Don’t Do It!

January 22, 2012 at 10:48 pm Leave a comment

By SewMagical

I am usually careful, when I work on my projects, about where I place my straight pins. Either I place them away from my line of stitching, or I remove them as I come to them, before the presser foot and needle go over them.
Stitching over a pin can cause damage to

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Carry On (also known as Roll Along, Little Needles, Pt. 2) Sparkly Bells!

Embroidery Articles

Why Bother?
By SewMagical As embroiders, many of our projects are done using ready-made items such as T-shirts, tote bags, and towels. Sometimes, though, we need to use fabric to create the item we need. If you have been sewing for a while, you may well be familiar with many of the techniques and steps involved. However, if you are new to the world of creating with fab […]
Not Your Everyday Scrubby
by Elicia Materials: • Water Soluble Stabilizer (WSS). • Tear-away Stabilizer (TAS). • Titanium or Metallic Needles. • Simple Appliqué Designs. • Souring pads or scouring sponges (the kind with the scouring pads glued to one side). How did I start making scrubbies? Well, it started like this: Once upon a time, one of the free daily Designs By […]
POTW – Zipper Tissue Cases
by Bonnie These zipper cases are totally done in the hoop, no extra sewing is required. Supplies: • Fabric scraps for tissue cases cut as follows: • Left and right sides - two pieces measuring 5 x 6 inches (12.5 x 15 cm) each, fold in half to 2.5 x 6 inches (6.25 x 15 cm), wrong sides together and press a nice crisp fold line. • Backing piece: 5 x 6 […]
One Sweet Project!
by Karen Thought I'd share my recent project with you. You see a friend wanted a coat hanger cover that would contain potpourri, so I went about making one specially for her. It turned out so nice I decided to make more but I didn't want to spend too much time digitizing... I looked at what designs I had that might be suitable, it needs to be appl […]
POTW – Votive Candle Wraps
by Rhonda The set of Votive Candle Wraps can be seen/purchased by clicking here. This set was created by Rhonda. You can see all sets created by Rhonda by clicking here. General Instructions These are to be stitched out the same as for applique designs. Materials : light weight, easy to tear, tear away stabilizer or opaque wash away stabilizer. Suitable clot […]
A Pouch is a Girl’s Best Friend!
by SewMagical Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and earrings or other jewelry is a popular gift. Rather than just putting the the jewelry in a plain box, why not make a simple case that will give your gift an extra special touch? This would also make a great travel case! Supplies: Fabric for outside of case (I had some leftover lining fabric) F […]
Carry On (also known as Roll Along, Little Needles, Pt. 2)
by SewMagical Here is the second part of the needle case project. We will make an accessory holder to go along with the needle case already made. (See: Roll Along Little...Needles? for that project.) This accessory holder is done in a fold-over style. It has 2 see-through pockets with zippers on the inside, and a pocket for ID on the outside. It closes with […]
Roll Along, Little ….Needles?
By SewMagical My friend Kat is an avid knitter, and enjoys designing and making socks. She uses double-pointed knitting needles to do this. The other day I was watching her sort through her needles to find the set she wanted for a new project. She keeps them in a rectangular tin with a latch, and I asked her why she didn't keep them in a case or a needl […]
POTW – Horizon Landscapes
by Marlene Stewart You can download/purchase this set by clicking here. Supplies: Clear water soluble stabilizer Nylon netting or similar fabric Cord Beads (Large enough hole for cord to go through) Clear vinyl found in fabric stores (used for covering upholstery, books,etc.) Instructions: Hoop 2 layers of nylon netting on top of clear stabilizer. Stitch de […]
Hide-a-way Cuff
