I have two "stupid" questions....ITH bags...how do you sew the zipper without breaking your needle? And, FSL how do I keep my item together? Last time it "dissolved" into a pile of thread. Thanks so much for your help...

Here's a link to my FSL answer in another post. Sorry, I was thinking about the zipper bags, and haven't made any, so I went on to another post. Didn't really pay attention to your FSL question, I guess. Getting old. Hugs, Marji

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by marjialexa 31 Jul 2012

By the way, there are no stupid questions. We all started somewhere, and if we hadn't asked someone, we'd be nowhere. So ask away!

esansom asked a question about SoniaShowalters Christmas angels if another post. One of the responses was great in explaining how FSL is digitized. I suggest you find that question and read it - I think it will help. Goodluck on both your projects and let us know how they turn out.

Trust me some one will appreciate your question. I have made a couple of mistakes stitching lace as FSL. One piece I left in the stabilizer and stitched it to a piece of fabric with a zig zig using invisible thread. It looks OK. The other is still in the stabilizer.

I don't think anyone has suggested this yet but on the ITH bags when you do the color that sews the zipper down if you can slow the speed down on your machine it is not so scarry!

I recently embroidered a design that I thought was FSL because it was called lacy bugs only to discover half way through the sew out it wasn't,so I quickly inserted a piece of organza underneath.Haven't wash the vilene out yet to see if the design still works or if it is a mess.

Most of this reply has already been sent BUT first, be sure that the file is FSL. If in doubt stitch it with a layer of mylar or organza over the stabilizer. Second. the stabilizer MUST be very tight. If it is loose the stitches won't line up correctly. 3. Place the design between 2 pieces of plastic mesh when rinsing to keep design from shifting. Hope this helps.

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by cfidl 31 Jul 2012

The plastic canvas should work great for this. I like this idea! Thanks!

The first zipped purse I tried, I printed the instructions and followed them to the letter! After that I understood the process and there was no more fear. You do need a nylon zip and it needs to be quite a lot longer than you think, especially when you try for the first time.
Good luck with the FSL - as everyone has said, it is all about choosing the right design and hooping really carefully.

when doing fsl make sure your hoop is tight and does not pull stabilizer out I have had some loosen and just turns to piles of thread. I just did sonia walters angel and it came out beautiful. Like others have said you need plastic zippers longer than the finished size.

FSL must be digitized as FSL, first some rows of base stitches are sewn then the design is sewn out on top of those base stitches. I'm in LOVE with FSL and most of my embroidery is just this!! Good Luck!

I was afraid to try this at first. You must use a nylon zip not metal teeth or the needle will break and use a zip that is at least 3 inches bigger than you need. If you read Sues instructions which she has written under her free patterns they are so easy to follow and you can't go wrong.he has some of her bags on page 1 ans 2 or DBC today. hugs Joyce

I have made loads of ith tissue cases with zips and never broke a needle the first time is a little daunting but as long as its a plastic teeth it will be fine. As for the FSL I just did some flowers from the tavernmaker site and they always turn out very well. You must make sure it's a design that's is definitely FSL. That way all the stitches are going to be locked together to avoid any disintegrating of design. Hope this helps.

By carefully following the instructions it all works fine. The first time you make a bag and get to the zip is nailbiting but it works. Only use a plastic zipper a metal one doesnot work and can damage your machine. Sorry I cant answer the fsl question. There are no stupid questions here on Cute. Machine embroidery is a big learning curve and all of us are constantly learning. Good luck and post a picture in projects for us to see

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by sewhappyinstitches 31 Jul 2012

I agree with the others. I was so excited to try the tissue zipper case, but was also afraid to hit the zipper. After I sew the zipper line, I place the zipper on and tape it down on the outer most edge of the zipper with painter's tape. The zipper can't move and there is no fear of going out of the line. If worse comes to worse the machine sewed on the very edge of the painter's tape and I just lift it off without any problems. I love doing ith zipper projects now. In fact after doing the first one, I went on to do 15 more. I now have a gift for everyone at the office at Christmas and had them done several months ago. This is a first!

Oh dear, I must confess that I have never made an ITH bag, although I have bought the zips!! I do know that any ITH bag comes with placement lines for the zip. I also know that there will be many more Cuties who can help you more than I can. As for FSL I have never had any problems. I would spend some time going into one of the well known embroidery sites and looking at their tutorials.

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by airyfairy 31 Jul 2012

I also meant to add that there are no stupid questions. That is how we all learn.