How to Machine Embroider a Canvas Bag
Canvas bags are inexpensive and come in a variety of colors, sizes and styles. With reusable shopping bags becoming trendy, canvas bags are easy to find in just about every grocery and department store. The only problem is these bags are boring! Machine embroidery is a great way to add a little personality to a plain canvas bag. For the green crafter, an embroidered canvas bag is the perfect alternative to paper gift bags or wrapping paper. The wrapping is part of the gift!
Things You'll Need
- Embroidery machine
- Embroidery design
- Tearaway stabilizer
- Spray adhesive
- Masking tape or hair clips
- Seam-ripper (optional)
Instructions
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1
Cut a piece of stabilizer slightly larger than your embroidery hoop.
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2
Turn the canvas bag wrong side out.
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3
Hoop the stabilizer and fabric together if possible. If you're unable to hoop the bag, hoop the stabilizer and adhere the bag to it using spray adhesive.
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4
Roll or fold the excess fabric out of the way of the embroidery area. Secure the excess fabric with masking tape or hair clips. If the bag is small or the embroidery design is large, it may be necessary to use a seam-ripper to remove the stitches along one side of the bag.
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5
Transmit the embroidery design to the machine and stitch out the design.
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6
Remove the hoop from the machine and unhoop the fabric. Snip any excess threads and tear or trim the stabilizer from the back of the design.
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7
If you removed the stitching on one side of the bag, use a regular sewing machine to replace the seam. Finish the seam with a zig-zag or overlock stitch to avoid fraying.
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8
Turn the bag right side out and press with an iron if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Canvas is a sturdy fabric and can support just about any kind of embroidery design, from redwork to heavy stitch-filled designs.
