Comparison of Sewing Machine Prices and Features

When performing sewing machine comparisons, it is important to compare not only prices but features as well. Sometimes, obtaining the best price does not mean you get the best deal on your purchase.

Compare sewing machines by sitting at them as if you were sewing. Better yet, ask for a scrap of material and actually sew. Are the foot controls comfortable or, if you opt for a knee control, is it comfortable? Do your arms feel comfortable when guiding the fabric through the machine? Does the machine feel as if it is pulling the fabric away from you or does it gently feed the material? You want to find a sewing machine that is comfortable for you.

Of course, you have to do a sewing machine comparison on pricing. Purchase the best quality machine you can afford. Don't trade off crucial features to save only a few dollars. If you must choose a lower model to save money, select one with fewer of the 'whistles and bells' that you don't use often rather than an important feature you'll need regularly.

Sewing machines to consider with different function and prices:

Electronic sewing machines

As with mechanical models electronic sewing machines also use a single motor along with cams and levers to power the needle with electronic features making it easier to precisely control settings. With the press of a button you are able to change stitches or adjust lengths in a much simpler manner than turner a less precise knob or lever. Stitches are more consistent, and adjustments are easier since they require pushing buttons instead of fiddling with knobs. The prices of electronic machines have dropped dramatically making it affordable for everyone.

Computerized sewing machines

Depending on your needs you may require a computerized machine, which is coordinated by a computer microprocessor. One important thing about these machines is that they need hardly any maintenance. A basic computerized machine will allow you to embroider letters of the alphabet and a few small decorative motives. If you are intending to download designs from the internet your machine will need to be able to interface with a computer. These machines usually fall in the higher price range.

Embroidery machines

The top of the range sewing machines will have hoop embroidery features. They will have a number of pre-programmed embroidery patterns and offer additional patterns on a memory card. Some machines have a special drive that will enable you to download patterns of the internet onto a memory card. With other machines you are able to scan images onto your computer and digitize it for embroidery. These types of machines can be very expensive.

Quilting machines

Most sewing machines can be used for machine quilting with some requiring special considerations or adaptations. It would be wise to consult your dealer as to what these special consideration may be. One requirement that is especially important for making large quilts is the opening between the needle and the motor. The larger the opening the easier it will be to handle a large quilt.

It is important to ensure you have an in-store demonstration of whatever sewing machine you are considering purchasing. Be very aware of the warranty and service available on the machine.

For more information about sewing machines visit http://www.sewingmachinesforyou.com

How To Choose a Sewing Machine

You have finally come to the conclusion that you need or want a sewing machine. Now, what is on the market and how do you make the right decision?

There are many brands of machines out there and everyone boasts different features. Some machines appeal to quilters, others want you to embroider everything including the toilet seat and the shower curtain. Searching for the right machine is going to take some time.

Shopping for a new machine can make your head spin. The girls on my boards discuss which machine is best every time someone needs a new one. We all know the name brands but I am not going to suggest one, that decision is yours. It's a personal one and an important one. I will, however give you a few basic questions you should ask yourself.

1. What type of sewing do you plan to do?
- clothing
- crafts
- repairs and alterations
- home decorating

2. Where will you sew?

- sewing room
- kitchen table
- integrated into other family living area

3. How will your machine be stored?
- in its own cabinet
- in a closet hiding behind the coats
- leave it out to sew every spare moment

4. Consider your budget and buying habits? How long will you keep this machine?
- 6 months
- a few years
- forever and a day

When you answer these questions, you are on your way to making the right decision. Obviously if you are going to sew from the kitchen table, you don't want a machine with lots of accessories or add-ons that will take up too much room. If you are doing repairs and alterations, you don't want a machine that duplicates the quilting stitch. If you have small children around, your machine needs to be tucked away safely. Just a few things to think about.

Research is the name of the game here. Check out the latest consumer reports. Visit the forum discussions on sew-whats-new.com and see what the girls are using. They will gladly tell you what works and what doesn't. Another source is the well known sewing magazines. Sew News and Threads do comparison studies all the time.

If you are lucky enough to have local dealers, pay them all a visit. Test drive all their machines and ask lots and lots of questions. Take fabric with you that you use and test out things like stitch length, reverse and some of the different presser feet. Find out about lessons. Lots of dealers will give you a few free lessons to get you acquainted with your machine. Above all, take your time. I cannot stress this enough. Don't let anyone rush you thru the process. Leave the kids at home so you have no distractions. While you are in the shop asking questions, you can see how the staff relate to customers and if they have the answers to all your questions. If they seem impatient or brusque, imagine how they might be after the sale. If they are not helpful now at the prospect of a sale, they probably won't be later if you need help.

