I often get asked about my must have items for machine embroidery and applique. I have compiled a comprehensive list of some of my favorites!

Stabilizer

Choosing the correct stabilizer is important for creating an optimal project. There are many different types of stabilizer, but in short, you choose your stabilizer based on the number of stitches in your design and the material you are stitching it upon. 

Medium Weight Cutaway- https://amzn.to/3baCsEp

Sticky tearway (used for floating)- https://amzn.to/3sFiJTk

Fusible polymesh- https://amzn.to/38aYwwG

Non sticky tearaway- https://amzn.to/30exq3i

For more detailed information about stabilizer, American Embroidery Supply Store has a great article explaining more of the ins and outs of stabilizer: https://americanemb.com/pages/all-about-stabilize...

Thread

I have several different brands of threads in my sewing room. Some of the brands include Floriani, Mettler, Isacord, and Exquisite.

Clips

It's important when your stitching a project, that the material you're stitching upon doesn't shift or move during the stitching process to avoid puckering and wrinkling. These little clips help securely hold my fabric in place without shifting onto my fast frames:

 https://amzn.to/3c3BEjS

Spray Adhesive

Spray adhesive is a valuable tool to use when floating a garment. I have consistently used a spray adhesive, and I promise, I have not had any trouble with it gumming up my needles!

505 Spray- https://amzn.to/3qehIjv

Thermo Web spray- https://amzn.to/3rfNPjT

Favorite scissors

Good applique scissors are going to be vital to getting a clean cut and professional looking applique. For your convenience, we go into more detail with photos about our favorite scissors (Ginger Double Curves and Snips) in a separate blog post you can find here

Heat N Bond Lite

Heat N Bond Lite (HNBL) is a must have product for creating a great looking applique. It keeps your fabric from fraying once cut, reduces wrinkling, and allows applique scissors to make a very neat, clean cut. This product comes in a small pack or a bolt. For your convenience, we have a separate photo tutorial that delves more into how to use HNBL here.

My favorite fabrics

I'm so lucky to have some great local sewing stores with a wonderful selection of fabrics, but the great news for those not in Birmingham is that they ship!! I have a separate blog post with more pictures to these shops here!

Embroidery Machines for beginners

 I get asked often what's the best machine for a beginner. While there are many great brands out there, I have only personally ever owned a Babylock or Brother machine. I find them very user friendly and have had very little technical issues with them. In addition to sticking with a Brother or Babylock, I suggest getting the largest hoop size you can afford.  I started many years ago on a Brother SE400 and quickly outgrew the 4x4 hoop size. However, if you know you'll only be doing smaller projects a Brother PE535 is a great option. If you want a 5x7 hoop, I would go with the Brother PE800. I also suggest purchasing machines from a local dealer if you have one close by because they are a great resource as you begin your new hobby.

Facebook help groups

Learning to applique and embroider is a journey. There's a learning curve, but, fortunately, there are many great Facebook groups devoted to the craft. If you're on Facebook and need more help learning how to applique and embroider, I suggest joining some of the following:

The Classic Applique Design Group

Applique This and That Too

Machine Embroidery for Beginners

Brilliant Emrbilliance Embroidery (if you have Embrilliance software)