Creating a one-word wall quilt | Embroidery AND Applique

Aren’t those In-the-Hoop projects exciting? I need a 30-hour day to create everything I want to make with the Husqvarna Viking Designer EPIC 2 and the mySewnet embroidery software. I especially love being able to create anything I can dream up!

The main reason I bought an embroidery machine 25 years ago (wow – it’s been that long!) is to have the ability to embroider letters on projects – whether that be ready-made items or things I make from scratch. I’ve made many things using lettering over the years, and I don’t regret purchasing my first embroidery machine.

Here’s a quick peek at the fonts available within the mySewnet embroidery software.

Today, I’ll use the mySewnet embroidery software to make a one-word quote wall hanging, and with the tools available in the software, it’s so easy! I don’t need to buy designs from third parties when I can make and customize them myself!

I picked the word CREATE, which I thought was fitting. To add some complexity to the project, I wanted to use an Applique font from the software so I could use my digital cutter to cut out the shapes instead of having to trim the applique fabric with scissors or stitch the letters entirely in thread.

Let’s take a look at what happened.

Please note this is not a tutorial.

Once I chose an existing applique font, I brought the word into the work area. I manipulated the shape of the word, which is one feature I love. You can use built-in shapes or, using the handles (green squares), morph the word into whatever shape you desire.

The flexibility here will blow you away! Here’s an example of what you can do. I started with one of the built-in shapes.

By making a few changes to the properties of the design and adding a few extra handles, this is what I can create.

Then I took the word into the Quilt Block Wizard and added some quilting in the background. Again, this is so easy, it makes you want to keep making new ones, and there just isn’t enough time!

Once I was OK with the design, I was ready to save my files. Now here are some tips.

1. Always SAVE a working file of your embroidery design. You’ll have to recreate the design if you don’t save an editable file version and need to make changes. Ask me how I know.
2. Save your files in a location where you know you can find them again! Create multi-level file structures!
3. If you are ready to stitch, export the embroidery design to your Designer EPIC 2 without using a USB stick.
4. Save a copy of the .svg files on a USB stick to take to the digital cutter.
5. Do not make any changes once you export or send your files. If you decide to change the embroidery design, you must resave the SVG files as well – more on that in a minute.

I exported the embroidery file to the Designer EPIC 2 so it was ready to start stitching. I changed the stitching order so that the background stitched first and the applique letters second.

Since I’m quilting this wall hanging using the Quilt Block Wizard, I hooped all three layers of my quilt project. I used fusible fleece, which I love for quilting in the hoop. It’s great for table runners, placemats, and small pieces because it’s fusible and thin.

Here are some tips for stitching a two-sided piece where the embroidery will show on the back.

1. Turn off your jump stitch so you cut all the top threads from the top.
2. Periodically remove the hoop from the embroidery unit and clean up any traveling threads from the bobbin.
3. Use matching threads in the bobbin – there’s a science to this, and I won’t address it today, as that is a whole topic on its own! You can use a matching-colored bobbin thread or a 40wt embroidery thread. The Designer EPIC 2 does a fantastic job with both. Alternatively, you can use a busy fabric for the back so the stitching doesn’t show.
4. Learn to play with your embroidery tension settings! On the Designer EPIC 2, I turned off the deLuxe Stitch System, which works best with two-sided quilted embroideries.

I took the USB to my digital cutter and cut the letters. Here are some tips.

1. Use the correct mat for cutting fabric. Read the User’s Guide and experiment.
2. Use the right blade.
3. Ensure the fusible well adheres to your fabric. I don’t prefer a brand.
4. Some people prefer to remove the paper; some people cut with the paper on. I like to remove the paper first.
5. Depending on whether your fabric is face up or face down will dictate if your letters need to be reversed or not.
6. Bottom line – Get to know how to use your cutter! It’s a valuable tool for machine embroidery applique!

By then, the quilting for the background was complete, and it was time to add the applique letters.

Now, I did a ‘bad’ thing. It always seems to happen when I’m in a rush. A rush? That never happens!

The first letter seemed to fit OK, and I stitched it in place, even though the placement stitches seemed slightly out of alignment. The satin stitch covered the edges beautifully.

However, when I went to place the R, I knew I was in trouble.

Remember my list of tips and saying ‘not’ to manipulate the embroidery design ‘after’ you saved the SVG files. Guess what I did? I manipulated the embroidery design and didn’t resave the SVG files, so the cut letters didn’t fit the shape. So, follow those tips above, as they are critical to success.

So, I saved new SVG files and cut them again. OH – this time, I forgot to reverse them. Seriously?? I must’ve had a bad day!

However, the third time was the charm, and the letter fit exactly on the spot.

The tack-down stitch was a perfect fit. OK – I have no one to blame for that little issue except the operator! I learned a lot, and I doubt I’ll do that again!

And there’s the final piece, which I’m thrilled with. I can’t imagine trimming around those applique letters with scissors. Imagine getting into the opening in the R or the A. That would not be easy.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for me, my Husqvarna Viking Designer EPIC 2 and the mySewnet embroidery software. I see all kinds of projects in my future, and marrying the tools with digital cutters – well, it doesn’t get any easier than that!

I’m so excited about this project and even more excited at how easy it was to create, even with the learning incidents!

I have one more project tomorrow to share, and it’s more fun stuff with machine embroidery applique, so be sure to come back and check it out!

Have a super day!

Ciao!!!!

This is part 4 of 5 in this series

Go back to part 3: In-the-Hoop projects on mySewnet | Customize embroidery patterns

Go to part 5: Create simple machine embroidery applique | Ways to search mySewnet