On the other hand, a strong sales pitch can also steer you in the wrong direction. Paying for a top of the line model doesn't mean you are getting the machine you will be happiest with. You must resist the urge for that impulse buy. Go home and talk to someone who sews. Find out their experiences and listen to what they have to say. Again, take your time with this decision.

If you have visited all the dealers, and test driven their machines visit them all again. Visit again when you are rested and can make a clear decision. Go back and take a second look at those machines. You are looking at them with new eyes now. Maybe there are a few things you never noticed the first time that stand out now. What about that foot pedal, is it comfortable? Do you want the even feed feature? Does the machine run smoothly and quietly? Are there more programmes than you will ever use? If so, make a mental note and you can scale down your possible choices. This second visit will tell you more than you expect.

Ask about the warranty that comes with each machine. Be sure you know who is responsible for standing behind it, your dealer or the manufacturer. Are repairs made locally or will you have to pack everything up and send it away.

Be very sure you understand what is included with the sewing machine. Which feet, how many bobbins and what about a manual. The manual is very important. You will refer to the manual time after time so it should be a good reference guide to all the accessories and stitch designs along with any other functions. The manual should be full of pictures and diagrams for the basic sewing as well as clear directions. If your manual isn't helpful, do you want to go searching out the answers every time you have a problem. I wish I had a penny for every time someone has emailed me with a problem that their manual doesn't answer.

Be sure you get your sales agreement in writing and keep your copy in a safe place. Nothing less will do.

The bottom line is you must do some work before you ever sew your first stitch. If you make the effort and educate yourself, the rewards of a great sewing machine are yours.

Mary is the mother to three grown children and six perfect grandchildren. She is also owner/editor of http://sew-whats-new.com Her site has been recognized in many national sewing magazines

The Singer Sewing Machine Line!

In sewing machines, the Singer Sewing Machine is probably the most well known. The name itself will have any advanced sewer or quilter eager to give comments. Their line of machine range from the most advance electronic machines to the most basic for beginners. The company has many features, accessories, and models to available in most department stores.

Singer sewing machines are high quality and highly praised. The company itself has been in business since 1851 making sewing machines. They were the first to offer machines with the zig zag feature. Also a first in the world by offering an electronic sewing machine. Their newest sewing machines are the world's most advanced home sewing and embroidery machines. They boast that their machines can do anything such as home decor projects, clothing construction, quilting, and embroidery. With so much to offer it is easy to see why the Singer sewing machine has been around for so long.

Singer sewing machines are grouped in 4 basic groups. First there is the basic featured machine. This sewing machine is the most economical, but still offers such features as buttonholing and utility stitches. Another group is the scholastic. Scholastic Singer sewing machines are highly durable and practical. These machines are great to use in a teaching environment. Singer sewing machine's highest quality machines are probably the Quantum line. These machines offer the most new features and electronics but are also great beginning machines as well. Lastly, the multi featured line is what the name suggests in that they offer many features in one machine such as buttonholing, automatic needle threaders, and drop feed. Singer sewing machines has something for everyone.

To find a Singer sewing machine, you needn't look far. They are available in most department stores, in catalogs, and online. Since they are made durably and of high quality, purchasing one second hand is still a good options available to the consumer. The Singer sewing machine has something to offer for every level of sewer or quilter. They have something for computer savvy individuals down to the most technically challenged. When looking for a good machine to last a lifetime, consider Singer sewing machines.

Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.my-sewing-machine-4me.com/

When to Choose Embroidery

TAPE TIPS

Successful digitizing and embroidery

WHEN TO CHOOSE EMBROIDERY

When considering the best method for creating a logo or design on a garment or non-apparel item, keep in mind that embroidery offers a rich, textured appearance that will last for years.

LOCATION

Left and Right Chest - The industry standard for design elements is to have the logo on the left chest and any personalization, such as an employee?s name, on the right chest. Sleeve - You might want to consider adding a logo, design or slogan to the left sleeve to add variety. This would create more visibility for businesses who have a message to display. Back ? below collar (yoke area) is also an area that can add some variety to design placement. One consideration for this area is to avoid designs that could be irritating for the wearer due to backing. Certain designs that require backing may not be advisable. Sometimes, thickness of thread coming through backing can create a great deal of irritation. Left Chest and Hat - If logo is to be placed on left chest or sleeve and a hat, make sure you have separate tapes digitized for each placement. A digitized tape for hats, for example, is engineered differently than for a left chest or sleeve placement, generally being sewn from the middle of the design out.

