Hi there! Me again :)
Has anyone figured out a way around wasting all that stabilizer when you have a 5x7 hoop and are doing multiples of the same design? Like - is there a way to hoop it, cut out a section where the design will be and then instead of changing the entire piece of stabilizer each time - you only need to add an additional piece to fill the "space" where the design will be stitched?
Is this making any sense?
Say for example, you want to make a piece of lace. You have to stitch out the design 10 times. That means you waste 10 large pieces of stabilizer. Can you instead - stitch it out the first time, carefully cut out a square where the design is, place another piece of stabilizer over the "hole" created where you stitched the 1st design and then repeat this process?
I understand this may not be an area that I can "shortcut" any, but my scrap pile is growing huge and I had to at least ask if it was possible.
Thanks :)
I have used paper first aid tape to hold small patches of stabilizer to do what you are asking about.
Remember the stabiliser needs to be held firm for doing all designs.
When doing FSL I try to get as many designs in the hoop as I can to avoid waste. You could cover up the hole but it is important to get the stabiliser taught so I don't risk it. I do however sew pieces together before hooping.
Scroll down to Simple Borders test design sample
click on that and then download FTNOA Border Sample.The PDF is in that folder. Hope this works.
I cut a new piece that is a little larger than the hole ,peel the paper away and sick it to the back sticky side up . and continue with the next design.
I have used the same large piece until the sticky doen't stick and I get a new piece . Hope this helps Nancy
hugs Helen
Ok here is what i do. i set my machine to do baste stitch around the design.i want to use. then i hoop up using vynel the type that is used for those see through pockets. i then sew out the baste stitch and remove the hoop from the machine. i will then cut out the vynel aprox 1/4 inch outside my baste stitch and leave a hole. next i place down double sided sticky tape all around the edge of the opening , remove the top sticky paper and then lay over it water soluble film
all i need is enough to cover the hole, now you can lay down your fabric over the "hole" section and continue to embroider as normal
when finished careffully remove the water soluble section along with your embroidery and simply re cover the hole with new WSF
the sticky tape is still in place and can actually be used several times before needing to be replaced. its amazing just how much of that waste pile you can use up this way.