Tag: stitching

I wanted to share with you all how you can take a basic sewing pattern and use it as inspiration to create the look you want. Before I start a crafting project, I have already found an inspiration photo that I want the final product to look like. I take that photo and then find or create a design pattern that looks similar to the one I aspire to make. From there, I purchase the materials based on my inspiration photo (with a few tweaks in color to match my style and my personality).

This DIY tote bag is a two-part project. I’d love for you to check out how you can customize this tote bag and make it your own. Click the link below for the second part to this post.

http://blog.scanncut.com/monogram-tote-bag

SUPPLIES:

• Canvas
• Leather Strap
• Rivets
• Measuring tape and/or ruler
• Pen or pencil to create your pattern (dimensions included in this post)
• Heavy Duty Snap Pliers
• Brother Sewing Machine

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Create your pattern according to the measurements given (or draw right on your fabric with a removable pen or chalk).

2. Cut out your bag pieces (2 main body, 2 facing)

3. Starting the with the main body of the tote bag, with right sides facing, sew the side seams and the bottom of the bag.
4. Take the facing and sew down the sides. Make sure the right side of the fabric is facing each other.

5. With the wrong side of the bag facing out, attach the Facing to the top of the bag. The right side of the Facing should be facing the wrong side of the bag. (See image) Sew in place.

6. Turn your bag right side out and pull the facing to the outside. Press the seam down.

7. Fold the facing under about 1/2” and press. Pin and stitch in place.
8. It’s time to attach the handles! Before we do that. Mark the placement of your handles with a fabric marking tool. Markings remain the exact same on the opposite side.

9. Let’s move on to the rivets. With the rivets, you want to make sure you gather the correct rivet pieces for the handles on your DIY bag. You’ll need a front and back for the canvas and front and back for the leather.

10. You’ll connect the rivets to the bag and strap according to the instructions on the back of the rivet packaging. When connecting, you’ll need the snap pliers.

11. That’s it!

This article has been republished from Brother Sews USA.

Take a plain sweatshirt to the next level of style with machine embroidery. From monograms to fun designs, you can customize this cozy wardrobe essential for yourself and others. These DIY monogrammed sweatshirts make great gifts for family and friends alike! Check out the tutorial below on how to embroider a sweatshirt with your Brother embroidery machine.

Supplies:

• Pacesetter Cut Away Stabilizer
• Brother NV800E
• Temporary Spray adhesive for embroidery
• 5 x 7” hoop
• Clips (hair clips)
• Fabric marking tool
• Embroidery designs

Step 1

Always prewash your garments before embroidering.

Lay out the sweatshirt and mark the location you want the monogram with a fabric marking tool. It’s a good idea to print out a template or create a sample stitch out to figure out your preferred placement. Traditionally, a monogram is embroidered 6.5”- 7” down the left shoulder seam.  However, I did one on the right shoulder seam that came out great! I also like to place the monogram in the center front as well (typically 3” down from the center neckline line).

Once you find the location you want, mark the center, vertical, and horizontal locations (basically create a rectangle). I like to create a cross and center the design at the center of the cross where the lines intersect. Mark what works best for you.

Step 2

Flip inside out.

Use a Cut Away stabilizer that will cover the embroidery area and hoop size. Spray with a temporary spray adhesive and press onto the area that will be embroidered. I use Cut Away stabilizer on sweatshirts because they’re worn and washed often. This will help the embroidery last a long time compared to other stabilizers.

Step 3

Flip right side out.

Place the outer hoop inside the sweatshirt and put the inner hoop on the top, making sure the design is centered in the hoop.

Step 4

Roll the excess material towards the outer hoop and away from the hoop area. You can use clips to keep the excess material in place (I use hair clips, an embroidery tip I got from a friend).

Step 5

Create your monogram. You can create your own or use the built-in ones that the Brother Machines offer. My designs measured about 3 x 3 “.  You can use software to create your design and lettering, or just piece it together on the Brother Touch Screen. I have the Brother PE800, which makes it easy to add and edit designs right on the screen.

Step 6

Embroider away!

Once your embroidery is complete, turn the shirt the wrong side out and cut away the stabilizer. I typically cut it about ¼’ away from the design. Over time and after multiple washes, the stabilizer will soften.

Other examples / Valentine theme (optional images)

I hope this inspires you to give embroidery a try on your garments. It’s a great way to upcycle old t-shirts, sweatshirts, and denim jackets. Here are a couple other examples.

This article has been republished from Brother Sews USA.
The original article can be seen here: http://blog.brothersews.com/embroidery/diy-monogrammed-sweatshirts/