without taking out the seam? I have seven to make. I knew I couldn't handle the smaller ones I found but now the big one are going to be tricky. Thanks

I embroidered designs onto felt and then ironed on fuse & stick and then ironed them onto the bag. So they were iron on patches

1 comment

by dkjack 17 May 2010

Thanks but I ended up taking out all the seams and stitching. Took longer but got them done.

Turn the bag inside out, make sure the handles are not in the way. Use tape to hold the one side back, it sounds confusing but Sewing w/Nancy had that tip a few weeks ago.

1 comment

by dkjack 17 May 2010

Didn't see Sewing w/Nancy episode. Always forget to turn it on. I finally took the seam out and stitched. Thanks for the reply

DKJack, I did 15 bags last Halloween, and had started out ripping out one seam, Then I realized that if you turn the design upside down, it is so much easier to sew. So now, when I have a premade bag, I just flip the design, but remember when you flip a name or letters, you must flip sideways also! If not you have a backwords name! (I already did that!) Hahaha! Hope this helps you! Judy

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by dkjack 30 Aug 2009

Judy, I guess I'm tired. I don't understand but very much interested in how this works. Turn the design upside down??? How does that help get the back side of the bag out of the way? :)

well some options are given, so I wait what it is going to be, *4u

I'm really interested to see how you do this DK. Me I would go with Shirlene's suggestion I believe that would be the easiest route for me. Good luck & post for us please *

I'm really interested to see how you do this DK. Me I would go with Shirlene's suggestion I believe that would be the easiest route for me. Good luck & post for us please *

You got some great answers. Boy, Shirlene, I never thought of making a patch, hee hee hee, how easy would that be? Bet I could even use some of my test stitches up this way, on cheap totes people could use instead of plastic bags. See what great minds can come up with when we put our heads together? We want to see your project when it's done!! Good luck!! Hugs, Marji

you got some answers so I will give flowers to all

I've done small bags by turning them inside out, then pinning and basting the area to be embroidered on the hooped stabiliser (could have used sticky stabiliser). Then I curled the rest out of the way and pinned that as well, watch the embroidering with hawk's eyes and nimble fingers moving bunched and pinned material even further out of the way. But I think ripping the seam, embroidering and sewing the seam again is less stressful and might be even quicker.

Have you thought of doing a patch and then stitch it or stitching it to the bag later? Deb, I wish you luck dear. *4U

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by dkjack 28 Aug 2009

Wow! Thanks. If I can't get it into the hoop and onto the machine I could do that. My regular sewing machine has the free arm. Thanks. Will let you all know what happens. :) Or not. hahaha

Hi there! If you take a good look at the seams on these bags, I bet they are B I G stitches, and would be a cinch to take out, and easy to put back in after you are through with the design. I guarantee it! Alot easier than trying to manipulate the bags. I've done this.

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by dkjack 28 Aug 2009

Yes, I did check that out and knew I could do that. I just hate taking out stitches. hahaha Can't decide which way to go. I will try Marj's first and if I just can't get it onto the machine will decide whether to RIP or Patch. :) Thanks

I just turn them inside out and hoop them in my "Do All Quilters Hoop" and haven't had any problems. I have a Designer SE. Just make sure you keep the handles out of the way.

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by dkjack 27 Aug 2009

I don't know what a "Do All Quiltrs Hoop" is. :) My machine is an Esante.

I had the same type problem so my husband built me a stand for my machine so it acts like it has a free arm. Is there any way you could lift the bottom up under the embroidery area? You may have to set it on something to lift it just enough to get the other side of the bag under the machine so it can move freely while the embroidery is being done. A book would probably work. Then HOLD onto the machine . . .

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by dkjack 27 Aug 2009

No, that won't work with the shape of my machine. Thanks :)

I think marjialexa said it all. Good luck.

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by dkjack 27 Aug 2009

Sounds good. Now if I can pull it off. Good thing I got the bags at the Dollar store. hahaha. I told the girl what I was doing with them and she was so excited she wants me to bring them by for her to see. Hope I have something to show her. So glad I haven't told the grandkids about them in case I can't pull it off.

by marietta 28 Aug 2009

Don't worry, you will pull it off. Show me a Cuty that cannot pull something of. LOL. Good luck

Is the 14" the length or the width? Tote bags I've done have been wider than long, that's easier. Can you turn it inside out, hoop it correctly to sew, and pull the extra material out of the way, down towards the bottom of the hoop, and hold with binder clips? If the mouth of the bag isn't wide enough, maybe you could unstitch just part of one side. Oh, use the sticky stabilizer, so you won't have to hoop the bags, that'll give you a bit more room to work with because the hoop takes up material. Boy, I hope you understand what I mean, I'm seeing pictures in my head, but I hope I'm getting the idea across ok. Good luck!! Hugs, Marji

1 comment

by dkjack 27 Aug 2009

The 14" is the length. I think I understand what you are saying just not sure about clipping the sides. Will have to get some binder clips. I might have to use smaller designs than I had planned. My great idea has my nerves on edge. To late to try again tonight so I'll get back to you tomorrow. Thanks Marji.