Machine Embellished Surfaces Supply List

with Susan Brittingham

This is a process class.  You can experiment as much or as little with each technique as you feel appropriate.

Threads: a variety of rayon and metallic embroidery threads, especially greens, yellow-greens and grays for moss and leaves. Variegated threads are also recommended and variegated metallic threads are particularly fun. For the bobbin, you may use either lightweight cotton or rayon.  Decorative polyester threads such as those used with embroidery machines are also suitable.

* It is highly recommended that you use embroidery threads for your embellishments, NOT plain sewing threads such as cotton covered polyester.  If you are purchasing decorative threads for the first time start with a small selection of 4-5 spools in colors you like, including at least one variegated and one metallic.  We will look at some thread options in class.

  • Up to six fat quarters or larger pieces of fabric and scraps including at least a fat quarter of muslin. You may use quilting weight cottons, as well as heavier pieces and other fiber types.
  • Optional: a small piece of lamé or other shiny or contrasting fabric
  • one or two small (1/8 to 1/4 yd) pieces of tulle, netting or sheer fabric in various colors
  • one or more pieces of sheer ribbon, with or without wire edges,  each about 1/2 yard long, and from 3/4" to 1-1/2" wide
  • *Wash-Away™, Solvy™ or Super Solvy™ OR other clear plastic dissolvable stabilizer
  • tear-away stabilizer (optional) this will be used if you choose to do additional decorative stitching
  • *1/4 yd lightweight fusible interfacing, which will be used to secure fabric scrunching
  • *5" - 8" hoop for machine embroidery, spring tension type recommended. Your hoop must fit under your presser foot, so it must be thin.  A thick hand embroidery hoop is not suitable.  See Hoop Choices discussion below.
  • fine line blue marking pen, or a permanent ink pen (like Pigma™ or fine line Sharpie™)
  • small sharp, pointed embroidery-type scissors
  • several extra empty bobbins
  • basic sewing supplies, pins, scissors,
  • machine embroidery needles, size 75-90 or other needles suitable for use with rayon and metallic threads.  If you have difficulty sewing with metallic threads, a size 14/90 topstitch needle will usually help

Sewing machine, clean and in good working order, with darning or quilting foot for free motion embroidery.  We will use straight and zigzag free-motion stitching in this class. (A featherweight machine is not suitable).

As always, I recommend that you use the fabrics and supplies that you have on hand before purchasing materials just for this class.  The supplies marked with an asterisk (*) are things that are essential for the class and that you may not already have at home.

Hoop Choices

1. Spring tension hoop.  This gets the best recommendation because:

a) it holds the fabric securely

b) it is very easy to load and move.  If you ever work on a LARGE piece of needle lace, then the fact that
the hoop can be released and re-positioned quickly and easily can become important.

c) it is lightweight and fits easily under your needle and presser foot.

d) once in place, it is very easily maneuverable.  This is VERY IMPORTANT!

2. Thin wooden machine embroidery hoop.  This is also a good option. It meets criteria a, c & d above. It is more difficult to re-position if you are working on a large piece.

3. Hand embroidery hoop with tightening screw

If you absolutely cannot find one of the hoops listed above, you may be able to make this work.  One problem with these hoops is that they can be quite thick and do not easily fit underneath your presser foot.  Once you have solved the problem of getting them under the hoop without stressing either your machine or your fabric, they may work reasonably well, although some of the very inexpensive wooden ones cannot be tightened enough to hold your work securely.

4. Machine hoops for programmed embroidery

I cannot recommend the hoops for programmed embroidery.  I have asked two programmed embroidery experts about using these hoops for free motion work.  Both said the hoops are not suitable for free motion embroidery because they would be awkward.  That means they would not meet criteria d) above, probably the most important one on my list.

website: http://www.susanbrittingham.com