a cold
winter morning. With this pattern
(and a large hoop and the proper
digitizing software) you have the capability to make slippers from
infant size 2 up to CHILD size 3
(which would fit an 8 year old).
Instructions included. This pattern
is available for large hoops and
also for the 4x4 hoop machines.