Ann The Gran Community

I am nw to machine embroidery and need lots of help.

I embroidered one apple on aterry cloth  dish towei, using water soluble stabilizer underneath and on top{ I had read that somewhere},

the apple looks more like a cherry. Are there some design companies one should not use at all? Is it operator  error, Me?

I started with a new needle and used the color threads recommended.

When all have had our first day and we still have bloopers.

Always test your design on a sample of like fabric using same stabilizer as you are planning to use when doing the actual project.

A dense design requires cut away stabilizer and sometimes more than one layer.

You can use WSS on the bottom if it is med weight and the design is open - like an outline.

WSS on top of napped material is always a good idea.

I use a med. weight tear away on the bottom of towel and either tulle or plastic sheeting made for ME on top.  Personally I don't like wash away, when I make something for someone if it is washed to me it looks used.  But to each his own.

Sometimes designs look good and then you sew them out you wonder what they are.  This can happen with ALL design companies.  I don't know of any that I would tell you not to use.  Like Patty said in doubt do a test first.  I very rarely do a test, if it comes out OK I make a note of it in CATX and if it doesn't I just use it myself.

Keep trying, your next project will be just fine.  Trial and error makes experience.

Marge

Juanite, welcome to the wonderful world of machine embroidery (ME) and AnnTheGran (ATG). ME is the most fun craft, it is beautiful, and creative, you are going to fall in love!

Starting with a towel is rather ambitious because it has special issues. 

If you reply to this post, you will see an icon that looks like a film strip.  Follow the prompts and upload a photo (if you have one) so we can see what you are speaking about.

In the meantime, I have a Forum post that will help you as a newbie - Check this out It is created with a Brother machine, but most all directions are the same for any machine. 

Let us  know how you are coming along.  Read as much as you have time for and can absorb, post your questions here, and enjoy this beautiful craft.  We are all still learning, believe me!

Pat, The Avid Embroiderer

Sounds like you aren't using the right stabilizer, if you're going to use water solu. you need to use more on the bottom to hold design, or use a tear away on bottom and water on the top.     For future use, I keep an old towel and an old sweatshirt and try some of the designs out before I put them on my project, I've saved a lot of money this way by not ruining my good project. 

Momgolf35 - I love your name!  It says so much about you, but certainly not your age. . . .

I notice that you don't have a photo for your name.  I have always wondered if the following will work.  If you try it, let me know. 

• Go to 'Free Designs' and select "I agree"
• Near the bottom, select "Category" and Select "Golf" (or any other category you choose, this is just my suggestion)
• Choose a photo of a design and right click on that picture portion of the design
• Of the choices you see, Select 'save this photo as' and save it with a name into your computer
• In your 'Profile' (select your name in the upper right corner in light blue) and upload that photo your icon

I have wondered if that would create a nice little icon for your name.  Of course, your icon could be any photo, it does not have to be you, it could be your favorite design or favorite photo of a sunset or whatever.

Pat, The Avid Embroiderer

Thanking  everyone for your help. I  will try these suggestions and try them on the towels that look like cherries instead of apples. then  buy new towels and ME to give as the gift when i find the correct design.

Speaking of not knowing what your doing, I didn't start sewing until I was in my  40's and my first project was a jumper done in checked material. Now  try matching those checks, LOL.