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Member since 5/4/09
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Posted on: 11/19/10 3:18 PM ET
I am making Christmas PJ's for my family. I got the material for the pants and the pattern. I cheated and just purchased t-shirts from JA when they were 5 for $10. I purchased my design and now need to get started. My first question what is the right stablizer I should use that will my my t-shirt design nice, not show the stablizer thru the shirt and be soft against skin since they will wear to bed. My second question how do I make sure it is totally centered and combined designs if I do not have software? I want to put "Merry Christmas" which I purchased, and under that centered "Reindeer" that I purchased and under that centered the year, which need a way to get the number, should I use my numbers that come with my machine. I have a Brother 4000D which I purchased used and haven't used muct yet. Any suggestions would be helpful.
  
Member since 11/4/05
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Posted on: 11/19/10 3:37 PM ET
Hi there!

You'll need 3 different stabilizers to get the best results:
1. Sticky-back. Hoop with paper still attached, sticky side up. Peel away only the paper inside the hoop only.
2. Iron-on cut-away. This has a texture sort of like thermal. Iron on the wrong side of the shirt where the design will go.
3. Wash-away. place on the RIGHT side of the shirt just before you embroider. I use a drop of water in a few places to keep in place, or sometimes use pins (just make sure they are well out of the design area!)

place the shirt over the hoop and carefully press onto the sticky back (if you hoop t-shirts they usually get a mark from hoop that will never go away, aka "hoop burn")

Good luck and Happy Holidays!
Juliette
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Juliette near Austin, TX
Bernina 880 Plus
Bernina 590
Babylock Ovation
Babylock Evolution
Brother PQ1500SL
  
Member since 5/4/09
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Posted on: 11/19/10 6:07 PM ET
thanks what brand do you suggest
  
Member since 5/4/09
Posts: 437
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Posted on: 11/19/10 6:07 PM ET
thanks what brand do you suggest
  
Member since 9/7/04
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Posted on: 11/19/10 9:29 PM ET
In reply to JKimes
Wow, great response! You have really got that down to a science, bet you never have any puckering or anything.

Would it be a good idea for her to prewash the T's? Have heard that if not that can cause puckering after the clothing is washed.

After it is all done you might want to iron on some Dream Weave by Floriani, it is sooo soft. It will cover all the stitching and stay on wash after wash.

I love Floriani products, they are tried and true. Might be a bit more expensive, but, it is gooood stuff. Takes most of the worry out of stitching your projects.
  
Member since 4/23/10
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Posted on: 11/20/10 8:31 AM ET
I have an ancient machine without editing possibilities. I use a water soluble pen to mark my lines and centering points before I begin. After placing your first design, you can use a ruler to make sure it is hooped straight and line up your next design to the lines drawn on your garment. I usually look at the first completed design to check that I've centered the next line appropriately. My hoop is small so I just move the fabric around as needed. (I have to re-hoop.)
  
Member since 11/4/05
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Posted on: 11/20/10 9:30 AM ET
In reply to Mary Heckman
I started off with Sulky (form JoAnn's), have also tried OESD, but now buy most of my supplies from AllStitch. The prices are really good and service is excellent. I also buy my thread from them for basic colors and larger projects--if you do a lot of custom work, buy the Maderia color cards.

Juliette
------
Juliette near Austin, TX
Bernina 880 Plus
Bernina 590
Babylock Ovation
Babylock Evolution
Brother PQ1500SL
  
Member since 11/4/05
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Posted on: 11/20/10 9:33 AM ET
In reply to dodger
Hi Dodger,

I can't really take credit for this--my Bernina dealer has handouts for all different embroider projects. This is how they recommend doing t-shirts.

Juliette
------
Juliette near Austin, TX
Bernina 880 Plus
Bernina 590
Babylock Ovation
Babylock Evolution
Brother PQ1500SL
  
Member since 5/4/09
Posts: 437
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Posted on: 11/20/10 12:45 PM ET
Went to JA today got some stablizer that you recommended - Sulky. Also got my sulk thread. Wow it is expensive. I will look into Allbrand. Do you like their quality of stablizer?
  
Member since 11/4/05
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Posted on: 11/22/10 9:47 AM ET
Yes, their stabilizer is great. I like that many come in black and white, and the price is fraction of retail. Sulky thread is not great--I've had mixed results with it. I prefer Madeira. A spool of 1100 yds of Maderia from All Stitch is LESS than I pay for 220 yds at my dealer. You just need to plan ahead for projects.

Juliette
------
Juliette near Austin, TX
Bernina 880 Plus
Bernina 590
Babylock Ovation
Babylock Evolution
Brother PQ1500SL
  
123 
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