Embroidery Design Ideas and Tips

Machine Needles

2005-02-27T16:31:00.000-08:00

Machine needles come in many varieties and sizes. Which needle to use on any particular project can be determined either by the fabric or thread and the type of sewing. Often you must do a little experimenting to get the right combination of fabric, needle, and thread for your project.

Terms used when describing machine needles include shank, groove, scarf, eye, and point. Let's look at each of these. Have a needle in hand so you can see each part as it is discussed. The shank is the upper part of the needle that is held in place by the machine. It can be rounded or flat on a side.

The eye is the part of the needle that the needle goes through. It carries the thread through the material and down to the bobbin case to create a stitch.

The groove runs from the shank to the eye and acts and the final thread guide. It provides protection to the thread as it is pulled through the fabric.

The point of the needle is the end of the needle which pierces the fabric. There are 4 basic types, universal, ball, wedge and sharp.
Bonnie Domeny
Threadlove Embroidery

The Value Of Machine Embroidery

2005-02-01T23:26:00.000-08:00

I learned a valuable lesson recently and I thought I’d share it with you.

Although embroidery is a hobby for many of us, I bet every one of you have had the opportunity to charge for doing a bit of embroidery.

Pricing our work correctly is difficult. When you consider the cost of the item sewn on, thread, needles, stabilizer, wear and tear on the machine, choosing a design, cost and set up of the design, and the time it takes from idea to completion even the simplest project can be costly to the end consumer. Many of us have trouble charging what we are worth.

It’s becoming easier for me to determine what I need to break even, and then charge accordingly, but it’s something that comes from careful evaluation of costs and lots of practice. It’s still one of the most difficult aspects of my business.

Recently, I’ve had been very busy filling orders and trying to get my house in order after ignoring it for the past 3 months. I had plans to be away for several days and there is oh so much I wanted to get done.

On a Wednesday I received a call from a woman who was looking for someone to do an infant t-shirt for her. She was desperate to have it by Friday. Okay, I said, the cost will be (insert a rather large number here) for me to make your order a high priority. I thought that would stop her in her tracks and send her on her way. It didn’t. Instead she says great and can you make it two shirts.

Today, she came and picked up her 2 infant t-shirts with lettering and small designs. She handed me a check and said thank you for the rush job, I’ve added a little something extra for your efforts.

Of course among customers she is the exception rather than the rule. But after she left I pondered the idea of the value of what we do and determined that I still am not giving myself enough credit for the value of my time. As the New Year begins I have decided to adjust my pricing strategy a bit and give myself a well deserved raise.

Even if embroidery is not a business for you, the next time your neighbor’s, best friend’s, mother in law wants a name put on a shirt, think about the value of your time, resources, and talents. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you are worth. The worst that can happen is the potential customer says no.

In the long run you are doing yourself a favor. People who respect the value of your time, resources, and talents will appreciate the value the completed project

Bonnie Domeny
Custom Embroidery byThreadlove

2004-11-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas Gifts for Teens
In keeping with the theme of unique containers, filled with gifts here are some ideas for older children.
Container ideas for teens include backpacks, duffels and my personal favorite a decorative trash can. Embellish the container of your choice and fill with items such as,

a monogrammed beach towel
a big fluffy pillow with a design fitting for your teen
gift certificates for fast food or ice cream
power bars
electronic address book (those can be quite inexpensive)
fleece scarf with matching beanie and gloves, the scarf can be personalized with a design
cell phone case or phone card
cd case
roll of quarters
personalized t-shirt

Design ideas for teens included sports themes, catchy slogans (see the list below), animals, retro 60’s – 70’s floral.

Popular slogans:

All I ask is that you treat me no differently than you would the Queen (or King).
Teen Idle
You! Outta the Gene Pool.
I'm a Local. Go away!
Sorry if I look interested. I’m not.
If you don’t like my attitude quit talking to me.
You didn’t beat me... I let you win.
Pamper Me Please
I don’t do nice!
What do you mean NO?

For more great Personalized Christmas Gifts visit Custom Embroidery by Threadlove.

Also visit Custom Website Creations for another Holiday Shopping Experience
Your website should be as unique as you and your business are. GNC Web Creations specializes in custom website creations and original graphics that will meet all your special needs.

For the Family on the go consider giving a gift of comfort.

2004-09-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

Purchase or make a back of seat car organizer and monogram it. Then fill it with things to make car a little travel easier.

A blanket with a monogram or a great design in the corner for the comfort of passengers
Make a seat belt cover from a soft velour
A travel pillow
Travel games
Personalized seat covers
Snacks (and a whisk broom!)
First aid kit
Flashlight and extra batteries
An ice scraper
Throw away camera
Gift Certificates for fast food
Air Freshener
Map of the area
Phone Book
Pocket Umbrella
Rain Poncho

Wrap each accessory individually and stuff the pocket of the organizer. Have fun watching your favorite commuter reveal each special gift.

Next up: gifts for teen girls. I’m racking my brain for ideas for teen boys. I’d love to hear what you are giving this year.

Bonnie D
Custom Embroidery by Threadlove

Tea Cozy Pattern

2004-08-23T22:12:00.001-07:00

Supplies
1/2 yard of main fabric
1/2 yard of pre quilted fabric for lining
Stabilizer
Embroidery design(s) of choice

1. Tape the pattern pieces together at the match line.

2. From your main fabric cut 2 tea cozy pieces.

3. From the quilted lining cut 2 tea cozy pieces.

4. Hoop the stabilizer and main fabric. Make sure placement of the design is at least 2 inches from the bottom. (front)

5. If desired also embroider the 2nd piece of main. (back)

6. With wrong sides together, pin the tea cozy front to one piece of quilted lining.

7. Using a 1/4 inch seam, machine baste front to one piece of pre quilted fabric.

8. Using a light satin stitch (zig – zag) close the bottom edge.

9. Repeat for steps 7 and 8 for the back and remaining piece of pre quilted fabric.

10. With Right sides together pin the back to the front and sew using 1/4 inch seam. Be sure to leave the bottom open!

11. Turn up a hem of 1 - 2 inches and blind stitch in place.

The pattern and instructions are available as a Word document.

Bonnie D
New Lace Designs

Christmas Gift Ideas

2004-08-12T23:27:00.000-07:00

Christmas is coming and we embroiderers are always looking for gift ideas. Here are a few ideas that I will be using this year.

Gift Containers – On occasion I will use a basket, but it is much more fun to find something different and useful. Then it’s time to fill your container with goodies.

Women on your list will love a Purse (container) monogrammed then filled with personalized hankies, cell phone case, wallet, coin purse, glasses case, and check book cover. If time is limited you can purchase these items (instead of sewing them) embroider designs on felt (our use stand alone lace) and glue them to the accessories.

Another great gift for women is the instant Tea Party. Purchase a pretty tea pot (container), then fill with a tea cozy (pattern coming soon), coasters, an apron, napkins. You can even add a table runner and placemats or table cloth. Don’t forget the tea!!

I’ll update with even more ideas soon. Don’t forget to check back for the tea cozy pattern.

If you'd like to post a project or pattern you can send it to me. Please only patterns that are created by you. Copyrighted material will not be posted.

Bonnie
Embroidery Designs by Threadlove