Hello Cuties, here is just another luggage tag but what I have to tell you will explain why I posted it.
I just made my first ones, since Christmas, and since no instructions came with the free design I figured out how to hoop and embroider. Or rather I figured a few weeks ago. Tonight I boo- boo-ed but saved it I think.
First mistake-I should have hooped WSS but I hooped cutaway.
After I started stitched the top Gone Again, I knew I had hooped the wrong stabilizer to get a clean edge when I stitched my last color, the satin stitch.
So instead of wasting my cutaway and pretty cloth, I went ahead and finished it in the hoop without stopping to trim my fabric.
After my final stitch, I removed it from my hoop and trimmed just the stabilizer FIRST. Then I laid it flat and placing my ruler along each edge, I trimmed the front and back edge evenly away from the satin stitch, being careful not to cut my strap off in the process.
Because I knew I could never get a pretty satin edge with cutaway not showing, I decided to fringe it like the raggedy edges. I thought it wouldn't show the white of the stabilizer as much and I saved my mistake. What do you think?
I know that is a loaded question and I think this tag is appropriately named, because times like this I think my mind HAS Gone Again!- lol😉
Hoop your WSS- Your applique should have a placement stitch for color 1 and then float your top fabric on top of WSS over placement line.
Color 2 should be a tackdown stitch to hold your fabric. Now you will have to repeat the tack down step, to tack the back on. ( I hope you know how to do this with your machine. Just back up a color.)
Then removing the hoop from machine, but not removing the stabilizer/tag from the hoop, you just insert the strap you have made on back of your WWS about 1/2 inch and then place your back fabric over the strap, securing with tape or however you do. I pin but my pins are on top, way out of way of needle. Now run that tack down stitch color again and if it is a good applique it will have a zig-zag step/color change. I run that too.
Now removing the hoop from machine, NOT the project from the hoop, carefully trim your top fabric without cutting or pulling on the WSS. Turn hoop over and trim the back fabric BUT be careful and don't cut your strap. Now place hoop back on the machine and stitch the satin edge of the applique.
I think I explained this ok, but it is late at night, early morning for me so ask tomorrow if not sure.
I did forget to mention, it you want to embroider a phrase or saying, do this on the front top only, before you place your back and strap on! I stitch my saying after my fabric is tacked down. I also cut my strap 2 1/2 inch wide by 7in or longer if you prefer. If you can't make the strap, ask tomorrow.If you can, then great!
After removing from hoop and WSS I then take it to my sewing machine and stitch 3 sides of a plastic piece on the reverse side (if you emb one side) leaving an opening on top short end to insert address card. Whew!
You did ask!-lol-Good night Toogie
** Wondering where the "Gone Again" embroidery design came from and/or what font it is? I would really like this design as it applies to my life too. :) Thanks for sharing the pictures and description.