Welcome to Darlene’s Thread! I’m excited to announce the debut of our brand new sewing blog! Each month we will be featuring instructions for a new project, a schedule of upcoming sewing events and some tips on the latest sewing trends in embroidery, quilting, apparel or crafting. This will be the place to voice your questions and concerns or to share your latest success! Let me know what you would like to see and I’ll try to include it in my next posting.

SCHEDULE: HSN on July 9th and 10th with Brother’s new Project Runway machines.

Serger Tips

1. You MUST USE serger needles. Ordinary sewing needles will cause irregular stitches and unsightly loops. Use -2022 serger needles only.
2. Instead of black thread in the loopers, you may want to use dark grey or navy. Depending on the type of black thread you use, there can be a different consistency to the black thread that causes poor stitch performance.
3. When you are rethreading from a color change or thread break, always thread the loopers before the needles. Make sure to unthread the needles before threading the loopers.
4. Thread from the center tension discs outward. Start center and move to the right, then go back to center and thread to the left.
5. On a new serger, the knife is set for rolled hems. Remember to move the knife for different stitch functions, otherwise you may get loopies on the edge or a puckered and pulled-too-tight seam finish. If you do not adjust the knife properly it will result in a total loss of cutting.
6. When threading the eye of the loopers, use a looped dental floss threader. (they are designed for braces, bridges and implants. You’ll find them in the toothpaste aisle.) Simply cut the straight end on an angle and thread through the looper’s eye.
7. Freeze unused serger thread. It adds moisture and prevents static electricity, which can cause poor stitching.
8. On the Quantum Overlock, you must loosen both needle screws to replace a needle in the front row and in the back row.
9. Your red looper will thread easier if you thread the eye of the looper first, then use the automatic looper threader.
10. When using the optional gathering foot, you must set the differential feed to 2.0

It was exciting to meet with Singer’s “Dream Team” where we brainstormed about the upcoming “Today’s Special” slated for August 5th. We have some fantastic Sashiko lessons in store for you that day as well as some never before seen “Show Stoppers” so check your program guide and be sure to tune in.

If you happen to have picked up on our incredible April Today’s Special, the Singer Futura 150 with the software package, I have a few tips for smooth sewing.

Futura Tips

1. Why do I keep getting a “Thread Breakage” message on my computer screen? I check the thread, but find no breakage. This message indicates a thread breakage, but can also indicate incorrect threading or an empty bobbin. All can be easily resolved.
   1. Check that the transparent thread path located at the top of the machine is threaded correctly. - Hold thread in both hands and slip under transparent thread guide. While holding the thread securely, pull the thread towards you and then slip it back and forth like you were flossing. You should hear or feel a click as the thread slips past the thread guides. See the diagram to right:
   2. You have run out of bobbin thread. Check the bobbin case area, as you may have run out of bobbin thread. Replace the empty bobbin with a full bobbin.
   3. The thread has frayed at the needle (usually rayon thread). Clip the thread, and re-thread the upper tension of the machine.
2. I have loaded the optional programs AutoPunch, HyperFont, PhotoStitch and Auto Cross-Stitch but I am not able to find them in my computer.

In order to view these programs, open your Futura software, click on “Create” on the top tool bar. When you left click on the “Create” icon, the drop down menu will display as follows:

Design Library
Lettering
AutoCross Stitch
AutoPunch
PhotoStitch
HyperFont
Draw Package

To access a program, position the curser over the program you wish to use and left click. For information on how to use each program you may print an instruction manual directly from the Option disc. Place the CD in the CD tray of your computer. Next click on “Open CD folder that includes the Futura manuals in printable electronic format (.pdf)” The English version of the manual has the following file extension _ENU.PDF.

Embroidery Tip

Once you dive into the world of sewing machine embroidery, there’s no going back! A new world of sewing opens up to you filled with designs, stabilizers, all styles of funny looking specialty scissors and shiny, vibrant, colorful threads. I prefer a true 40 weight tri-lobal polyester embroidery thread which is why I have developed a line called “Melrose”. Polyester colors are more vibrant, their coverage is supreme and the tenacity or strength is high. Polyester generally does not shrink in the wash and it doesn’t fray. Look for our value packs of Melrose thread on HSN.com. You’ll be glad you did!

When you have a small embroidery and a large hoop, it seems like a big waste of stabilizer so….. here is my solution to stetch your stabilizer dollars

• Buy sticky stabilizer and cut a piece slightly larger than the hoop.
• Peel off the unsticky side and place the bottom of the hoop on top of the sticky stabilizer. (Make sure both hoops are securely tightened together) Fold excess paper up over the hoop edges and trim.
• Begin with your first design near the bottom of the hoop. Stitch design. Fold article downwards away from hoop.
• Place your second item in the hoop and move the design to the middle (being careful not to overlap the first area). Use 'trace design' for this. Stitch. Fold item down and away from hoop.
• Place the third item in the hoop near the top and move the design to an area near the top portion of the hoop. Stitch. Now you have completed three small projects in one large hoop using one piece of sticky stabilizer!

That’s it for now. Next month we have some exciting ‘must have’ new products coming in and you’ll get to read about them here, first! Have a fantastic month of July!

Sew your dreams,
Darlene Cahill