Jean Jacket with Print and Stitch jacket back, embroidered yokes, with novelty trims for added embellishment. by Joanne Banko
Have you ever embroidered a Print and Stitch Masterpiece? Perhaps you haven't seen a real life example of something in this design category. Print and Stitch is exactly the way it sounds, it's a mix of machine-embroidered stitches applied to a printed background. I have been fond of this technique since it was introduced in the first Brother Quattro Sewing and Embroidery machine. In an effort to teach more about this unique technique I featured it as art to wear for my jean jacket in the 100th issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine. The Asian art design you see on the jean jacket, along with a variety of other special print and stitch designs are currently included in the Brother XV8500D Dream Machine and the NEW Dream2. In fact, you'll find these two Asian lady print and stitch designs built in to all the machines mentioned here. I'm told these are replicas of actual artwork found in Japan.
I've had fun stitching each of these. The lady in red you see here found a home on yet another jean jacket a while back. This one is embellished with Asian print patchwork, shiny appliqués, a few beads, and a bit of fancy trim. In this example I covered the entire jacket back.
The resulting three dimensional, mixed media look of these mini masterpieces is nothing short of stunning! Yes, these are special designs built in to specific machine models. However, with a little creativity and imagination you could consider creating something similar by embroidering motifs onto fabric that has a landscape theme. In the magazine article I included a tip box with a few ideas such as embroidering a tiger design on fabric that mimics a safari print. You'll find a few more listed on page 32 of the article.
It's really easy to elevate a denim jacket from dull to designer style by adding a large panel to the jacket back along with a few color coordinated embroidery motifs on the yoke areas. Prior to the jacket transformation I snapped a few photos so you could see before and after.
It's really easy to elevate a denim jacket from dull to designer style by adding a large panel to the jacket back along with a few color coordinated embroidery motifs on the yoke areas. Prior to the jacket transformation I snapped a few photos so you could see before and after.
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The basic steps are outlined in the magazine article but essentially you use an ink jet printer to print an image on special fabric sheets, print a coordinating transparent template with the now famous Brother Snowman® Marker, and then add the machine embroidered motif on top. CLICK HERE to download my free tip sheet if you'd like to learn more about printing on fabric.
Using the Innoveye® technology built in to the machine, the template is positioned on top of the hooped fabric, scanned, and then the "camera like" technology finds the mark and positions the embroidery design precisely on top of the image. There is no guesswork involved. The coordinating embroidery design covers the space where the "ghosted" image is located on the printed fabric sheet.
The Snowman® Marker plays an important role in print and stitch designs, assuring that the embroidery is matched perfectly with the background. CLICK HERE to download a free tip sheet and read more about the two different type of markers I used for this jacket.
Using the Innoveye® technology built in to the machine, the template is positioned on top of the hooped fabric, scanned, and then the "camera like" technology finds the mark and positions the embroidery design precisely on top of the image. There is no guesswork involved. The coordinating embroidery design covers the space where the "ghosted" image is located on the printed fabric sheet.
The Snowman® Marker plays an important role in print and stitch designs, assuring that the embroidery is matched perfectly with the background. CLICK HERE to download a free tip sheet and read more about the two different type of markers I used for this jacket.
The fun doesn't end when the embroidery is complete. Simply select a variety of trims and embellishments to tie the color scheme together and accent the printed panel. I added ribbon and novelty trims using a couple of my favorite accessory feet.
Couching ribbon with a braiding foot makes it easy to add narrow ribbon right along the raw edge of the back panel. CLICK HERE if you'd like to see a video showing the braiding foot in action.
An open toe foot is ideal for stitching trim to the collar and a few other blank spaces. For effortless placement opt to follow existing seam lines but be sure to use a sharp jeans needle for stitching.
Add a little or as much trim as you like. When finished, you'll own a boutique style jacket that is sure to turn heads wherever it's worn! Check with your local sewing machine dealer to see if they carry Designs in Machine Embroidery magazine in their store. If not, you can easily order from the magazine's website. CLICK HERE for more information. Be sure to let me know if you decide to make your own print and stitch masterpiece!
UPDATE!
Since this article came out I have had many embroidery enthusiasts ask about additional Print and Stitch designs built into the Brother Dream 1 and 2. I've added some info below. Enjoy!
Print and Stitch designs from XV 8500D & XV8550D - Menu 01
Print and Stitch designs from XV8550D & the XV8500 Upgrade
Click on the image to learn more!
If you have PE Design10 you'll find several Print and Stitch designs included. See online manual page 150 for more details.
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