Hooping problems

Couldn't you put the sticky backed stabilizer into the hoop then sort of pull the shirt back out of the way, roll and scrunch the edges of the sweatshirt, don't snap the shirt down into the hoop, so the part you want to embroider is pressed flat onto the sticky backing without distorting the fabric. I did this with a little pair of socks I embroidered for a 3 year old......a real PITA, the socks, not the 3 year old, but it worked just fine. Sometimes having faeries on your socks is VERY important ;-)

Val

You probably could as long as the fabric isn't misaligned or distorted. I'd stop in the needle down position. OR... Try centering the fabric on the sticky stuff, just a bit to line it up and center, then slip the whole thing under the needle, then roll, scrunch and maneuver the spare fabric, smoothing down the rest of part you will embroider. There's going to be some serious futzing involved, but she'll be so proud of her shirt! I think the sticky backed stuff has a bit more holding power than the spray glue. After getting the hoop and fabric set up, If you need to put a light stabilizer on the top too, you can't hoop that with this method. I have slipped a baggy under and around the presser foot and needle pulling it up and around to protect the machine as well, then given the fabric a spray of glue and then slipped the stabilizer, under the bagged foot and needle, on top of the fabric and smoothed it down. The baggy thing keeps the needle from getting gunked up...... LOL take it off before you start sewing, don't ask me how I know this.

Val

Have you considered opening a side seam? I'm stitching on my daughters jeans and I opened the side seams. As I had to hem them anyway it really wasn't a big deal.

I do this when I have this problem:

1. I take out a side seam or
2. I embroider out the design on felt. Cut out close to the design. Spray the design with no fray spray. Use the good fabric glue, I use Beacon's Fabri-Tac that is very cheap at JoAnn's, and glue it to the sweatshirt and either by hand or on the machine stitch close around it. I've never had any problem with this idea. Hugs, Bonnie

i bought a "stand" to put the machine on. it lets the shirt slide over the machine sideways, sort of like an ironing board. let me know if you want the address. i find it comes in very handy. sally.

I opened a side seam when I have this problem. Same when I embroider on the legs of my 2 yr old grandson's pants.