Machine embroidery is used in home decor, quilts, clothing, wearable accessories and much more.  Whatever you can think of, you can probably add some machine embroidery to it.  Recently, I have fallen in love with the artistic expressions created with cloth as the medium.  I can easily spot a design that is created by someone with artistic abilities.  I can sew, but I am not necessarily artistic by nature.  I have been experimenting with painting on cloth, but I still need to start with a design that I can follow.  (Color within the lines!)

Launch your EQStitch program from the desktop.

Click on the work on stitching icon at the top of the screen.

Click on LIBRARY>Stitching Library

Click on the EQStitch library and locate the zany zoo folder.  Click on the caterpillar to select it and then click on add to sketchbook and close at the bottom of the library box.

Click on view sketchbook icon at the top of the page.

In the sketchbook, click on the stitchings heading on the left side and then click on the embroidery designs tab at the top of the sketchbook.  Scroll all the way to the end to locate the caterpillar you downloaded.  Click on the caterpillar to select it and then click on the word edit at the bottom of the sketchbook box.

Click on the stitch tab at the bottom of the screen and apply any stitch properties you want to use.  I left mine as it was because I only want a linear outline pattern to paint inside of the lines.

Click on STITCHING>export stitching file and save the design in the file format you need for your machine.

Transfer the design to your machine and stitch on a light solid color fabric that has been pre-washed to remove any sizing in the fabric.  Don’t use any fabric softener when you pre-wash the fabric.  This allows the fabric to absorb the fabric paint inks more easily.  You also have the option of using fabric specifically make for painting on.

Stitch the design and paint away using fabric paints/pens.  This is a great project for kids to create!

Join me at EQAcademy Denver in September 2016.