How are you celebrating this special occasion this year? With the imposed new set of Covid-19 restrictions in place to keep everyone safe, there are many things that you could do to spend the day with your loved ones.
There are many fun and creative projects on Brother Creative Centre to keep you and your little ones busy.
Sending them an personalize e-cards
Do you know that Brother Creative Centre has lots of creative activities, customizable templates and holiday cards?
Here are some examples of card designs that you could personalize and send to your loved ones. Impressed them!
Printing activities that you could do with your little one
If you have young kids around, you can print out these adorable activities to stimulate their creativity. It’s fun to turn imaginative ideas into reality!
We recommend activities like:
Paper crafts and origami
Coloring pages
Sudoku game
It’s also a great time for you to have fun and bond with your little ones.
Origami Colouring
Getting ready for a virtual get together
Lastly, get your Hari Raya meal delivered. Although, we are not able to get together for the meal, you could cater food delivery and have it delivered to your loved ones. Enjoying the meal together over a virtual meeting to hangout allows us to connect and see one another and have some fun.
This month we’re featuring a few projects for the precious little ones in your life, starting with a cute embroidered baby bib. The Brother Free Design for this Month is an adorable bear design. It’s sized just right for most baby bibs. Read through this tutorial and you’ll learn about font editing features found in many Brother sewing machine models. You’ll also find tips for improving your embroidery skills throughout the instructions. While your Brother embroidery machine may not look exactly like the images shown here, I suggest you compare names of the keys on the screen to those found in your own machine to learn more about these features and put them into practice. Exploring embroidery font features makes this project perfect for sewing beginners and beyond. Are you ready?
Materials and Supplies:
Brother sewing and embroidery machine. Note: Machine featured in this project is the Brother NV180 . You can use any machine with 4-inch hoop capability.
BrotherEmbroidery Threads and Bobbin Thread for embroidering.
SA5929 Brother Cut-Away stabilizer cut to fit hoop size.
Temporary adhesive spray specifically for machine embroidery.
Plain low nap baby bib, sized large enough for featured design.
. See Figure #1a for original thread color and stitch information. See Figure #1b for modified colors.
Figure #1aFigure #1b
Basic steps for creating embroidered baby bib:
Prepare bib for embroidery and hoop with stabilizer.
Create design using edit mode of sewing machine for changing size and configuration of lettering.
Embroider design and remove stabilizer.
1. Transfer design to machine. Create a combination design with bear and lettering as follows: Select design, touch Set and then touch the Move key. Use arrow keys to move design to bottom of hoop and touch OK. See Figure #2a and Figure #2b.
Figure #2aFigure #2b
Touch Add and select a block style font from the font menu. See Figure #3a and Figure #3b.Tip: Block style fonts work better than fonts with thin columns on this low nap fabric.
Figure #3aFigure #3b
Program lettering using small font size, using arrows on machine to navigate through the lettering screens to select both upper and lower case letters. Add a space between the two words, and an exclamation point at the end. Tip: Be sure to select S for small, right after selecting the first letter. See Figure #4a, Figure #4b, Figure #4c, and Figure #4d.
Figure #4aFigure #4bFigure #4cFigure #4d
Tip: I like to start with smaller, rather than larger lettering and then use the sizing feature to increase the lettering size to fit the hoop area. This is especially helpful when using the Array feature, as larger lettering will sometimes prevent you from using various array functions. Here is my formula: Start small, add the array, and then change sizing last.
Set your lettering, touch move key, and use arrow keys to move lettering above the bear head. Touch OK. See Figure #5.
Figure #5
Touch font edit key. Touch array key. Curve lettering over bear head. Touch OK, then OK again to return to embroider edit screen. See Figure #6a, Figure #6b, and Figure #6c.
Figure #6aFigure #6bFigure #6c
Tip: There are many more options for editing embroidery fonts. Watch for more in future tutorials!
Touch size key and increase lettering until the machine stops at the maximum size. Touch OK. See Figure #7
Figure #7
2. End editing. Center combination on the screen, then touch Embroidery. See Figure #8a and Figure #8b.
Figure #8aFigure #8b
3. Hoop cut-away stabilizer and lightly spray with adhesive, following manufacturer’s directions on the can. Note:It is very important to avoid over spraying. Tip: To keep adhesive from getting on the hoop, I like to cut a window in a piece of scrap paper and tape it over the hoop to protect the edges. Spray over paper, then remove and discard. See Figure #9.
Figure #9
4. Center bib in hoop, securing it to the tacky surface. Place water-soluble over the bib to help tame the nap and keep the design from sinking in. Tip: Lightly dampen the outer edges of the stabilizer to make it tacky and it will adhere to your fabric. Embroidery design on bib. See Figure #10
Figure #10
5. Remove from hoop and trim stabilizer, leaving a margin of ½ to 1-inch of stabilizer around the design. Tip:Bonding from temporary spray adhesive will usually disappear within 2 to 5 days. To dissipate earlier than that, iron the sprayed fabric with a warm dry iron. This type of adhesive does not wash out. You’ll want to make sure spray adhesive is gone before thoroughly washing out water-soluble as recommended on the package.