by SewMagical This project will make use of the leftover pillowcase hem from the walker caddy project from a couple of weeks ago. Do you ever have to run out to the store, but don't want to carry a purse? Or maybe you use public transit and want to keep your fare handy, without having to search through a large handbag. Here is one answer to that problem […]
Christmas Traditions – Near and Far
by our Designs By SiCK customers and friends The response was, once again, overwhelming! I have included all of the challenges and hope you enjoy reading each and every one...as I mentioned in the Newsletter - get a cup of your favorite beverage and sit back and relax. An update here - our tradition changed this year - because my other half decided to take […]
This Caddy is Not for Golfers!
by SewMagical Walker Caddy If you have a friend or relative who uses a walker to get around, you can make them a gift which they can use every day. This project uses both the embroidery machine and the regular sewing machine. The size can be adjusted to fit the particular walker, and you can choose the size of pockets you add to meet the needs of the recipie […]
POTW – Hanukkah Calendar
by Marlene Marlene has created another calendar for us! This time, her Hanukkah Calendar is center stage! These quick to stitch designs follow the same instructions as the Advent Calender posted here: Advent Calendar With 10 designs (plus the pocket design) you can create different calendars. You can download/purchase the set here. ... This is a copy. See […]
Things To Do While Your Machine is Stitching
by Julie (all of this is with the understanding you are in the room and close to your machine so you can monitor its performance) You go online and browse through the array of sites offered by http://www.DesignsBySiCK.com You have: 1. Forums where you can confess your embroidery addiction or introduce yourself 2. Forum albums to see projects by other members […]
Christmas Challenge 2011!
by Rob We have read Christmas memories - now we want to know about your traditions! (St. Lucia Day) Do you have one which you have continued from your childhood and continued with your own children? Did you discover a new one on your own and make that a part of your holiday celebration each year? Were you so excited to learn a new one from a friend or in a b […]
POTW – Candy Cane Covers
by Marlene Oh my! Get our your felt and get busy because everyone needs one of these cute little candy cane covers!!! There is something for everyone! You can use these as Candy Cane Toppers, Pencil or Straw Toppers, or Finger Puppets! These Candy Cane Covers use the same directions as the Halloween Pencil/Straw Toppers and you can see the instructions here […]
A Quilter’s Necklace
by Dawn In the quilt pictured, there's a long story there... I have been sewing for about 40 years now. My lovely grandmother taught me on her old treadle machine when I was little. I made doll clothes and little blankies or my stuffed animals when I was about 5. I never let her church clothing scraps go to waste!! I did not try quilting until later in […]
The “Write” Stuff!
by SewMagical Every Sunday, you receive this Newsletter. It is a wonderful combination of instruction and inspiration. It draws your attention to a few of the many sets available at Designs by SiCK, and some of the ways they can be used. You may have even thought to yourself, “I could never contribute something like that!” Well, here is another how-to arti […]
POTW – Ladybugs Beads and Things
by Rhonda This is a most unique set Rhonda has created! While it is only ONE ladybug (drawn by Rhonda) - she has created 11 different ways it can be stitched: 1 applique (3.24" x 2.43") - perfect for stitching on anything (shirts, towels, onesies) 1 small applique (1.91"x 1.49") - perfect for socks, doll clothes, baby items) 1 filled […]
StitchChat Chit-Chat
by SewMagical While we are part of an on-line community of embroiderers and needle-crafters, we may not have anyone living near us who shares our passion for this wonderful art. I'm pretty sure we all have times when we wish we could tell someone about the wonderful design we just stitched out (purchased from Designs By SiCK, of course!). Or maybe we w […]

