It’s so easy to learn about new embroidery techniques with the Husqvarna VIKING Designer Topaz 65, and super quick to find the designs, whether built into the embroidery machine or in the Creative Design Catalogue. Check out yesterday’s post about yarn couching with the Topaz 65.
The Husqvarna VIKING Designer Topaz 65
Today I’m sharing tutorials from the JoyOS Advisor and selecting another embroidery technique. This time, it’s all about Thread Velvet, which is very textural, easy to do, and uses only thread—no additional accessories required.
I’ll find a design by accessing the Creativate Design Catalogue directly from the Husqvarna VIKING Designer Topaz 65.
Oh my – I realize there is an entire series of these cute seasonal designs, and most of them use Thread Velvet or Yarn couching techniques. You know what this means! I want to make them all – they will make a fantastic holiday wall quilt or door hanger. Hmm — I have my work cut out for me!
Essentially, Thread Velvet consists of two color blocks, preferably with two contrasting thread colors, and multiple layers of satin stitches. The more contrast those colors have, the better the design is (in my opinion). Of course, you still have the textured feel, so it’s up to you.
Here’s a sample of Thread Velvet, where the thread colors are very similar. While you are seeing the blooming effect of the cut thread, you don’t see the two different colors.
A Thread Velvet sample with two similar thread colors
In this example, I’ve used two very high-contrast threads, and once cut, you can see the inner color bloom out.
A Thread Velvet sample with two high contrast threads
The more the item gets handled, the more it blooms. Be cautious, though – if the design is going to be on something that will get flattened, this technique may not be a good idea. This sample sits in a page protector in my sample book, and you can see how the velvet effect is getting squashed.
Inappropriate storage can flatten the Thread Velvet
Now let’s stitch out the Christmas motif. This technique differs from a satin stitch in that it has reinforced stitches around the edge of the section you will cut. Those reinforced stitches will prevent the threads from coming out after they are sliced open.
Reinforced stitches along both sides of the Thread Velvet technique
Now that the stitching is complete, the next step is to take a sharp blade and CAREFULLY cut the stitches. You do NOT want to cut through all layers, as this will weaken the design and turn it into a non-solid piece of fabric.
I like to use a surgical seam ripper to cut. You could use your rotary cutter, but that is a challenge, unless you are using the smallest one.
It may be easier to make several passes to ensure you don’t cut right through, and if the design has a curve, you want to slice in the direction of the curve.
Be sure your device is sharp!!!
Surgical seam ripper is perfect for cutting designs using the Thread Velvet technique
And here’s my embroidered block using the Thread Velvet technique. I’m excited about stitching out this entire collection, and it’s a great way to make up a seasonal sensory mat if you wish. Look at the texture of the scarf! It looks like real velvet. There is also Thread Velvet in his ear and his nose! I LOVE touching it!
A Christmas design using the Thread Velvet technique
Before I go, you may be wondering, “What is a sensory mat?” It’s a placemat-sized quilt with lots of texture, which could be a simple textured fabric, but our Husqvarna VIKING embroidery machines let us get super creative, and with all the textured designs, this is the perfect thing to do.
Who could benefit from a sensory mat? EVERYONE – from children, to adults, to people suffering from anxiety, stress, or any other ailment. I want to make a couple for myself and leave them by my computer since I seem to have good and bad days with technology!!!
I found MANY exciting designs in the Creativate Design Catalogue. The biggest problem is that I have so many designs to stitch and so little time!!!
Be sure to check out the Husqvarna VIKING Designer Topaz 65. Remember its Wi-Fi capabilities and how easy it is to transfer designs from the Creativate Design Catalogue to the software or the embroidery machine. There is NO limit to what you can create!
Have a wonderful day!!
Ciao!!!