Starting a new machine embroidery project can be a little overwhelming. But do not fear! Kim's Top 7 Tips will help you successfully start (and finish!) our Cup of Cheer Advent Quilt or ANY Kimberbell project.
Cut your fabrics according to our diagrams, place into resealable bags or pockets, and then label each block or section of the project.
When you have some time, even just an hour or two, simply grab a bag and embroider your block! It's that easy. Take your time one block at a time.
Our Fusible Backing is soft, supple, and greatly reduces puckering during embroidery. Fusible Backing is left in the block and is done IN ADDITION TO using any of our recommended stabilizers.
If you are stitching light-colored appliques on top of dark fabric, consider fusing Kimberbell Fusible Backing behind those applique pieces as well.
The right scissors can make all the difference, and we recommend Kimberbell Deluxe Scissors & Tools.
When using our Duckbill Applique Scissors, hold the duckbill going toward the center of the applique. Pull the fabric taut with one hand and cut with the other to achieve a nice, clean cut that's close to the design without snipping the tack-down threads.
When cutting into smaller areas, we suggest using Kimberbell Sharp Snips or Micro Tips scissors, also found in our Deluxe Scissors & Tools set.
Have you tried background quilting in-the-hoop? It's fun and easy to do with Kimberbell's Block-by-Block OR Clear Blue Tiles systems. (Want to know the difference? Click HERE!)
When doing quilts or other projects with lots of applique (like our Cup of Cheer Advent Quilt) we recommend using our Block-by-Block quilting method. This means that the quilting is behind your applique and, because of our digitizing, there will be no batting in your seams.
For more information, please see:
Background quilting for any Kimberbell project is optional and there are a wide variety of background quilting designs available for purchase and download HERE on kimberbell.com.
Before starting any project, it's always a good idea to have a good selection of embroidery needles on hand. We recommend the following sizes:
Remember to change your needle after every eight hours of embroidery! 😀
When embroidering through a sticky-back stabilizer, consider using an anti-glue or another type of non-stick needle.
Please note that any blocks with applique will be a bit oversized. Embroider the applique onto the block first, then cut the block down to size afterwards.
The oversized blocks will be easier to work with and account for any pulling that may happen during the embroidery process.
We love using Kimberbell Orange Pop Rulers® to cut quilt blocks to the exact size you need. Learn more about using Orange Pop Rulers HERE! (Pssst....they come in both square and rectangle sets!)
Kimberbell's line of premuim stabilizers are color coded and recognizable at a glance, making it VERY easy to find the right type and weight for your project.
Stabilizers are listed in our directions in their assigned color, as shown on this page from the Cup of Cheer Mug 2 directions. (Look for the orange arrow!)
It couldn't be easier to recognize and identify which stabilizers you need for every project, every step of the way!
Each type of Kimberbell Stabilizer has been thoroughly tested to give you the very best results. Learn more through the video links below!
Now that we've gone over our top seven tips, here's the most important tip of all. Ready for it?
ENJOY THE JOURNEY EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
From our creative projects to our detailed instructions, our goal is to help you more fully Experience the Joy of Creativity™ . That includes the process as well as the end result! So enjoy every stitch, every block, every triumph along the way.
We're cheering for you!