Embroidery Tips

Grandmother’s Stitchouts Go Everywhere!
by Carol I had quite a few stitch-outs of nursery-type animal designs, on fleecy track-suiting material, so one day when I was looking after my 2 year-old great G. Son, I trimmed them and made them into a little washable story book for him, to look at when he goes in the car with his Mum and Dad. He loves it. Carol's tip for the week is also our custome […]
A Clear Solution
by Connie I buy ready to wear shirts (on sale) and add my own designs. The only problem is that I am ultra conservative and afraid to make a goof when it comes to my color choices. So this is what I do: I do my test stitchout on a heavy duty clear vinyl (have used the plastic that blankets, sheets come in). I don't bother to use stabilizer. If you w […]
We Need Reinforcements!
by Char I have embroidery designs organized on SD memory cards. I label these with the paper "hole reinforcements" made for punched paper. The space to write is small so a numerical reference and separate ledger is further beneficial. ... This is a copy. See the original article here
Got Gum? Good!
by Perky Paula I have found that the round containers that gum comes in are great for pins, needles, empty bobbins, safety pins, and a multitude of small items that usually scatter across your sewing area. I have at least 8 of them within reach of the sewing machines and computer screen. ... This is a copy. See the original article here
Don’t Do It!
By SewMagical I am usually careful, when I work on my projects, about where I place my straight pins. Either I place them away from my line of stitching, or I remove them as I come to them, before the presser foot and needle go over them. Stitching over a pin can cause damage to your machine. It can break your needle, and the broken pieces may fly off and […]
Foamy Needles?
by Lorie I use the "foamies" found at your local discount stores. I use the star shape and pull one side down so it will temporarily stick on my machine. I write the size of needle I am using for that particular machine. When I change to a different needle, then it is easy to run the needle into the foamie and file away if it is still a good, us […]
Giving WSS a “Boost”
by Estelle Don't know if this is helpful or not but it sure worked for me! I live in Georgia where the humidity can get UNREAL. Using WSS (water soluble stabilizer) is very challenging at times; ESPECIALLY when making Lace! I was NOT having any fun until I got the idea to use plastic mesh screening (bridal tulle). I hooped the heavy WSS on the bottom, […]
Patterns for Life!
by Margaret My tip is to iron very light interfacing on the back of the pattern pieces this not only keeps them from disintegrating but it also stops pins from ruining them. I have just used a doll pattern that I first used for my daughter thirty five years ago.... This is a copy. See the original article here
Please! Keep it Clean!
by Ellen I just unpacked a 100 yard roll of stabilizer and in a "flash of brilliance" came up with this idea to keep everything all together. The stabilizer came in a plastic bag. I cut a slit in the side of the bag long enough to accommodate the width of the stabilizer and fed the end through the slit and TAADAA! Neat and clean and contained. ... […]
Don’t Forget!
by Diane I keep a dry erase board near my embroidery/quilting/sewing machines so I can write down the needle type in each machine as I work. My brain is getting too old to remember from one day to the next......... This is a copy. See the original article here
Sewing Room-1, Landfill-0
by Mary Here's my latest thought... I just knew there had to be another use for the tray the carry-out sushi came in. My bobbins fit perfectly, and the snap-on lid keeps them in place. One less item for the landfill. ... This is a copy. See the original article here
Fishing for an Idea!
by Lucinda Re-purposing this give-away blanket was easy. I just embroidered over the existing embroidering and Viola! A lap blanket donation. Lucinda used design #4 from the Tropical Fish set. You can see the Tropical Fish set here. This set was created by Corky - you can see all of his sets by clicking here.... This is a copy. See the original article here […]
A Charming Idea!
by Pamela, I have a tip for you. Any time that you make a design where you will be using WSS (water soluble stabilizer) then why not add a tiny charm design to your hoop? That way you waste less and you can always use a charm to add alongside a ribbon when you give a gift! It makes a very pretty addition to your gift package and it never hurts to have an ext […]
A Sparkling Discovery!
by Merna When I make FSL (free standing lace), I like it to 'SPARKLE'. I do not ever throw away a scrap of the stabilizer. When I get ready to melt away the stabilizer, I use a glass bowl, put extra stabilizer scraps in the water, then I add some Ultra Fine Glitter. You can get it at any craft store. It adds sparkle to all your FSL. You can also […]
Stop Me Before I Stitch Too Far!
by Ann I know that many of you do quilts and some of us are relatively new to this hobby as I most certainly am. I have decided to have a go at an attic window cushion that the single bed quilts can be folded into during the day time for our little motor home. To get the sections joined together you have to stop 1/4 inch from the end of the one block and […]
Disaster Averted!
by Judy Have what you think is embroidery disaster? I DID!!! I purchased some new legging outfits for my new and beautiful granddaughter. Somehow my machine started eating the fabric and it skewed everything out of place. I thought it was ruined. I painstakingly cut all the stitches loose, pulled them out and pouted. I tried doing it again, but it just did […]
There’s No Whining in Embroidery – or Is There?
by Lynn I use 6 compartment wine bags, to carry stabilizers, to embroidery classes. I roll my fabric, batting, topping stabilizers & embroidery stabilizers. They fit in nice and snug. I can even fit a ruler & rotary cutter. Hang it over your shoulder and go. I can place the bag on a table or floor. No more roll-away stabilizers even in the car! You […]
Perfect Bloomers!
by Kim I have found a real rationalization for leaving my ironing board up all of the time in my sewing and embroidery studio! The little darling baby bloomers are always so popular for embroidering on the “bum” of the bloomers. Well, not only are they tiny, they are also gathered! Very tough to put the stabilizer on and the template, too, for those who use […]
Stiffen Up!
by Lynn You can make glue to stiffen up FSL items that become limp. Add water soluble stabilizer to jar & add small amounts of water till the mixture is thin enough to paint or dip the FSL item. Just drip- dry or iron item with press cloth and Teflon sheet to dry the item. Store unused mixture in sealed jar.... This is a copy. See the original article he […]
Sharon’s Husband is NOT for Sale or Loan!
by Sharon [Note from Rob - All Sharon did was send in her tip. I created the title just to ward off any battles over who gets to take her hubby home with them.... ] I read the article about thread storage “What Are You Doing With Your?” by Kathy and thought about my own thread storage. I have some thread racks on the wall behind the closet door. I have t […]

