Add a three-dimensional look to your projects with embossed machine embroidery. These designs tamp down the fabric nap, and the negative space allows the design element to stand out for an eye-catching and textural look. These project instructions will show you how to tackle your own embossed machine embroidery project step by step.
Supplies & Materials:
- Small pieces of fabric (to stitch design onto - we used fleece)
- Small pieces of fabric (for applique pieces - we used quilter's cotton)
- Key ring
- Medium weight cutaway stabilizer
- Temporary spray adhesive
- Polyester fiberfill or straps of fabric
- 3/8 inch jump ring
- Needle and thread for some hand sewing
The designs used in this tutorial include:
Project Tip:
We turned applique designs into a plush, stuffed keychain! You can use any designs to make a keychain. For non-applique designs, consider using light and airy designs, since designs with solid filled areas may make the keychain too heavy and not plump up when stuffed.
First we will embroider the applique designs. Click here to see how to embroider applique designs. Cut a piece of fabric a bit larger than your hoop. We are using fleece because it is somewhat stretchy and works well for stuffing. Spray a piece of medium weight cutaway stabilizer with temporary adhesive and smooth the fabric on top. Hoop the fabric and stabilizer together.
Attach the hoop to the machine and embroider the design.
When the design has finished, trim away the excess stabilizer on the backside of the embroidery. Now that the first design is sewn, it is time to sew the second design. Mirror the design from side to side (not top and bottom) using embroidery software or your embroidery machine. Hoop the fabric and embroider the design just as you did the first design.
Next, align the two designs, right sides together, and pin in place.
Create an outline around the design shape by measuring and marking out 1/2 inch along the outer edges of the design. Draw a line connecting the marks. You do not need to be too specific with your outline - just draw out the general shape without creating sharp points or indents.
Sew a 1/4 inch seam to the inside of the outline you just drew - leave a couple of inches open, preferably along a straight (or the straightest) section.
Trim away the excess fabric around the outside of the seam, leaving about 1/4 inch behind.
Turn the fabric right side out. Stuff the fabric with polyester fiberfill or scraps of fabric.
Turn the fabric of the opening in 1/4 inch and hand sew it closed with needle and thread. Also, add the key ring to the jump ring and then sew the jump ring in place on the top or in one of the top corners of the keychain. To strengthen the hold of the stitches, sew through the fabric and around the jump ring a few times. Then, wrap the thread around the bottom to the jump ring (where it meets the fabric) and sew through the fabric a few more times before tying a the knot.
