Kimberbell is known for highly creative machine embroidery designs and superior instructions. But did you know we also have tools?
Now, when I say "we have tools," I don't mean we carry tools like everyone else. I mean that we saw specific needs within this craft and actually designed our own tools to fit those needs.
And wow, Kimberbell Tools can completely change your creative life. (That's not an exaggeration!) Let's take a look at some of our favorites.
Clear Blue Tiles®
By now, you've most likely heard about Kimberbell Clear Blue Tiles. But are you wondering what all of the hype is about? 🤔 (Read on!)
What They Are
Simply put, Clear Blue Tiles are a complete system for quilting on your home embroidery machine. The stitching goes through all three layers of a quilt sandwich (back fabric, batting, and top fabric), with traditional, continuous quilting on both sides of your project.
How They Work
The Clear Blue Tiles system includes a variety of Finished Block Tiles and Finished Border Tiles. These tiles are templates that coordinate with Kimberbell background quilting designs.
Here's how it works:
- Prepare your quilt sandwich with top fabric, batting, and back fabric.
- Choose a tile and place it on the top of your fabric.
- Use a water-soluble pen to mark the center dot, crosshairs, directional arrow, sides, and corners of the tile.
- Write the size of the tile in the little window (as shown above).
- Continue marking your entire top with a variety of tiles.
- Load the embroidery file that matches the tile size (make sure orientation matches the directional arrow).
- Start stitching to quilt your project right in-the-hoop! (Note: Each tile will need its own hooping.)
With all Kimberbell background quilting designs having the same scale, you can use a variety of tiles sizes on the same project and achieve professional, finished results.
Look at our darling quilting designs HERE! (Note: Clear Blue Tiles designs are designated in BLUE.)
Why it Matters
Clear Blue Tiles help you achieve the look of custom quilting in-the-hoop. This means you can completely finish your projects with your home embroidery machine, just like you used a long-arm machine!
For more information, watch this short video!
Orange Pop Rulers®
Kimberbell Orange Pop Rulers have been around for a few years now, but they're still just as wonderful and life-changing today as they were when they first hit the shelves of your favorite quilt shop.
What They Are
Orange Pop Rulers have an open frame that helps you visually center your embroidery or applique designs before you cut. The extended corner channels allow your rotary cutter to cut perfectly square corners!
Kimberbell Orange Pop Rulers come in square and rectangle sets in a variety of sizes, and each set comes with additional rulers as well.
How They Work
- Start with a larger piece of fabric than what your finished block size will be. (Fabric will always pull in when stitched!)
- Use the smallest size of ruler to visually center your design.
- Nest the next size up until you have the size of block you need. (Additional rulers add more surface area to hold when you cut, so just pop them on!)
- If you're right-handed, start cutting your block on the left side of the frame so the blade is right against the edge of your ruler. If you're left-handed, start cutting on the right side.
Tip: Stand while using your Orange Pop Rulers and also use a rotating mat!
Why it Matters
Orange Pop Rulers work beautifully for machine embroidery, sewing projects, and even hand embroidery. These rulers make it so much easier to center your designs and cut your blocks!
For more information, watch this short video!
Psssst...Please enjoy our Orange Pop Rulers Dream Cookies inspired by these remarkable tools!
Deluxe Embroidery Scissors & Tools
Kimberbell Deluxe Embroidery Scissors & Tools were designed with exclusive innovations to provide comfort, prevent hand fatigue, and clip stitches better than any other scissors in the industry.
What They Are
Kimberbell Deluxe Scissors & Tools include 5" Duckbill Applique Scissors, 4" Micro Tips, Precision Fine tip Tweezers With Blade, and Sharp Snips.
How They Work
- 5" Duckbill Applique Scissors: Extra-sharp blades are ideal for cutting applique fabric. Large, double-loop rings provide a comfortable grip in every hand.
- 4" Micro Tips: Designed with large, double-loop rings. Use for small applique pieces or with our Precision Fine Tip Tweezers With Blade to clip jump stitches.
- Precision Fine Tip Twezzers With Blade: These Unique tweezers feature blades on all four sides for precisely cutting small stitches.
- Sharp Snips: Curved design keeps blades away from finished stitches. Snips are ideal for clipping thread and trimming intricate pieces.
Why it Matters
Just like a craftsman needs good chisels and saws, a machine embroiderer needs quality scissors! After all, you're a creator, too, and having the right tool makes all the difference in the world.
For more information, watch this short video!
Other (Very Helpful!) Tools
Apart from the tools mentioned above, we also have other products that make machine embroidery easier.
For example, Kimberbell Paper Tape is wonderful for in-the-hoop projects and fits perfectly in our Paper Tape Dispenser (shown below).
Our Experience the Joy Binder is sized to hold Kimberbell instructions, and Stabilizer Slap Bands keep your Kimberbell Stabilizer labeled and tidy!
Kimberbell's purpose is to invite others to Experience the Joy of Creativity®, and having the right tool definitely facilitates that joy.
Find Kimberbell Tools at your favorite quilt shop today!