Embroidery Instructions

POTW – Zipper Tissue Cases
by Bonnie These zipper cases are totally done in the hoop, no extra sewing is required. Supplies: • Fabric scraps for tissue cases cut as follows: • Left and right sides - two pieces measuring 5 x 6 inches (12.5 x 15 cm) each, fold in half to 2.5 x 6 inches (6.25 x 15 cm), wrong sides together and press a nice crisp fold line. • Backing piece: 5 x 6 […]
One Sweet Project!
by Karen Thought I'd share my recent project with you. You see a friend wanted a coat hanger cover that would contain potpourri, so I went about making one specially for her. It turned out so nice I decided to make more but I didn't want to spend too much time digitizing... I looked at what designs I had that might be suitable, it needs to be appl […]
POTW – Votive Candle Wraps
by Rhonda The set of Votive Candle Wraps can be seen/purchased by clicking here. This set was created by Rhonda. You can see all sets created by Rhonda by clicking here. General Instructions These are to be stitched out the same as for applique designs. Materials : light weight, easy to tear, tear away stabilizer or opaque wash away stabilizer. Suitable clot […]
A Pouch is a Girl’s Best Friend!
by SewMagical Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and earrings or other jewelry is a popular gift. Rather than just putting the the jewelry in a plain box, why not make a simple case that will give your gift an extra special touch? This would also make a great travel case! Supplies: Fabric for outside of case (I had some leftover lining fabric) F […]
Carry On (also known as Roll Along, Little Needles, Pt. 2)
by SewMagical Here is the second part of the needle case project. We will make an accessory holder to go along with the needle case already made. (See: Roll Along Little...Needles? for that project.) This accessory holder is done in a fold-over style. It has 2 see-through pockets with zippers on the inside, and a pocket for ID on the outside. It closes with […]
Roll Along, Little ….Needles?
By SewMagical My friend Kat is an avid knitter, and enjoys designing and making socks. She uses double-pointed knitting needles to do this. The other day I was watching her sort through her needles to find the set she wanted for a new project. She keeps them in a rectangular tin with a latch, and I asked her why she didn't keep them in a case or a needl […]
POTW – Horizon Landscapes
by Marlene Stewart You can download/purchase this set by clicking here. Supplies: Clear water soluble stabilizer Nylon netting or similar fabric Cord Beads (Large enough hole for cord to go through) Clear vinyl found in fabric stores (used for covering upholstery, books,etc.) Instructions: Hoop 2 layers of nylon netting on top of clear stabilizer. Stitch de […]
Hide-a-way Cuff
by SewMagical This project will make use of the leftover pillowcase hem from the walker caddy project from a couple of weeks ago. Do you ever have to run out to the store, but don't want to carry a purse? Or maybe you use public transit and want to keep your fare handy, without having to search through a large handbag. Here is one answer to that problem […]
Teen Picks – Applique or Badges
by Rhonda These can be done as applique alone or as Badges. You can see the set and purchase/download it by clicking here. You can see all sets digitized by Rhonda by clicking here. Materials: applique material heavy material (for badges) tear-away stabilizer threads to match material washable glue stick or your choice of adhesive If making Badges, the bobbi […]
This Caddy is Not for Golfers!
by SewMagical Walker Caddy If you have a friend or relative who uses a walker to get around, you can make them a gift which they can use every day. This project uses both the embroidery machine and the regular sewing machine. The size can be adjusted to fit the particular walker, and you can choose the size of pockets you add to meet the needs of the recipie […]
