Craftours Lifestyles Magazine Volume 1 | Page 42

Embroidery Tips Bobbin Tips • Clean the bobbin area with an electric razor brush. • Test tension with a full bobbin; a halfused bobbin can be flatter which can decrease the tension. • Clip the bobbin thread’s tail to three inches so it doesn’t get wrapped around the hook shaft. • Check for debris on the leaf-adjustment spring on the bobbin if your tension goes out or bobbin threads show on the surface of the embroidery. Debris will open the space which removes tension from the bobbin thread, compromising your stitching. Use a thin piece of plastic to clean between the leaf adjustment spring and the bobbin case. h Needle Tips • Swab needles with a bit of silicone to prevent adhesives from sticking to them. • The size of the needle is dictated by the thread. • The eye of the needle is dictated by the thread. • The point of the needle is dictated by the fabric. • Damaged needles are often the cause of ragged edges and holes in the corners or in tight corners. • Use small needles when stitching small letters and details. Backing Tips • lide some waxed paper under the hoop when stitching though heavy fabrics or those backed with vinyl or rubber. The wax coating this creates on the needle will keep build-up from fouling the needle and help the needle pass through the fabric more easily. • Adhere the backing to fleece or knit before hooping. This lessens any movement between the backing and fabric and results in crisper embroidery.