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June

Directions for Cutwork Embroidered Hemstitched Cocktail Napkins Project / August 2000

Step 1. Print the instructions.

These are .pdf files, and require Adobe Acrobat Reader software in order to view and print.
To insure printing in exact size, be sure that FIT TO PAGE (see Properties under the Print Menu) is not selected.

Step 2. Hoop the blank hemstitched cocktail napkin.

We’ve chosen to align the letter from our Lace Monogram Set 1 with the tip of the diamond shape pointing toward one of the straight edges of the napkin. Another alignment method would be to point the tip of the triangle toward a corner of the napkin.

Using a ruler or tapemeasure, determine the exact center of the napkin, and mark the spot with an airsoluble marking pen.

Hoop the napkin, along with one layer of medium or heavyweight tear-away backing, making sure that the napkin is squared up.

(Note: smaller prefabricated blanks like this are sometimes a bit tricky to hoop. Choose the smallest possible hoop for the job, and be sure that at least the corners are all secured in the hoop, and the napkin is flat in the hoop)

Step 3. Move the hoop so that the needle aligns with the center point on the napkin.

Step 4. Sew the first part of the design.

All of the letters in the Lace Monogram Set 1 are digitized the same way:

a. Running stitch outline.

b. Light density column stitch, followed by a grid open fill pattern, followed by a decorative border stitch.

c. Lace letter design with vine embellishments.

Each of these parts is digitized as a separate color. For our sample we used the same color for the running stitch and the background and border (Pink - Madeira 1054), and a different color for the letter (Medium Green - Madeira 1306). You can use any combination of thread colors that appeals to you, or might wish to sew the entire design in white. You may also choose to load the bobbin with the same thread color you are going to use on the top, although for our sample we used a prewound white bobbin, and the slight contrast between the top thread and the bobbin thread added an antique quality.

Sew only the first part of the design - the running stitch outline. The machine will stop at the end of this element.

Step 5. Cut a window for the cutwork

Remove the hoop from the machine, being careful not to shift the fabric within the hoop.

Place the hoop on a flat surface, and carefully cut along the running stitch with a sharp razor knife. (An alternate method would be to use small sharp scissors, but we have found that this may shift the fabric position more easily, especially if only the corners of the napkin are held in the hoop).

You are using the outline running stitch as a cutting guide, so cut as closely and accurately to that line as possible.

Carefully remove the cutout square and discard.

Step 6. Put the hoop back on the machine to sew the rest of the design.

Reattach the hoop, and slide one layer of Romeo (see materials source below) between the hoop and the embroidery table.

Step 7. Sew the rest of the design.

Restart the machine, having changed the thread color if desired.

The beginning of the next part of the design is a light density column stitch, which will sew the Romeo together with the fabric and the tear-away backing along the cutwork opening, and then proceed with the background open grid, followed by the finish border. The machine will stop at the conclusion of this part of the design.

Change thread color if desired, and sew the rest of the design.

Step 8. Trimming.

Remove the napkin from the hoop, turn it back side toward you, and carefully cut away the excess water-soluble stabilizer with sharp scissors, then carefully tear off the excess tear-away backing.

Step 9. Dissolve the water-soluble stabilizer.

Hold the napkin in your hand, back side toward you, and run under a faucet with warm (not hot) water. Support the center of the design with your fingers, then slowly and carefully rub your fingertip over the design, which helps to dissolve the stabilizer. Repeat this process until the stabilizer has washed away, which will take a few minutes.

Step 10. Dry and iron.

Lay the wet napkin on a flat surface on top of several layer of paper toweling, then smooth it flat from the center out, and blot excess water away with more paper toweling.

Leave the napkin on a flat surface until dry, then iron (starch optional).

Congratulations! Your project is complete.

Sources for Materials

Hemstitched cocktail napkins:
Embroider This!
The company has secure online ordering, and ships internationally: http://www.embroiderthis.com/cocktailnapkin.html

Romeo water-soluble stabilizer:
In the US, Romeo can be ordered online from: Ericaƒs Craft and Sewing Center South Bend, IN
http://www.ericas.com/embdesigns/romeo.htm
SewSmart Kirkland, AZ
http://www.sewsmart.com/Catalog.html

Also available in the US and Canada through many Pfaff dealers.

In Germany:
Nachmaschined Gabriel Stepensweg 86 28217 Bremen
In Denmark:
Ana'r Sym Askiner Amagerbrogarde 263, 2300 Kopenavn 5

In the UK, and for all other enquiries:
http://www.craftmistress.com

WholesaleMonograms.com 17 Fourth Avenue Nyack New York 10960 Contact Us Embroideryarts.com Daniel Wiener