You are finished with embroidering your baby bib! Enjoy!
Options and ideas:
Feel free to sew your own multi-layer bib. Embroider on the top piece then add a lining to hide stitches on the wrong side.This article has been republished from Brother Sews USA.
With Spring just around the corner, I thought I’d share how to sew a fabric gift basket. These homemade baskets make great gifts for all different occasions, holidays, and themes! I sew these DIY fabric baskets for everything from baby showers to teachers’ gifts and more. Add machine embroidery for a nice custom touch. Use these homemade fabric baskets for custom storage bins as well! Get the tutorial below on how to sew your very own fabric gift basket.
Exterior: 2 pieces that measure 17” (wide) x 13” long
Liner: 2 pieces that measure 17 x 13”
Fusible Fleece: 4 pieces that measure 17 x 13”
Strap: 1 piece 17 x 6”
Fusible Fleece: 17 x 6”
For the 2 piece (Blue Checkered)
Exterior: Top section: 17 x 3 x ¾”
Exterior: Bottom section: 17 x 10 ¼”
The rest of the pieces measure the same as above.
Fuse the fusible fleece to the wrong side of all pieces.
Use a grid ruler and mark off a 3” square at the bottom corners for both exterior and liner and cut.
Place exterior and liner pieces right sides together. Stitch the sides and bottoms with a 1/2” seam allowance.
For the corners: With right sides together, connect the seam so it’s centered to the other side and clip or pin.
Stitch together and repeat for all corners. (1/2” seam allowance).
The bottom should look like this when complete.
Now let’s sew the handle.
Fuse the fleece to the wrong side.
Fold the sides into the center and press.
Fold in half so the edges are together and press.
Top stitch down both sides (about 1/8” from the edge).
Find the center front and center back of the basket and mark. Place the handle right sides together with the basket over those marks and sew (1/4” seam allowance).
Flip the basket so right sides are out including the handle.
Place the basket into the liner so the right sides are together. Attach seams to seams and pin or clip all the way around.
Sew ½” seam allowance all the way around the edge leaving a 3” opening just an inch off one of the handles. This will be the opening to flip right sides outs.
Flip right sides out through the opening.
Press the basket. Top stitch with a 3.0 stitch length and just off the edge (1/8” or so) around the top edge of the basket, closing the opening as well.
Now fill your homemade gift basket with all sorts of goodies. I sew these fabric baskets for gifts, but they’re also great to use as homemade storage bins. You can add some machine embroidery to customize them. For the blue checkered basket, I embroidered the name on the top section. You can use this tutorial herefor that portion. I also embroidered a sash to tie around the floral basket. Make these for all different occasions: I love sewing them for party favors, Mother’s Day gifts, and more. Use your imagination and take your homemade gift baskets to the next level of fun.
This article has been republished from Brother Sews USA.
Elongation style stitches are much more fun than their rather technical name implies. The term elongation simply means that patterns in this category of decorative stitches can be re-sized in a range from 1 to 5. As they are re-sized, the pattern or shape of the stitch is maintained. Examples in the photo above show patterns stitched out in all the different sizes. Although the size varies, the density remains the same and the general shape of the stitch does as well. Depending on the size and the stitch selected, different sizes can produce interesting variations. In addition, changing the length of the stitch makes the pattern denser but also shortens the length of the pattern. One of my favorite tricks is to select a larger size pattern and then shorten the stitch length. This results in a fuller looking stitch that is a bit shorter than the original pattern. See examples of sizes below in Figure #1b:
Figure #1b
You’ll find these 7mm satin style elongation stitches built into many Brother machine models. They’re located in the Character/Decorative stitch menu of the machine. See examples of stitch menus below in Figure #2a and #2b:
Figure #2aFigure #2b
The size key allows for elongating the stitch in a range from 1 to 5.
Some machine models include an additional feature for creating step stitch patterns. This technique allows for moving stitch patterns left and right to sew wide patterns with multi-directional stitching. See Figure#3 below:
Figure #3
Remember to change to presser foot “N” when sewing these decorative stitches. This foot has a groove on the underside, so it flows easily across bulky satin stitches. See Figure #4.
Figure #4
It’s also important to be sure fabric is firm and well stabilized before sewing these decorative stitches. A layer of tear-away stabilizer is a good choice for many situations. Be sure to test stitches on scraps before sewing your actual project. Have fun experimenting with elongation stitches, trying different sizes, patterns, and combinations. Enjoy!
Note: Smartphone sizes change so quickly, so we recommend basing measurements to the size of your preferred phone model. This sleeve is supposed to fit very snugly to keep the phone from falling out. If you want to make it larger so it does not fit so tightly (or to accommodate a larger phone in the future), you could add a tab closure to the top.