FABRIC

Typical fabrics for uniforms that would most often contain an embroidered element include cotton twill, pique, denim, cotton/polyester blend and fleece (for jackets).

THREAD

If a garment produced with embroidery is going to be washed in high temperatures and heavy bleach or will have rough use, thread selection is of particular concern. Polyester thread is the best choice in such a situation to avoid fading and bleeding of thread color into the garment.

If the vibrancy of color is important, then rayon is the best choice. Rayon is the traditional choice when a higher degree of luster and shine are wanted. You may have to direct your embroiderer to use rayon as they may have polyester as their standard due to its strength and ability to withstand the sewout process with less breakage than is potential with rayon. Don?t sacrifice the quality and appearance of your design to make it easier to sew out.

DESIGN ELEMENTS

Letter size is an important consideration when creating a digitized design for the embroidery process.

Minimum Letter Height by Fabric:

Pique, Terry cloth, Fleece .?. 1/ 4?

Twill, Most other fabrics ?? 3/16?

MARKETING IDEAS

If you customer has vendors, you might suggest to your customer that their vendor may want to participate in getting shirts produced by having their name embroidered on the shirt (EG: on the sleeve). They may have coop dollars available to subsidize a portion of the cost of the shirt and create a better sales opportunity for you. Home Depot, for example, may choose to have Black & Decker or Porter Paints displayed on their employees shirt sleeves.

Fast Embroidery Tapes http://www.fastembroiderytapes.com

Finding Your Niche With An Embroidery Digitizing Business

You have everything in place to start an embroidery digitizing business. You've done all your research. You have a business plan in place and have contracted out for your own website.
With all of the competition out there, how do you make yourself stand out from the crowd?

When you are first starting out, you may decide that you want to focus on a certain type of image to digitize into an embroidery pattern. You may choose dragons, flowers or frogs. If you focus on similar pictures at first, you will get faster at doing these type of images. Not only will you get faster at digitizing these pictures into embroidery patterns, but you will get better at it.

If this is how you decide to start out with digitizing embroidery patterns, you will want to choose a niche that you are interested in. When you are digitizing a new design, you will need to embroider it to make sure that it turns out okay. If you don't like dragons or faeries, and that is the type of image you are digitizing into embroidery patterns, not only will you have samples around that you aren't interested in, but you won't feel the urge to get the images as close to perfect as you would if you love flowers and you are digitizing flower images into embroidery patterns.

If you are going to offer to digitize images that people send you into embroidery patterns, you will eventually want experience at digitizing a variety of images, not just the type of images in your niche. When you work by request, you will be working with a wide variety of images to digitize into embroidery patterns, not simply one specific type.

Something that really needs to be mentioned any time that you talk about doing specialized work for customers. With people sending images to you to digitize into embroidery patterns, you may face another issue that you haven't seen mentioned before. When you buy a digitized embroidery pattern file at the store, the company who digitized these patterns will have paid to use any trademarked images.

That's is something very important that you will want to keep in mind. The NFL, collegiate teams or large corporations such as Disney will sue anyone using their trademarked images without permission. You will get a letter before they take you to court, but don't count on being able to just slide by. The big companies have lawyers and are always looking for people who are breaking copyright laws.

There are plenty of legal ways to get around the copyright laws, however if you have any doubts about whether you are violating these laws, your best bet is to play it safe.

Sahel is the Sales/Support representative of Cheap Digitizing. You can find more information or ask him questions about Embroidery Digitizing on www.cheapdigitizing.com

Know-How of Machine Embroidery

It can be (Machine embroidery) as simple as selecting wonderful design, inserting the design card into the machine, hooping the fabric and pushing a button. But if one aims to manufacture good-looking garments with soft, flexible embroidery, there is much one should know.

Even the fabrics like silks and soft wools can be machine-embroidered. But manufacturing elegant embroidery, which is well matched with the fabric, doesn't wrinkle, or alter the fabric's drape, includes the relations of all the following essentials: a machine that's well-adjusted and placed at the suitable needle and bobbin tensions, a well-equipped and located design, the exact needle and thread for the job, and a sound knowledge of the fabric being embroidered therefore it's properly hooped and stabilized. The article will discuss these fundamentals, but the content will focus on how to select designs and fabrics that are suited with each other and tell what to do when they are not.

