Tips from the Satin Stitches staff

Methods:

Test an embroidery design on Osnaburg fabric (loose weave muslin). You can use it later as an applique with frayed edges on a t-towel.

Machines & Accessories:

If your foot control has a retractable cord, hold it between your index finger and thumb when releasing it to keep it from twisting. This will cut down on wear n' tear so it'll last longer.
When doing applique in the embroidery hoop, use a piece of sticky tape to pat the edges of the fabric before it is satin stitched into place. This will remove the fuzzies.
Pfaff owners (7570, 7560, 7530): Do you know you can wind a bobbin while sewing or embroidering? Just don't turn the inner wheel on the hand wheel.
Keep the bed of your machine waxed. Fabric will glide more easily if you rub a bit of paste wax on your accessory tray and machine bed. Only use paste wax.
Always lift your presser foot when threading your machine. This locks the thread into the tension disks.
To keep your machine in tip-top shape, use Q-tips to clean off the lint. While regular cleaning is important, don't forget to keep your machine oiled and have it professionally cleaned once a year.
Use your Pfaff Endless Hoop for quilting borders on your quilts! It's easy and you don't need any stabilizer. Stop by the shop to see several samples of what you can do.

Stabilizer:

To remove water soluble stabilizer from your embroideries, wash (not full strength) with fabric softener or hair conditioner. Your fabric or lace will nice and soft!
Use a postage stamp bottle to remove any water-soluble stabilizer from your work.
If the outline of your embroidery design does not line up with the rest of the design, use MORE stabilizer.
Always store water-soluble stabilizers in an airtight container. Zip-lock bags work great.

Thread:

Heat and light can dry out threads and fade their color. If you hang your threads on a wall rack, cover the threads with a piece of fabric. Old or dry thread break more easily.
Use a needle with a larger eye if your thread keeps breaking.
When opening a new spool of thread, hold the spool by the ends and push towards the center. This will tighten the thread on the spool.

Clean Up:

Use a small leftover piece of batting to clean up the threads on your cutting mat.
Keep a lint roller near your sewing to pick up all the little threads from seam ripping.

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