Steps:
1. Choose 3 different types of fabric—one will serve as the main pocket of your phone case and the 2 layers will be for your cards and earbuds. You will want to cut the main pocket to be twice as wide as your phone (with case if you keep it in a case) plus about 2-3 inches. For example, the phone we used here is 2.5 inches wide, so we cut the fabric to be 8-9 inches wide. The other 2 pocket layers will be 2-3 inches plus your phone size.
2. Cut 3 piece of felt the same size as your phone and pin one to the back of each piece of fabric, with the long edges pinned over. This will add an extra layer of protection.
3. For what will be the 2 smaller front pieces, fold the 2 layers on a diagonal and sew along the top edges. Keep the larger back piece unfolded for now.
4. Sew the two front-pieces along each side at one edge of the back piece. Then, fold over the back piece to cover the entire case.
5. Sew along the bottom and sides, then cut off any extra fabric from the sides after you’re finished sewing. Turn inside out to reveal!
6. Grab your cards, phone and earbuds. You’re ready to go!
As a mother of 3 boys who love being outdoors, I’ve had my fair share of sewing bucket hats. In the Summer we spend most of our time outside near the water, at various sports, or just playing in the yard. I’ve made so many for my children but never really made one for myself. Seeing they’re on trend lately (90’s cool) I thought it would be fun to make one for myself this time. I even made it so it’s reversible. You can have so much fun with these! Get the details below and sew your own.
Supplies:
45” 5/8 yd. 60” 1/2 yd exterior fabric (I’m using a medium weight canvas)
½ yard liner fabric (I’m using a medium weight cotton
1/2 yard medium to heavy weight interfacing for brim. (*I did not use interfacing on the other parts because my fabric was sturdy, if you want you can stabilize the crown and the top).
*I drafted this pattern and it fit my head well. I am sharing the pattern but understand you may have to adjust to fit your measurements. I also suggest making a sample first to make the adjustments necessary before the main one. I had to do a couple at first. Feel free to use your own pattern as well.
Cut out pattern for main, liner, and interfacing.
Press interfacing to liner of brim (mine are the same material).
Stitch crown ends right sides together with a ½” seam allowance.
Press seam allowance flat.
Pin crown to top (circle) right sides together, easing to fit if necessary.
Sew with 1/4” seam allowance all the way around.
Clip curve seam allowance if necessary.
Repeat for the liner.
Topstitch if you’d like around the top of the crown and the center seam.
For the brim.
Stitch side seams (RST) on both main and liner (1/4” seam allowance).
Place liner and main (RST) matching seams and stitch along bottom edge (1/4” seam allowance).
Clip seam allowance.
Flip right side out and press.
Baste stitch along top edge to keep raw edges together.
Start at seam and topstitch outer edge of brim. Stitch as many rows as it takes to get to the top. Spacing rows ¼” apart. (*use a medium weight thread for extra detail).
Pin brim to crown (RST). I had the seam of the crown in the center and the seams of the brim on the sides.
Stitch the brim to the crown (1/4” seam allowance).
Place main hat (brim included inside the liner (RST) and pin
Stitch the liner and main together leaving a 3” opening (1/4” seam allowance)
Flip right sides out through the opening.
Stitch the opening closed with a slipstitch or topstitch all the way around the edge to finish it.
Want a quick project to try over the weekend? This eyeglasses case is it! I love how you can customize it with anyone’s initials. This eyeglass case makes for a great gift for your friends and family. Customize your DIY eyeglass case with your favorite colors and prints. The sky’s the limit! I know that you will enjoy this project. Have fun!
Supplies:
Fat Quarter Cotton Fabric or ¼ yard of Cotton Fabric
Cut two rectangles out of your fabric at 8” x 13.5”. On the bottom end of one corner, cut a curved corner.
2. Cut one rectangle of your flex foam at the same measurement, 8” x 13.5”. 3. Adhere the fabrics to both sides of your flex foam with your iron. Make sure the right side of your fabric is facing out.
4. On the long side, pin your bias tape in place. On each end, the bias should extend about ½”.
5. Stitch bias tape in place. As you are sewing, don’t forget to fold the ends of the bias tape inside the bias tape.
6. Fold your DIY eyeglass case in half and attach the bias tape on the outer edge.
Cut Letters with Your ScanNCut:
Place vinyl with shiny side down.
On the ScanNCut, press on pattern
3. Press on the letters and choose your font. I chose FO-A001.
4. Type in your letters and press ok.
5. Adjust size to 1.74” height and pre-set.
6. Press Edit, then Edit Object. 7. Press on the duplicate button. You want to create two of the same image so adjust the number to 2.
8. Now, press the mirror button. Be sure to mirror both sets of letters.
9. Click ‘OK’ three times to pass through the menu. Then, press ‘Please Select’ and ‘Cut’.
10. Click on the wrench to edit your cut to half cut 11. Before making your final cut, test your cut first. 12. If your letters come out clean, proceed with your cut. If not, adjust the pressure and test again until it comes out clean. 13. Once you’re finished cutting, press ok.
Press Your Letters onto Case:
Center your first set of letters in the middle of your case. Press in place.
Place your second set of letters on top but, move it slightly over to create a shadow effect. Press in place.