POTW – Do It Yourself Cards!
by Rhonda With all of the interest in stitching on cards and the questions surrounding this technique: How is it done? What kind of designs should I use? I want to make cards for all occasions, what should I use? Rhonda has created a set of designs JUST for stitching on card stock - so you can create your own cards and embellish them the way you want! This s […]
POTW – Hanukkah Calendar
by Marlene Marlene has created another calendar for us! This time, her Hanukkah Calendar is center stage! These quick to stitch designs follow the same instructions as the Advent Calender posted here: Advent Calendar With 10 designs (plus the pocket design) you can create different calendars. You can download/purchase the set here. ... This is a copy. See […]
POTW – Candy Cane Covers
by Marlene Oh my! Get our your felt and get busy because everyone needs one of these cute little candy cane covers!!! There is something for everyone! You can use these as Candy Cane Toppers, Pencil or Straw Toppers, or Finger Puppets! These Candy Cane Covers use the same directions as the Halloween Pencil/Straw Toppers and you can see the instructions here […]
POTW – Ladybugs Beads and Things
by Rhonda This is a most unique set Rhonda has created! While it is only ONE ladybug (drawn by Rhonda) - she has created 11 different ways it can be stitched: 1 applique (3.24" x 2.43") - perfect for stitching on anything (shirts, towels, onesies) 1 small applique (1.91"x 1.49") - perfect for socks, doll clothes, baby items) 1 filled […]
POTW – ITH Christmas Tag Alphabet
by Rhonda STOP! Don't buy those sticky tags for your Christmas gifts!! Rhonda has created a wonderful way for you to personalize each gift this holiday season! I can see piles of gifts sporting these beautiful new Christmas Tags this year! At the bottom of this article, Rhonda gives more ideas on how to use these wonderful tags! Instructions Every de […]
Hoop Earrings – POTW
by Marlene Once again Marlene has created a quick-to-stitch, in-the-hoop project for you! These earrings are a little different than the other as they are NOT Free Standing Lace. Marlene uses a lightweight vinyl for stability in this project. Supplies Clear water soluble stabilizer Very thin vinyl found in fabric stores (used for cover chairs, book cover e […]
Just ZIP IT!
by SewMagical SewMagical has delivered this wonderful project as promised! I can see wonderful zippered sweatshirts wrapped as gifts in all shapes and sizes this holiday season! Take a moment and start thinking... children, adults, men, women, friends... How about one for your dear friend who loves to garden and they are always outside in late fall and earl […]
POTW – Baby Rag Bibs
by Bonnie You can see/purchase the set by clicking here. SUPPLIES: Flannel or Cotton(cut to 8x10 for the 150x240mm(6x9) hoop & 10x12 for the 200x260mm(10x12) Thread of your choice Tear Away Stabilizer or starched muslin Air Soluble Marker When I used tear away I removed the stabilizer from the bib then I marked and trimmed it as in directions below. Whe […]
POTW – Halloween Scrubbies
by Rhonda You wanted Halloween scrubbies and Rhonda took the challenge! You can see the set below and also online here. You can see all sets by Rhonda by clicking here. The same instructions are used for this set and you can read them here. They are also included in each set. ... This is a copy. See the original article here
Just Hangin’ Around…
by SewMagical One accessory I have seen a lot of lately are small purses that hang from the wrist. They are perfect for holding a few items when you need to run a quick errand like keys, your ID, and a little bid of cash or a credit card. An Internet search will turn up many ways to make these useful little bags. Here is my method. This pouch has a zipper cl […]