Good Design & Digitising in Embroidery

Good design and digitising need some excellent ingredients like production friendliness, proper pathing, proper underlay, a balance of stitch count and detail.

Production friendliness means designs must be visually pleasant; but it is more crucial that they must be sewn fast and proficiently. Customers have to understand this serious matter: by giving a little more money for good digitising, they save their money by reducing machine time.

Though, techniques of Proper Pathing are difficult to master, it is the foundation of effective designs. Proper pathing is complicated in terms of many concerned variables, including the type of fabric, the design's foreground and background. Proper underlay is unseen but it is a significant part of a design. Underlay helps perfect the look of design and it also enables you to loosen your high compactness that decreases total stitch count and helps designs run better. Proper digitising is the result of good placing of underlay concerning the top stitch. The break wall of underlay prevents the top stitching from sticking to the fabric or stitching bottom.

A balance of stitch count and detail helps digitising demonstrates detail without producing a mess of stitches. Manufacturers must not forget that the thread has a mass of 1 mm; therefore they should allow the viewer to fill in the design's space with his mind's eye. After all, designs are generally viewed from a certain distance.

Designs with high compactness are likely to become impenetrable and rough to the person wearing the garment. Manufacturers should reduce the densities with developing coats of embroidery. They must consider the suppleness of fabric when a manufactured sample does not please eyes of viewers.

There are many features connected with good digitising; these are clean lettering, efficient artwork modification, importance of push/pull issues, knowledge of stitch length and type, correct tie-ins and tie-outs, successful blending, a good perception of when to use or not use automatic software functions and other factors.

Compatible Design and Fabric

Fabric features, its proposed usages and the particulars of design form a winning combination of fabric and design. But there are some hurdles, which should be coped with. Manufacturers must take care if the design's stitch density would alter the hand of the fabric. If yes, this should not become a problem in your project. Then the effects of colour, weight and texture of fabric on design should be examined. If manufacturer is able to obtain good results by using backing and topping, simple change of thread colours might make the fabric and design work together. Modifying design to make it work or selecting design might prove an unwelcome option.

Stabilizing the fabric

When high-speed embroidery is concerned, knit is taken as unstable fabric. A cut-away stabilizer is the solution to design stability while the design is being embroidered and it stays behind the embroidery pattern all through the life of the garment.

. A fusible or non-fusible cut-away stabilizer in a weight harmonizes the fabric weight. Extremely heavy stabiliser makes the designs stiff; on the other hand a stabilizer, which is incredibly light will enhance the probability of the design cupping and wrinkling.

Various coatings of lightweight cut-away stabiliser are advised for heavyweight knit and grade the stabiliser layers after embroidering. This will stop extra volume behind the design and next to the body.

. Used with knits, a tear-away stabiliser may draw back from the design during embroidery, creating design deformation and mismatched figures.

. Combine knit tricot bordering to the fabric incorrect side under the embroidery region so that fabric stretch can be stabilised before hooping. Knit tricot interfacing has the same cross-grained stretch as the fashion knit, so combine the interfacing stretch perpendicular to the knit fabric stretch. Remember that cut-away stabilizer is still essential even though interfacing is used to hold the fabric.

. To prevent misaligned outlines, forward through the design and stitch the outline first to secure all the layers together, using a thread colour that goes with the fabric. Then embroider the design from the beginning, re-stitching the outline in sequence

Backing and Topping are Fabric stabilizers

Backing

Backing, as the name denotes, gives support and structure placed under the item or fabric being embroidered; it is a woven or non-woven material. Backings are available in various density and patterns.

Use of Backing

Backing is used to support the item being embroidered; it handles the stitches being applied to the fabric or item being sewn. Backing gives an additional support to prevent distortion of the design being sewn. Manufacturers are always in dilemma which backing they should apply to improve the quality of products. The most important rule for embroidery is to stabilise the fabric. Manufacturers use backing to stabilise the design sewn on the garment. Stabiliser works as the foundation of design and everyone knows that any project or work will come out wrong without having a good foundation. The same principle is applicable to embroidery also. If a builder wants to erect a skyscraper, he has to make the foundation strong. The requirement of backing is in proportion to the number of stitches of design. If the backing is lightweight, four layers are more than enough. Some common sense might be useful at this moment. Multiple layers of backing are better than one layer of heavier backing.

