Ann The Gran Community

IS there a way to  emb the more dense designs and not have the puckers? I am using ads. stabilizer and a good topper. The needle picks up the entire thing while sewing. The designs are pretty, but the finished project is ready for the waste basket. I am realy getting burned out. I am using a 9 in. square, but it is a bit smaller than the hoop, but I thought that is where the sticky paper came in.

Please tell me what I am doing wrong.
The Ala gang is getting larger each day.

Mary from Ala

Mary- Before you send your project to never never land, please take a photo of it and post it here.

To post the photo, select the icon between the tree and happy face (above when you reply).  Download the photo and make sure you select insert.  Make the size about 2" by 2"

Puckering can be caused by a number of factors, including understabilizing, not hooped tightly enough, and a worn needle among other things.  Stitch density is a factor, especially if the fabric is lightweight.

Let us look, there are many friendly and helpful ME enthusiasts here at ATG who would love to help.

Pat

You can see my blog on stabilizers that might help you.

This is sewn on broadcloth.

Thanks Pat

That appears to be a very dense design.  In digitizing for ME, there is something called a "pull effect."  I don't digitize, but I believe, essentially, the original design, and its density, can cause 'pull' of the fabric.  Density will pull the fabric 'inwardly' causing the puckering. This is actually an element and issue in digitizing, so there is nothing you could do if this is the issue.   Free designs are often the product of a 'newbie' in digitizing.  It takes a long time to learn digitizing. 

Consider this part of your design to be your 'test' and lets take it from there.

Lets make sure that your next piece has:

• a new and small needle.  That broadcloth cannot handle a #14 or even a #12 needle.  I would use no larger than a #10 or #11 needle.  The fact of the matter is the needle is somewhat neglected by all of us, be sure you are working with the right needle.
• Heavy, cutaway, adhesive stabilizer is a must.  Cutaway is stronger than tear away by far.  Finger press the cloth to the stabilizer and make sure there are no bubbles or loose spots.  I might use a rolling pin on the finished product so that the adherance is total and even. 
• When the design is complete, you will peel away the adhesive from the corners and sides to within an inch (24mm) of the design.  Cut that peeled adhesive away.  The remaining stabilizer will become part of the permanent project.  If this is a quilt, for instance, the washings will relax that remaining stabilizer over time.
• Make sure that the hooped item (broadcloth and stabilizer) is firmly in  the hoop.  You should not be able to stretch the cloth at this time.   Hooping this will be a little difficult because you have made a sheet of concrete (LOL), well something really firm.  After you feel that your hooping is sound and snug, turn over the hoop and visually check for gaps.  There might be some because the hoop is rigid against your rigid fabric, massage that point to even it out. 
• I would 'sink' the top hoop about 1/8" below the outer hoop.  So, instead of the hoops being even, the fabric and stabilizer is 1/8" passed the flat hoop.  This small sinking helps the hoop to hold itself steady. 
• I would float another piece of heavy stabilizer, you could use tear away or cutaway as you please for this piece and trim it when complete.

Did you do a tension test from my most recent blog?  That tension test should be done often.

If that does not do the trick, I am uncertain what would.  Perhaps you could find another design that is similar...

Pat

Thank you Pat for all the info. I will try each one. These designs are some that  I bought from EMB LIBRARY. I don't know anything about digitize, therefor I just order what I want, not knowing. Is there a way to know more about the designs?

Mary Jane

That is a really good question.  I am unaware of any way to determine, prior to a sew out of a design, about the density.  Perhaps someone with digitizing knowledge might answer this question.

I did have a similar problem with a design from EL, the density was so great that my needle was 'pounding' on the threads to get through.  I have other of their designs without this problem, so I don't think that density is an issue all the time.

I love this basket of vegetables, but it did suffer from too dense digitizing, particularly in the asparagus on the upper left.   However, It was just beautiful when I was finished and did have some 3-D effect because of the density.  I did have to stabilize it very heavily.

EL has a good reputation and I would never say that I don't use them, because I do.  Just be aware that your 'test out' of the design will give you this information.

Pat

Pat, I am going to order the heavy adhesive stabilizer, cut away and  the heavy cut away. Will you please explane how the $5. credit works. The last 2 times I ordered I didn't get any credit. Thank you again for all your help.

Hello,

Normally to get a store credit you would need to enter a promotion code when you place an order. If you have a promotion code then enter this into the promotion code field when placing your order. This will issue you a store credit which will automatically deduct off your next purchase.

If you have any questions please e-mail us at support@annthegran.com.

Thank you

AnntheGran support

Hello Ann, I didn't have a promotion code, but I was given the credit. I realy appreciate it. I ordered the heavy cut away and it is wonderful. I have not seen any more puckers. Thanks for all the help the nice people have given me.

If you are using cross stitch designs, what would be a good fabric to sew too?

Mary

The general 'rule of thumb' issues still would be helpful.

I have only done a few cross stitch designs, but they are so lovely as well.  Use a medium weight fabric, a medium to heavy weight stabilizer, I would use a cutaway rather than a tear away for protection of the delicate stitches.

Pat