Creative machine Embroider is filled with ideas, techniques and projects to spice up fashion accessories, gifts or home decor.

CREATIVE MACHINE EMBROIDERY

the editor

tips & tricks

must haves • the latest & greatest tools & designs

Organizing Embroidery Designs • Avoid searching for embroidery design files by creating an organizational system. Use visual reference guides, digital sorting systems and a backup of all designs to easily find inspiration and begin stitching at a moment’s notice.

tip

Fabric Foray: Vinyl • Vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyurethane and typically has a knitted or woven backing. Vinyl can be used as a synthetic alternative to leather and is available in a variety of finishes, ranging from matte to shiny, and in interesting animal prints, such as snakeskin. Vinyl backings are made of cotton, flannel or muslin. Clear vinyl without backing, like that used in the Peekaboo Lace Tote on page 24, is also available.

Spectrum of Stitches • Embroider vibrant swirls across a colorful quilt to create a fanciful kaleidoscopic effect. Use a quilt-as-you-go technique to save time when assembling the blocks, batting and backing.

Pins & Petals Pincushion

Peekaboo Lace Tote • Combine a freestanding lace design and clear vinyl for a sturdy and elegant tote for everyday style.

PERFECT PRESS • It’s possible to press vinyl; use the following tips for the best results.

Rose of the Rails • Capture a fun and fresh vintage vibe with a fitted jumpsuit. Create shapely embroidery that molds to the body with this appliqué technique.

Honeycomb Handbag • Create a high-contrast purse featuring a color-blocked honeycomb embroidery design and adjustable strap.

Peony Pouf • Create a custom ottoman with appliqué flower embroidery for a statement piece at a fraction of the cost.

Posy Pockets Smock • Add cute embroidered pockets to a readymade apron for a custom kitchen look. Plus, learn how to stitch an apron without a pattern.

EASY APRON • Learn how to easily draft and construct an apron.

Aloha Hoodie • If you’re looking for motivation to hit the gym, why not stitch a custom athleisure garment? Use an existing pattern to create a tropical pieced hoodie with hibiscus embroidery to look fabulous in or outside the gym.

Light in Flight • Upcycle a worn-out lamp and shade found at a thrift store or update an existing lamp with chic embroidery perfect for any room in your house.

RTW Refashion: Tees • T-shirts are a wardrobe staple that are not only comfortable, but can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Learn how to easily embroider a ready-to-wear T-shirt to elevate it from basic to brilliant with machine embroidery.

Folk Floral • Flaunt your free spirit in a flowy linen blouse with Bishop sleeves featuring feminine floral embroidery.

The Cat's Pajamas • These simple linen shorts are as simple to wear as they are to sew. Easily stitched up in an afternoon, these can double as PJ shorts.

EXCLUSIVE CME CAT LIFE DAYS OF THE WEEK COLLECTION

Pick a Pattern: Pinafore Party • Pinafores are a favorite garment for transitioning between seasons. Pair them with leggings and a ruffle-sleeve blouse for cooler weather or tanks and sandals for spring and summer. And they’re a perfect canvas for customizing with embroidery. From the straps to the bib to the pockets, depending on their construction, pinafores offer a variety of spots that are begging for embroidered embellishment. Here are a few of our favorites to try.

Janet Hayes of Golden Needle Designs

ask an embroiderer • Discover beginner tips and advice for machine embroidery newbies from Managing Editor Kate Zaynard.

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