Topping

Toppers keep the stitches above the surface. There are various kinds of toppings like water-soluble, coloured vinyl or matching organza. Put the topper over the design region and use the machines' fix/baste function to support it in place during embroidery. Toppers can be taken off by carefully cutting or eliminating according to the directives of the manufacturers. Organza topper can be taken off by holding it tight above the design and cut close to the design edge using sharp, curved scissors. The organza cut edge will vanish back into the fabric, but will stay under the design for firmness.

Designs

Light and airy designs are perfect for knit fabrics. Even after selecting the ideal stabilizer, the knits might be curled, cupped or distorted by solid, dense designs.

Designs must be selected according to the weight of knit. Simple, less dense or outline designs are advisable for lightweight knits. If a thick design is embroidered on a lightweight knit, the fabric that hems in design will be overburdened. A design with more detailing but not excessively dense works best for sweatshirting and other heavyweight knits.

Floating appliqu?s responds well to machine embroidery designs, which are preprogrammed. Manufacturers must consider how the designs stitch out prior to selecting designs. The stitches must hold themselves even after the stabilizer is detached, hence the design should start with running stitches and then have satin stitches added to support the design. All the stitched areas must connect to retain the design shape.

Occasionally, the stitches in a design appear to be totally connected, but when the stabilizer is removed, the embroidery falls apart. If in doubt about the design's stability, sandwich a layer of sheer fabric, such as organdy, organza or tulle, with the water-soluble stabilizer prior to stitching. After the stabilizer is removed, carefully trim away any fabric outside the design area

The same procedure can be used if the appliqu? has open areas in the design. To ensure the sheer fabric in the appliqu? won't show, select a colour close to the garment it will be placed on.

Puckering

If your design is 4" square, use the size hoop closest to the size of the design. Fabric can be distorted by extra large hoop used during the embroidery procedure. Puckering appears on the design when the fabric is unhooped. Fabric must be hooped tightly not rigidly. Too taut of fabric could result in the stretching of the fabric and will cause the same result - puckering of the fabric around the design. Adjusting the size of the hoop before the last hooping is also significant. First, set the screw on your hoop just about where you think it should be for the layers of stabilizer and fabric. Then, try to hoop your fabric - continue hooping and unhooping until you have the perfect tension. Never adjust the screw on the hoop after hooping your fabric with the stabilizer. This action will cause the fabric to shift in the hoop and ultimately cause puckering of the fabric around designs.

Distortion

Achievement of desired results is relied on proper selection and use of stabilizer. Design will create distortion in the fabric on which the design is being stitched out. If the distortion is not reduced, it can cause misalignments of the design outline as well as other features. If misaligned features or gaps in between fills create troubles, the problem is most likely a result of improper choice and use of stabilizer or poor hooping method.

Applying perfect stabilizer can minimize fabric distortion that occurs as the design is being stitched out. The quality of the finished work is much affected by both the type of stabilizer used and technique used to attach the fabric to the stabilizer. The distortion of design depends on the density of stabilizer; it is also significant to take in that there is a strong relationship between connection of fabric to the stabilizer and tendency of its movement while the design is being stitched out. All of designs incorporate underlay stitching which facilitates the fabric to get linked with the underlying stabilizer. Using either adhesive sprays or stabilizers such as Wet N Set, which include some form of adhesive, can often further improve this union between the fabric and stabilizer.

Fabric Coverage

Poor coverage is the result of loose stitches and one can see through the embroidery stitching. Other things like colour or texture, thread selection, enlarging the design, or even personal preference cause poor fabric coverage. This poor result can be corrected by digitizing with proper stitch choice, with more stitches and underlay stitches and with the help of suitable backing and topping. A topping like Coverup can be used to prevent poor coverage. The proper colour has the ability to cancel the influences of coloured or printed fabrics and can control the pile of fabric quickly.

Designs, which are enlarged on some embroidery system lengthens the stitches and extends the spacing between them. Such designs do not protect fabric as well as their unscaled corresponding parts. Put gold lam? as topping if the customizing software lengthens the stitches and widens the rows. The spaces generated from elongating the stitches will have the sparkling lam? peeping through, and you may even generate a more remarkable effect than the first design. Fabric coverage is also influenced by personal choice. Expectation of total coverage of fabric, not considering thread-colour selections gives birth to inflexible embroidery, which expert embroiderers and digitizers consider to be of poor quality - and which will probably cause other troubles like puckering, thread breaks or even fabric damage.

