Ann The Gran Community

Welcome to a brand new forum!

Practically everything we discuss involves fabric is some shape or form and now when can go steps beyond things "machine embroidery".

I like to add machine embroidery to quilts and accessories as well as clothing and have a couple things posted in the Project Gallery where  there are many, many great looking items....some include instructions.

To share my most frequent sewing tips:

(1) Open that instruction manual and test every feature of the machine - even if you have been sewing forever you may find a few techniques that you have forgotten or have never tried before!   This is especially true with a new machine.

(2) Thread the machine with the presser foot up!

(3) Keep the bobbin case and race clean - heavy napped fabrics and quilting can "shed" a lot of lint and before you know it, the needle and bobbin case/race are making a strange noise.   They are trying to work their way through drifts of lint and possibly a few thread snips.  I have also found lint built-up in the feed dogs.

(4) No oil or lubricant unless stated in the manual that came with the machine as to when and where this is to be done.

There are many more good tips, techniques and suggestions out there - please join in!

Thank you Pattiann for starting this forum where sewing and quilting can be discussed! Thanks for your great sewing tips as well! I do have one that I can add if I might. Remember to change your needle after completing a project or every 8 hours of sewing. It really does make a difference. Thank you, kt3234 Karen

This is a really great idea! 

I am often asked about when to change a needle.  What do you think?

I personally buy them by large quantities, particularly in groups of 100.  They are not so expensive, so I can change them much more often than if I bought them in a 5 pack. 

Pat, The Avid Embroiderer

Thank you!

I agree. Buying needles in bulk (pkg of 100) is easier and less expensive in the long run! That is the way I do it!

kt3234 Karen

Where do you buy bulk needles?  I only see them in 5 packs.

Glenda

You can find bulk needles here:  http://terradonunlimited.com/needles.htm

Make sure that your machine uses 'flat shank' and then be sure to order 'flat shank.'  Most home machines use that type.

Pat, The Avid Embroiderer

I order from Allbrands - http://www.allbrands.com/products/abc0126.html

I order from Allstitch.