Hi Shirl, thanx for your encourging welcome. I have had my machine for nearly 2 years now. Have not had much practice other than stitching out. Would be interested in any tips on Cutwork from the Cuties Gals.

Seems I learn EVERYTHING the hard way :) After I learned that I made a mistake, I remember reading about how to do it the right way, but just forgot about it until I actually do it, but then I don't forget (just like an elephant). I will remember, thanks to you, to use fray stop BEFORE I clip small stitches. My machine (Designer) loves all kinds of thread, and I've been warned not to use the sticky stabilizer. Can't wait to read all of the postings!

sending u back up for more answers...
Sam :)

Fray Block prevents fraying, secures threads, dries clear and is washable & dry cleanable - an embroiderer's dream for cutwork.

Fray Block:

I also learning most new techniques the hard way, reason being that I'm over excited to try something new, so much so I go ahead and just wing it, only to have a sit down afterward so I can read the instructions, hehehe. Non the less, it's fun. With Mops's velvet thread design (posted on projects) I gutted the thread up to the base on my first try, didn't look so good with the material staring back at me, so I had another look at the photos I posted regarding velvet thread, I couldn't find detailed instructions on "how to" and I've noticed in the design they used 3 colours and only cut the first 2 so that the base colour is still intact. This small change made a huge difference and that ladies is my tip for today. Thank you Shirlener for an interesting topic, cant wait to see what the other have to share!

I have learned that you need good tools, good stabilizer/thread, good designs and a good machine to get good results. There is a world a difference between my old embroidery machine and my new model and think fondly when I make my monthly payment!

My advise to everyone is don't "go cheap" with your supplies. Quality differs greatly between brands so buy "the goods" that produce great results. Also, try to buy a machine from a local dealer. Lessons are a great asset to a novice and the inconvenience of repair and upkeep can make or break your hobby.

One last thing... designs! OMGosh I have bought designs from very popular sites mentioned here that were just a nightmare! Buy from respected digitizers - those that know what the heck they're doing! lol...

Okay, I'll think of more later I'm sure. :-)

I learned to stop the machine when I am leaving the room, seems like it knows when I have my back turned and things tend to mess up.

well i have learned to always ask questions even if i think they are the stupid ones lol i am queen of asking them u know that after the corner of the napkin you done lol and i do not hoop anything just stabelizer now and use basting stitches around design learne dth ehard way when i was hooping a sweat shirt my hoop went snap and oh boy i was mad at myself stabelizer i cut as close and around th edesign that is possible have not made a bookmark yet that was in th ehoop only FSL now lace i belive is something that is sewn on material or organza i believe correct me if i am wrong please and FSL is just thst it is lace that will stand on its own after WSS is washed away did i answer your questions lol oh and thread well my new machine will use about any thread my old one hates the radiant thread i had gotten a long time ago

I have only had my machine a few months. I think so far the most important thing I have learned is to have a GOOD set of small curved embroidery sissors to clip the jump stitches! I have a singer futura and because I was just starting out didn't want to spend a fortune on thread so went with Metro. This machine seems to love it.

The first lesson that I learned was that I should have saved up more money and boughten a machine with a larger stitchout area. So many beautiful designs will not fit in a 4x4 hoop. (I upgraded.) I have also learned that my Innov-is4000D does not like Coats and Clark thread. When it comes to FSL, I have far better success using Vilene than the clear stabilizer. Hooping only the stabilier for heavier items like towels and sweatshits works so much better. But the very best thing that I have learned is that the CUTE family is a very special and unique group of machine embroiders, They are always there to help, whether it be with an embroidery question or to offer personal support.

I think the most important thing I have learned is to write things down. I was always remembering someone had talked about a certain way to do things but had problems finding them on Cute when I needed them. I started a Q & A in Word and copy and paste. A few months ago I started adding the person's names who answered so if I had further questions, I could ask them again (and again) hahahaha. To date I have 92 pages worth of tips from Cute. After all these tips from your question, I'm sure I have 100 or more. Thanks Shirelene.

When my children bought my first lil brother disney machine for me 4 years ago I sat down and read the entire book front to back and over and over..Then I sat down with the book and the machine together to better understand how it all worked.. My oh my I broke the machine after the first month..My lesson was never again will I buy any equipment from any place other than a local dealer..the wealth of information and hands on experience is worth the extra money! I didn't realize when I bought my first design from the internet (emblibrary) that it had to be a specific format! duh!!! If the manuel would have explained it in another way I would have saved myself alot of aggravation..Now I tell people new to embroidery that it is like us...a language the machine understands..It also helps to be a little computer savvy as well..I had no clue what a zipped file was! OMG I think my kids were ready to cut off their phones so I couldn't call them asking how to do this or what this or that meant..
Great question Shirlene!!

I bought a used babylock and I love it... but when it says "check upper thread", even if everything looks ok, I cut the thread and re-thread both the bobbin and the upper thread. If I don't I will get a bobbin jam for sure!