Misalignment

Tearaway backing with a design, which has ample fill regions, can cause inferior registration like gapping or misaligned outlines. These designs can crash a tearaway and weaken the stability before the figure has been totally sewn. To solve this problem, use only a cutaway backing or stuck with embroidery spray paste.

Poor registration can be resulted from excessively stiff tensions also. Such situation makes you loosen your bobbin and upper thread tensions to put it right. Roughly woven fabric threads may create what might come out to be inferior registration. By deflecting the needle to one side of the fabric threads, the fabric fibres can create bumpy edges. Stable and smooth-finish fabric is ideal for clean-edged effects.

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Embroidery Gifts and Products

There are so many products available for embroidery. This holiday season give a gift that can be forever cherished. Embroidered keepsakes are a wonderful gift idea for people of all ages. And if you're not a skilled embroiderer, not to worry. There are many available embroidery gifts and products ready for purchase.

Stockings. Stockings are one of the best embroidery products to give as a holiday gift. No family Christmas is complete without a stocking with everyone's name on it, including the family pet. You can find designs for people-and pets-of all ages. A beautiful embroidered stocking will make a gift that will be enjoyed year after year for many Christmases to come.

Frames. Picture frames are another great idea for an embroidered gift. Send loved ones a family portrait in an embroidered frame and choose a sentimental phrase to put on it. There are so many beautiful backgrounds and designs that can be used for embroidered picture frames.

Pillows and Blankets. When the mercury starts to dip down and Jack Frost is waiting at your door, there is not better comfort than a warm blanket. Give friends and family the gift of comfort with a personalized embroidered blanket. Include the persons name, favorite animal or hobby. There are endless options for personalized embroidery. And why not make it a set and give a coordinating embroidered pillow.

Apparel. Embroidered clothing is perfect for all gift-giving situations. Whether giving to the family or giving gifts to everyone in the office. There are many types of clothing available including fleece hats and caps, warm outerwear, and comfortable active wear.

All of these products can be purchased either pre-made or can be done in the home. Making crafts together is a fun holiday activity for bringing the family together and also gives you keepsakes that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Angela Oliver is a contributing author for EmbroideryAuthority.com, specializing is custom embroidered logos, as well as a large line of apparel ready for embroidery or heat transfers. Please visit the site at EmbroideryAuthority.com to view our complete line of embroidery apparel and accessories.

Applique Tutorial for Machine Embroidery

Machine embroidered appliques are not only fun and easy, they also allow you to really get creative by using up any stray pieces of fabric you've kept around. No leftover fabric? Then you can have even more fun by grabbing your scissors and cutting up those clothes you still have but haven't worn in years.

Use appliques to embellish an inexpensive gift or to create something unique for yourself very quickly. Try it yourself and see how much fun it is. Here's how:

1. Of course, the first thing to do is load your applique design into your embroidery machine.

2. Next hoop the material your finished design will be on. Be sure to stabilize it just as you would for any kind of machine embroidery.

3. When you push the 'Start' button the outline of the applique stitches first. Because it's going to be covered later you can use any thread color you want but it's a good habit to select a thread color close to the fabric color.

4.Once the outline is complete your machine will stop. Place a piece of your applique fabric over the outline. Make it large enough to adequately cover the outline but not so large as to be cumbersome. You can safely remove the hoop from your machine if you want to position your fabric but don't unhoop!
You'll need to hold the fabric in place over the outline so it doesn't pucker or bunch up on you. You can try using double-stick tape but usually it's just as easy to hold it down. Watch your fingers!

5. Now the tacking stitch will sew, tacking the applique fabric down.

6. Then remove the hoop from the machine but once again, don't unhoop yet. Cut away the excess applique fabric from around the tacking stitch. Get close to the tacking stitches but take your time and try not to cut too many of them.

7. After most of the fabric is cut away it's easy to trim off the stray pieces.

8. Put the hoop back in the machine and push the button one more time.

9. Your machine will now run another tacking stitch around the pattern. It's usually a V stitch or an E stitch and is like a double check in case you cut a stitch or two while trimming your fabric.

10. When the second tacking stitch is complete your machine will apply the final outline stitch, usually a satin stitch, putting the finishing touch on your applique.

11. You're done already! Now unhoop it, admire your creativity, and do another one using a different fabric and create something entirely different.

See how darned additive machine embroidered appliques are?

Deb Schneider is an embroidery design digitizer offering her machine embroidery designs, Redwork designs and appliques on her website: WindstarEmbroidery.com.