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Chenille

Making chenille with machine embroidery is fun and easy. I like to use flannel for chenille because it frays well and is soft. Chenille is perfect for baby quilts, rag quilts, decorative pillows, shirts and throws.

The most commom question I get about chenille is what type of thread should be used. Any embroidery thread for your machine will do because chenille is not made from thread. It is also not the same as a fringe design. It is made by layering fabric that frays.

Check out other chenille designs here: https://www.sewchacha.com/?s=chenille&post_type=product

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Holiday Bag Ties

Holiday Bag Ties

Add a little pizzazz to a holiday bag by stitching mini embroidery designs on the ends of ribbon.

Choose your ribbon and length. Hoop tear away stabilizer. I mark on my stabilizer using a fix stitch so I know exactly where the design is going to sew. Tape the ribbon to extend over the area that will be stitched and catch in the stitching. I put the tape above the stitch location so that I can peel it off easily after the design is done. Using a spray adhesive, place a piece of felt on the bottom of the hoop covering the area that will stitch. Secure a piece of felt that will cover the area that you will stitch on top as well. Place hoop on embroidery machine making sure that the felt is flat on bottom. Stitch the design. Repeat for the other end of the ribbon with the design moved to another location in the hoop where it can stitch completely. Once both ends of the ribbon have the design stitched to them, carefully tear away from hoop. Cut excess felt around the design being careful not to cut the ribbon. Tie the ribbon on your bag and gift to family and friends.

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Coloring Embroidery Designs

Coloring embroidery designs is a cute way to add something new to your embroidery. You can turn the first embroidery into the second embroidery by following the instructions below. (This works best with applique designs)

coloring embroidery designs

coloring embroidery designs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Sew your applique without putting fabric inside the applique.
  2. Use regular crayons to color in the areas to you desired color.
  3. Find a scrap piece of fabric, place on top of your design and iron it. This adds vibrancy to the design.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to make the colors stand out even more.

The more you repeat steps 2 and 3 the darker the colors will be. Try different combinations of colors and layers to see how creative you can be.