The very best way to prepare your template from a quilt pattern

Yesterday, we got all the supplies ready to make this mittens wall quilt or table topper. Today, I’m showing you how to get your template ready while using the Brother Innov–is NQ700.

Here’s the mitten pattern that’s ready to print. Click on the picture to get the full-size pattern. Once you print out the pattern, cut out the paper shapes, leaving about ¼” around each shape.

Lightly glue each paper shape to the template plastic.

Cut out the shapes on the printed lines.

Press 1 piece of light-weight fusible web such as HeatnBond Feather Lite on the back of each 7″ x 11″ red rectangle. Remove the paper backing.

Using a removable fabric marker, trace around the template for the main part of the mitten on the right side of the fabric. Then turn the template over to make a mirror image for the other mitten shape. These lines will be a guide for the placement of the stitches. You can also mark a straight line along the center of the shape for an additional stitching guide.

Pin or baste a 7″ x 11″ piece of light-weight, tear-away stabilizer on the back of a red rectangle.

Put a new top stitch or embroidery needle in your machine. The weight of thread you’re using determines the size of needle to use. I used 30wt Sulky thread that comes in many variegated colors with a 90/100 top stitch needle.

Choosing the correct foot for decorative stitching is also important. My favorite is the open-toe foot that comes with the Brother NQ700 machine. There are other feet that work well too. The important thing to look for is the groove on the underside of the foot. When using heavier threads, this feature allows the stitches to feed under the foot smoothly and not bunch up.

It’s a good idea to do a few sample stitches before starting your project. There are so many stitches on the Brother NQ700, you won’t have a problem finding the ones that are perfect for your project. My own pile of stitch samples is getting larger all the time! Make sure to write the stitch number and the settings you use so you can use that information in future projects.

Remember that you can also change the width and length of the stitches just by pressing the arrow keys. You can also stitch a single stitch or press the back to the beginning key to start at the beginning of any stitch pattern.

Be sure to come back tomorrow to see how to use some of the many decorative stitches on the Brother NQ700 machine to create some new fabrics that look just like hand-made mittens!

This is part 2 of 5 in this series

Go back to part 1: The Brother NQ700 and decorative stitches: the perfect match for quilting

Go to part 3: Making the most of decorative stitches for making applique mittens