How to Make an Embroidery Machine Bookmark

Embroidery machines are fabulous for adding custom images and text to clothing, bags and other fabric items. What many crafters forget is that embroidery machines can also be used to create the item itself. Specifically, embroidery machines are wonderful for creating custom bookmarks for gifts or profit.

Since the machine embroidered bookmark is the actual crafted piece, rather than embroidering on a finished piece, the steps involved are a bit different. Regardless of machine make or model, however, the basic steps to machine embroider bookmarks are the same.

Things You'll Need

• Embroidery pattern
• Thread
• Stabilizer
• Base fabric

Instructions

1. 

   Select and cut a base material/fabric to your hoop size. (Since there is no finished object on which to embroider, a base fabric is recommended in addition to stabilizer. A relatively heavy or thick material is recommended, and experimentation with various fabrics and stitching is advisable.)

2. 

   Select and cut backing material/stabilizer for your hoop size. For simplicity in hooping, self-adhesive tear away backing/stabilizer is highly recommended. By using self-adhesive stabilizer, you can hoop the stabilizer without having to hoop the base material/fabric.

3. 

   Hoop the stabilizer, and peel away the adhesive paper.

4. 

   Place the fabric on the hoop and press it to the adhesive stabilizer. Pin the fabric to the stabilizer to secure the position. (Cut and pin water-soluble top stabilizer at this time, if desired.)

5. 

   Raise the presser foot on the machine and place the hoop into position.

6. 

   Select your embroidery pattern. Lower the presser foot and allow the hoop to center in position on the machine. Press the "Go" button to begin stitching.

7. 

   When the pattern is complete, lift the presser foot, exit the pattern, move the hoop position out and remove the hoop from the machine. If it's not automatic, cut the thread from the needle.

8. 

   Trim strings, as needed. Remove the pins, and if used, remove the water-soluble top stabilizer; use water and a lint-free cloth to remove spots that cannot be pulled. Remove the hoop from the backing material/stabilizer, and remove the backing material from the fabric.

9. 

   Cut the machine-embroidered bookmark from the fabric, taking special care not to cut the thread/stitches. Cut a slit or hole to thread string or yarn for a tassel.

10. Apply fabric glue with your fingers or a foam tip. This optional step will prevent unraveling.

Tips & Warnings

• Water-soluble top stabilizer is effective for some fabrics and embroidery patterns; experiment to determine its use for your purposes. If you do not use self-adhesive, tear away the stabilizer and iron, pin and/or cut the backing stabilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Resources

• Sulky Stabilizers
• Brother Home Sewing Machines and Embroidery Machines