Brother Ambassador
This post is an overview of information presented on Sewing Machines Plus Sew Fest 2023. You can CLICK HERE to watch my one hour long Fun with Your Feet segment on the SMP YouTube channel. You'll find all five days of this special broadcast on the SMP channel.
Everything you see that is highlighted in blue is a link that will take you to more information. I've packed a lot into this post so sit back and take some time to read, watch, and enjoy!
Everything you see that is highlighted in blue is a link that will take you to more information. I've packed a lot into this post so sit back and take some time to read, watch, and enjoy!
In this post I'll give you some additional information on each of the six featured embellishment feet shown in the live show, along with more video resources for you to check out on my Let's Go Sew with Joanne Banko YouTube channel. I would be honored if you would consider subscribing to the Let's Go Sew channel. Once you subscribe, click the bell for notifications for future live shows and new videos added to the channel!
Okay, let's get started with the feet, in the order I showed them at the machine during the video. NOTE: Each one is hyperlinked with the bold blue lettering so you can click directly on the part number to view the foot on the Brother site.
Generally, these feet are not included as standard accessories with the purchase of a Brother machine. They do work with the vast majority of Brother machine with a 7mm throat plate opening. These are optional accessories and are not engraved with a letter like most included feet.
For other brands, your machine accessory package may be different. Check with your machine manufacturer to see if there are similar feet for your machine, comparing them by the name of the foot and the image of the foot itself.
Okay, let's get started with the feet, in the order I showed them at the machine during the video. NOTE: Each one is hyperlinked with the bold blue lettering so you can click directly on the part number to view the foot on the Brother site.
Generally, these feet are not included as standard accessories with the purchase of a Brother machine. They do work with the vast majority of Brother machine with a 7mm throat plate opening. These are optional accessories and are not engraved with a letter like most included feet.
For other brands, your machine accessory package may be different. Check with your machine manufacturer to see if there are similar feet for your machine, comparing them by the name of the foot and the image of the foot itself.
As you saw in the presentation, this foot is one of my favorites for the ultimate in accuracy! Whether you're stitching on an edge or using the foot to join pieces together, the edge guide keeps you on track and makes your finished stitching look flawless!
CLICK HERE to watch a short video showing how to stitch silk ribbon to a pashmina, with designs from my Wrapped in Embroidery book. You'll find downloadable instructions for this project HERE.
For craft and general home decor project I use polyester satin ribbon or grossgrain ribbon. In particular, grossgrain ribbon is very durable and highly washable.
For special projects like the pashminas that need to drape, I use silk ribbon and have sucessfully washed it with delicate handling. Here is a resouce for the silk ribbon:https://www.mjtrim.com/ribbons-jacquards/silk
CLICK HERE to watch a short video showing how to stitch silk ribbon to a pashmina, with designs from my Wrapped in Embroidery book. You'll find downloadable instructions for this project HERE.
For craft and general home decor project I use polyester satin ribbon or grossgrain ribbon. In particular, grossgrain ribbon is very durable and highly washable.
For special projects like the pashminas that need to drape, I use silk ribbon and have sucessfully washed it with delicate handling. Here is a resouce for the silk ribbon:https://www.mjtrim.com/ribbons-jacquards/silk
Craft pearls on a string are generally available in 3-5mm width, perfect for sliding under the foot. Adding a string of pearls by machine gives such a special look to the simplest of projects! Making a simple fabric gift bag and adding pearls to the top edge makes the bag a "keeper" and worthy of any precious gift you wish to give.
CLICK HERE to watch a short video with more ideas and information for sewing pearls and sequins with this foot.
CLICK HERE to view instructions for the gift bag with pearl trim.
CLICK HERE to watch a short video with more ideas and information for sewing pearls and sequins with this foot.
CLICK HERE to view instructions for the gift bag with pearl trim.
Once again, this foot gives you options for stitching with your desired amount of cords, anywhere from one to five! Designed for thinner cording, use a dental floss threader to guide cords into the slot.
I used this foot for a cute swimsuit cover-up in an archived post on the Brother blog. You can view the instructions when you CLICK HERE.
I used this foot for a cute swimsuit cover-up in an archived post on the Brother blog. You can view the instructions when you CLICK HERE.
I have used this foot a ton over the years! With three slots you have so much versatility, and this foot allows for a variety of cording weights. Remember, if the cord slides into the slot of the foot and slips back and forth easily, it is fair game to try with this foot!
CLICK HERE to watch a short video with more ideas and information for using this foot to add corded embellishment.
CLICK HERE to watch a short video with more ideas and information for using this foot to add corded embellishment.
I've literally been using this foot for years! It may very well be one of the first embellishment feet I ever purchased.
The opening on this foot is adjustable to fit a variety of widths of cord, ribbon, and trim up to 1/4-inch wide. I like to use 1/4-inch bias trim with this foot. There are so many possibilities with this foot!
The opening on this foot is adjustable to fit a variety of widths of cord, ribbon, and trim up to 1/4-inch wide. I like to use 1/4-inch bias trim with this foot. There are so many possibilities with this foot!
Yes indeed! This is another one of my favorites! This foot was specifically designed for use with Candlewicking stitches developed for the Brother machines. Take a look at the beautiful decorative candlewicking stitches on the pillow below, with rose embroidery designs added from my Just Jackets embroidery design collection:
CLICK HERE to see how to use the My Custom Stitch feature found on many Brother machines to create your own candlewicking stitch.
IMPORTANT additional notes:
Samples were stitched on blue medium weight linen. Any medium weight woven fabric is good for stitching these samples. I just happen to have a remnant leftover and the blue shows up well on camera.
Be sure to stabilize fabric that is not firm in and of itself. I use a tear away if the wrong side will not show, carefully tearing away the excess when my stitching is complete. Stay Perfect Tear Away stabilizer from Sewing Machines Plus is an ideal choice: https://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/stayperfect-precut-medium-tearaway.php
Wash away stabilizer is another option when you need to be able to remove the stabilizer completely. Always test your combination before using on your actual project.
If your project allows for it, you can leave a little extra trim at each end and trim excess when you're finished stitching.
I did get some questions about needles and thread. Here are some tips: If my fabric or trim is shiny I use polyester embroidery thread. If I want my stitch to “disappear” I use good quality monofilament thread, clear (for lights), or smoke (for darks). Sewing machine shops will likely carry the best brand of monofilament so check there for availability first. I have also used Sulky Find .004 Soft monofilament on the 2,200 yard spool. Smaller spools tend to kink more so I prefer the larger ones. You may want to decrease the needle tension 1 number or so when using monofilament. A size 11-14 Top-stitch needle works best for monofilament thread. In addition, it is not recommended to use an automatic needle threader with monofilament.
Most often, I use an embroidery needle (size 11), with embroidery thread. Other times, I will match my needle type and size to the fabric I am stitching on, i.e. Jeans needle for denim, topstitch, micortex, or quilting needle when I need a sharp needle. For a full tutorial on selecting needles, visit my YouTube channel where I interviewed Rhonda Pierce, the needle expert from Schmetz Needle Co: CLICK HERE
I welcome any additional comments or questions you might have! Please leave them below.
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