Embroidery Forum

Bird Designs of all kinds February 25, 2012
*Bird Designs of all kinds on top I have used a mix of bird designs from my collection over the years to complete this top, hope you like it Best...
prewound bobbins for pe-770? February 24, 2012
Hi Friends :) I have a Brother PE-770 and am wondering about using prewound bobbins. From what I understand, my machine takes an "A" sized bobbin...
New Denim Skirt and Jacket February 24, 2012
I wanted a matching skirt and jacket I also bought some faux leather a while back and wanted to use itAttachment 30172...
Childbirth at 65 February 24, 2012
Childbirth at 65 With all the new technology regarding fertility recently, a 65-year-old friend of mine was able to give birth. When...
Staff Meeting February 24, 2012
The boss of a Madison Avenue advertising agency called a spontaneous staff meeting in the middle of a particularly stressful week. When everyone...
previous purchases February 24, 2012
I know how to get my previous purchases by email and from points purchase but the older ones are not there. I went to buy a set and it tells me I...
Embroidery digitizing and creat graphics February 24, 2012
Hi,guys, We specialize in embroidery digitizing and vector designing for screen printing service. we have experts team, all they have more than 7...
Good digitizer and graphics creater February 24, 2012
Hi,guys, We specialize in embroidery digitizing and vector designing for screen printing service. we have experts team, all they have more than 7...
Er det noen her fra Norge? February 24, 2012
God morgen! I am hoping to find a Norwegian friend who does sewing and Embroidery.. or even Knitting! Jeg håper å finne en norsk venn som gjør søm...
02/23/12 A Strawberry for you February 24, 2012
Hope you all like this one. It will fit in the 4x4 hoop, and is in the PES format. Enjoy :)
Paula Deen's butter cake February 24, 2012
this is the easiest and delicious cake I have ever made- warning - it is rich lol!! http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/view2/gooey_butter_cake
Larry Pike? February 23, 2012
Has anyone taken his classes. He's at "Artistic Thread Words" and offers 30 days free lessons on Embroidering. Thanks for any information.
New-ish Newby :D February 23, 2012
Hi everybody! I've been a shopper and lurker here for quite some time and I thought it was time to introduce myself. Thank you all for your kind help...
Search Singles By Category Fixed up February 23, 2012
Search Singles By Category now displays the proper # of single designs and the proper "go to page #" ...
silk February 23, 2012
Does anyone have any suggestions? I want to make a quilt out of silk. and am not sure as how to stablize it. It has 36 blocks and some of them are...
I got the new brother quattro2 February 23, 2012
Good morning, yeah I got the new brother quattro2 yesterday. I had gotten a flyer from my baby lock store saying they would give me full price of...
I'm a NEW & HAPPY owner of a BROTHERS PE 770 Embroidery Machine February 23, 2012
I will be receiving my very first Embroidery Machine Monday and I'm very excited. I will be asking all of you for all the HELP I will need after I...
Hello February 22, 2012
Hello All......Thanks for having me........I am currently using a Brother PE-770 Thanks: Roger
Is there a stabilizer with a sticky backing for embroidering applique's? February 22, 2012
I am new to my wonderful embroidery machine and having a ball with it. I am wanting to do my own embroidery applique's. Is there a technique for...
Hello, another new person here. February 22, 2012
Hello, I am fairly new to machine embroidery. I have had my machine for over a year, but spent a long time being intimidated by my machine. :oops:...

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