I have a question for all you multi needle machine owners........I find it difficult to do ITH projects as there is nothing under the hoop to hold fabric in place......what do you do when you do ITH projects on the multi needle...I have the Melco Bravo........I don't do many ITH projects because they aren't fun, they seem to be so much more challenging, so hopefully you guys will have some tips for me and I may try another one of Sue's purses........thanks to all!

Follow the instructions the first time and keep notes if you're inclined to do things differently.
Cut out all the pieces first and label if necessary so you're not thinking of what you are doing and what material you need to cut next.
Slow your machine down until you are comfortable with a higher speed.
Check the design as often as you need to for your own comfort.
Use fabric glue stick, it's not so sticky that it stiffens the material and needs to be washed out.
Repositional spray adhesive is good too but check the brand and be sure to buy the one with the least nasties in it.
Lastly, 'do it' and do it 'now' *S*

I use painters tape, holds material in place and comes off with no sticky on anything, go through rolls of it for everything LOL

Will your machine let you "see" by moving to the corners before you start to stitch? If so, just pin your underneath piece inside of, or outside of the stitching line. This way you KNOW you won't sew over a pin.

4 comments

by basketkase 19 Oct 2015

Before I stitch, I can see a preview with a laser light that shows me the parameters of the design......

by jrob 20 Oct 2015

There you go. Pin either inside of that parameter or outside of it. It won't go anywhere.

by katydid 20 Oct 2015

Good idea. I was always worried to put a pin on the underside of my hoop for fear it would get caught. I guess you have tried it an it works. Kay

by dragonflyer 21 Oct 2015

If you are worried about a pin getting caught if it is under the hoop...you can always pin from the top...just go through all the layers and make sure you catch the bottom layer...outside of the sewing area for sure!

The quilters tape works great for holding the edges together after opening the zipper...This is the back of a little coin purse.

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1 comment

by basketkase 19 Oct 2015

Thanks, Joan, the visual aids help!

I use spray adhesive to attach things under the hoop. Then I just support it with my hand very lightly. I never have any issues. Just make sure it is straight underneath and the material did not fold ..a quick peek is all it takes. Suzanne

4 comments

by basketkase 19 Oct 2015

I used to use the spray adhesive, but I hated having to go outside to spray it.......didn't like spraying the aerosol in the house, seems to go everywhere......Jim made me a spray box, but the cats thought it was for them...of course

by pennyhal2 19 Oct 2015

Of course the cats would assume it was made for them!

by jrob 19 Oct 2015

I only use Sulky KK2000 for that very reason. It's "exclusively non- flammable, non-toxic, odorless and clear, ozone friendly, no CFC's or HCFC's.

by mechille 19 Oct 2015

I also use the spray and I have a small box that I only use to spray in. I don't have a multi needle machine..... lucky you... but this is how I do it Mechille :)

I haven't got a multi needle yet, but on my Janome I use flat quilting pins with plastic heads outside the sewing field to hold things in place they are great as you can pin along the hoop edge knowing they won't be hit. Marian

1 comment

by basketkase 19 Oct 2015

Thanks, Marion, I have done that too........

I have a Janome MB4 which has an extension table. I wonder if there is something similar for your machine.

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1 comment

by basketkase 19 Oct 2015

I think there may be........I will have to check into it....

I don't personally own a multi needle, but when I use a friend's machine we are generous with the fabric and use purple Elmer's glue stick around the edges, not in the area to be stitched, to hold the fabric. Sometimes, we also add pins if needed. Hope that helps.

1 comment

by basketkase 19 Oct 2015

I have some stuff called Lapel stick and it is for sewing, it works pretty good but I still have to hold me hand under the fabric......

I recently learned from someone to use quarter inch wide tape found in the quilting notions. I peel it off and stick it to the edge of my machine to reuse until it's no longer sticky. I rarely use the blue tape anymore. I have a single needle machine, though.

3 comments

by pennifold 19 Oct 2015

I do the same as you Joan. It looks funny having those 4 little bits of sticky quilting tape on the machine, but oh! boy do they help when I'm making In The Hoop projects. Love Chris

by basketkase 19 Oct 2015

On the ITH purse, I used the double sides sticky at the corners, which seemed to well, it was just time consuming for me....trying to peel the paper off the tape takes me as long as it does to stitch the piece...LOL!

by joansatx edited 19 Oct 2015

Yes, Chris, it's funny to me, too.
I wouldn't want to deal with the double sided either! I have used the purple Elmer's glue stick for simple things. Trying to add a picture here of my newest favorite way of using the quilting tape...will try above.

I have a 4-needle one and just pin; at the 4 corners and in the middle of the sides if possible, otherwise inside the stitching area, which works well as it only an outline in most cases.

1 comment

by basketkase 18 Oct 2015

Thanks, Martine.........I was afraid of hitting a pin, sometimes when my machine moves to another section, the underneath fabric would get hung up..I think the pins and then a quick stitch around sounds good.......thank you...

Interesting question which I cant answer. I have only stitched one in the hoop design out that I can remember and it was a couple of years ago. I must try again when there is some time to do so then I will let you know. But as I am not sorted from moving it will be a while

1 comment

by basketkase 18 Oct 2015

I did tons of ITH with my berina single needle, it is the multi needle am having difficulties with.....

I wish I had a multi needle machine. Did you not keep one of your old Bernina machines to sew with? Kay

1 comment

by basketkase 18 Oct 2015

I don't even know if I remember how to use the bernina for embroidery...LOL....it serves as a very expensive sewing machine.......ugh!

I don't have a multi-needle, but on my single needle, I find it very helpful to tape (I use blue masking tape) to hold the material on the underside of the hope. It comes off easily, even if sewn through.

2 comments

by katydid 18 Oct 2015

Good idea! I also keep a roll in my sewing room for projects so I don't have to stop and go the garage to find some. Kay

by basketkase 18 Oct 2015

Yes, this is a good idea...thank you......

I find I need to be a bit generous with the stabilizer and fabric when I am hooping for my 6 needle. The hoop needs enough to grab and hold onto. So no skimping. And be sure the hoop is tight enough to hold onto the stabilizer and fabric. I also use the smallest hoop to fit the design. There is support where the machine is stitching and that seems to be all the support it needs for the most part. Don't be afraid. Dive in and take the project one step at a time.

1 comment

by basketkase 18 Oct 2015

Yes, I too am generous (most of the time) with hooped fabric, but I am talking about when you attach something under the hoop such as for a bag......