Corrections! I just noticed that I did not list DMC 80 wt tatting thread as an option for use with size 12 needles. You can use this thread with size 12 or size 14 needles, at 12 stitches per inch.
Personally, I rarely use tatting thread for machine embroidery, but many of my students love the way the thicker threads look, they feel it looks more like "hand-made" stitches, so I do feature it in the tutorial.
Also, if you have an "industrial" Willcox & Gibbs chain stitch sewing machine you may be able to do even less than 12 stitches per inch, and experiment with thicker threads and bigger needles. If you do try thicker threads, you may need to also use thicker fabrics and/or heavy stabilizers.
If you choose to use a stabilizer, use either a water soluble, or a leave in stabilizer. Many people who have tried tear aways, have found that the tearing process sometimes pulls the stitches out.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
How to do embroidery using a Willcox & Gibbs chain stitch sewing machine
After 2 long years, I have finally finished this project!
This is a complete tutorial with step by step photos on how to do embroidery using a chain stitch sewing machine.
All of the items in the tutorial were created on a automatic tension Willcox & Gibbs chain stitch treadle sewing machine, that is almost 100 years old!
You can also use these instructions with other chain stitch sewing machines, though no matter which brand or model of machine you use, I personally recommend using a treadle as it leaves both hands free to guide and control the fabric, and you can also go very slowly with a treadle which is important for accuracy with intricate designs. Electric machines tend to go too fast, and hand cranks leave only one hand free to guide the fabric. Both can cause frustration and/or inferior results.
You can view and download the instructions as an Adobe PDF from here:
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6EOaLLsmE83ZDJiYjAwZWMtYzRlZi00NjNmLTkzMDctOTJhMmYyNTc1NmRm&hl=en
This is a complete tutorial with step by step photos on how to do embroidery using a chain stitch sewing machine.
All of the items in the tutorial were created on a automatic tension Willcox & Gibbs chain stitch treadle sewing machine, that is almost 100 years old!
You can also use these instructions with other chain stitch sewing machines, though no matter which brand or model of machine you use, I personally recommend using a treadle as it leaves both hands free to guide and control the fabric, and you can also go very slowly with a treadle which is important for accuracy with intricate designs. Electric machines tend to go too fast, and hand cranks leave only one hand free to guide the fabric. Both can cause frustration and/or inferior results.
You can view and download the instructions as an Adobe PDF from here:
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6EOaLLsmE83ZDJiYjAwZWMtYzRlZi00NjNmLTkzMDctOTJhMmYyNTc1NmRm&hl=en
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)