Free motion embroidery?

I would only use it for material that was fragile or very thin I think. I also know it's good for use over terry cloth (the kind that "disappears" with an iron) to lay the loops over for easier sewing.

Thx, JJ

Thanks very much for the tips (even if not replying to me )...This is where I know very little about sewing and my machine in general. But, I'm looking forward to taking out some scraps and thread and giving it a try and just having fun! The best way to learn is to just do it! ;-) I'm enjoying the help and tips I'm getting though. Take care, JJ

Hi Val,

I do remember the Sewing with Nancy show but haven't seen it in ages. And I have to admit, I wasn't a regular viewer. I don't recall the paint with thread show though. But I bet a peek on their PBS website might reveal something.

Thx, JJ

You are referring to embroidery thread tensions and this does not apply to sewing stitches. In sewing the tension is set to match the length of top and bottom threads.

We have been discuss>> Turn your tension down and don't use it for free motion.

I am referring to free-motion embroidery on a standard household sewing machine. In sewing, you want the upper and lower threads balanced so that the lockstitch is formed in the fabric, between the layers. In free-motion embroidery, you want the upper thread to completely cover the upper fabric and for none of the bobbin thread to show through. Seldom would one use matching threads for this work, only if the work is to be reversible or "see through" such as lace.

Trust me, J.J. I've done this.

Thanks to you both for the discussion. I understand what you are talking about now with the tention on the thread, Joanne. Thanks John...JJ

Thanks Karen! My machine does have a zig zag stitch and even just a couple of "fancy" stitches (variations of the zig zag)...I'll check out that site! Much appreciated, JJ

I'm glad I could be of some help. I was watching the responses, and it seemed like they were all pertaining to computerized embroidery machines, and that didn't seem to be what you were asking about. Karen O

What would the zig-zag stitch capability be used for in this application?

Sounds like zig-zag would get messy real quick. I guess you get good after many trials and errors.

Like so many things, it takes a lot of practice to develop skill. A good eye doesn't hurt, either. But it's sort of like drawing with needle and thread instead of a pencil or charcoal. It can be wonderfully relaxing.

Hoping this link works - this was done entirely on a straight-stitch machine, actually a treadle.

Yep, you got it. Just a "regular" machine that does straight and zig zag (and a couple of "fancy" stitches)...it's a nice machine. I got it for Christmas a couple of years ago and am really getting into trying new things with it. It's been fun! Thx, JJ

Yup...I'd like to do a bit of monogramming too and have found some really nice examples of using the zig zag stitch. It comes out like calligraphy, which I used to do too! Neat...JJ

It worked for me! Nice picture. JJ

Yeah, the calligraphy sounds really cool. You sketch on the material first (to keep straight) and then just push the machine around?

Yup, that's it. And because you are using the zig zag (i.e. wider) stitch, it ends up looking very much like that done with an actual calligraphy pen on paper. The narrowing and widening of the lines in the text.

Take care, JJ