Kimberbell's 25 Tips
Whether you're new to machine embroidery or have been stitching for years, we want you to Experience the Joy of Creativity® to the fullest! Below are 25 tried-and-true things every machine embroiderer should know.
- Change your needle after every 8 hours of embroidery.
- Cut a smaller piece of topping and, instead of hooping, secure it with Kimberbell Paper Tape.
- Iron a piece of Kimberbell Fusible Backing to your fabric to prevent puckering. (For more tips about preventing puckering, please click HERE!)
- Clean your machine at least once a week. Take the bobbin case out and twirl a cotton swab around to collect the lint. (For more tips on caring for your machine, please click HERE!)
- Check your machine's user guide to find a good bobbin thread/top thread weight ratio.
- Use the TNT formula for troubleshooting thread breaks. (For additional tips, please click HERE!)
- Check your machine manual to learn your embroidery field size (not the same as your hoop size).
- Avoid stretching your fabric when hooping.
- Use the eraser end of a pencil to turn tight places right side out, as shown below.
- Avoid over-tightening hoop screws.
- To remove stubborn water-soluble pen marks, submerge fabric in water for a few hours.
- Choose the right needle tip for your project. (For more information about needles, please click HERE!)
- Back up all embroidery files to your hard drive (don’t just store them on a USB or CD).
- Use labeled, resealable plastic bags to organize your precut quilt block fabric.
- Use Kimberbell Precision Fine Tip Tweezers With Blade and 4” Micro Tips to easily cut jump stitches (as shown below).
- Slow your machine down to reduce friction (especially with metallic thread).
- When changing your thread, clip from the top but always pull from the bottom. (Pulling from the top brings lint into your machine.)
- Use Kimberbell's Rotating Cutting Mat with Orange Pop Rulers®. If you’re right-handed, cut your block along the left side. If you’re left-handed, cut your block along the right side.
- To avoid creasing, store feature quilts at room temperature, folded along the fabric lines and NOT along the embellishments.
- Prewash tea towels (before starting your project) to set your colors. Use a cold/gentle setting on your washing machine.
- Spot clean projects that have embellishments such as Applique Glitter, Embroidery Leather, etc. Don’t throw projects in the washer and dryer unless they’re all fabric.
- If you're using your machine more than 15 hours per week, take it into the shop to be cleaned and oiled twice a year. If you use your machine under 12 hours per week, once a year should be just fine!
- Before starting your final project, test the design on a piece of scrap fabric that's similar to the fabric you'll be using for the "real" thing.
- Mark your entire project with Clear Blue Tiles before putting the batting and backing on. Start in the middle and work your way out. (Don’t iron over the blue ink pen!) To learn more about Kimberbell background quilting, please click HERE!)
- Establish a good relationship with your favorite quilt shop. They can answer your questions as well as help you maintain your machine! (For more information, please click HERE!)
Above all, don't be afraid to take chances, try new things, make mistakes, and enjoy every step of your creative journey.
Happy stitching!