QUILTsocial | Issue 08

Place the inner hoop over the outer hoop with the
fabric and stabilizer sandwiched in between
Once the inner hoop is secured inside
the outer hoop, close the quick release
and tighten up the screw. There’s no
need to go crazy on tightening that
screw – you want it secure, not break it!
Centering lines for hooping
If I’m using a larger hoop, then I can
further stabilize the hoop by using clips
at various points around the perimeter
of the hoop. They’re easy to put on and
easy to take off and I’ve never had one
pop out during the stitch out process.
The inner hoop is secured inside the outer hoop
The outer hoop has a tendency to
move around and if that is causing you
problems, you can purchase a hoop grip
that you can slide the hoop connector
into, in order to stabilize the outer hoop.
I must get one of these as I think it
would solve a lot of my hooping issues.
If you’re going to do your embroidery
on a garment or need the design in a
specific location, then find the center of
the desired design position and mark
two intersecting lines across it. Those
two lines will be used to line up with the
guide markings on the hoop.
In the next sample, I just drew those
lines on with a chalk pencil, while it was
already hooped. I know – a big cheat,
but you get the idea. And note that the
center of the design is NOT the center
of the hoop. There’s a reason why the
top half is bigger than the bottom
half. That doesn’t matter, the centering
lines are what matters. Don’t eyeball it –
you’ll be disappointed.
Clips to help stabilize the larger hoops
I’ve changed the foot to one that is
appropriate for machine embroidery.
Sensor Q-Foot for machine embroidery
My design is ready to be stitched out. I
can now proceed to the Embroidery
Stitch Out mode. I get a screen
reminding me how I need to set up the
Designer EPIC for the stitching. Easy to
follow instructions, easy to select the
options and now I’m ready!
Reminder of settings for machine embroidery
Remember I told you that the Designer
EPIC wouldn’t let you stitch if you didn’t
have the correct hoop? The design I’m
stitching out recommends a 200 x 200
hoop. That’s the minimum size required
to stitch the design. I don’t have a 200
x 200 hoop, so I choose the next largest
one that I had. That was the 200 x 260. I
can always go larger, but never smaller.
However, I didn’t advise the Designer
EPIC that I was using a different hoop
and so I got a gentle reminder.
Gentle reminder to attach the correct hoop
Q
.com
UILTsocial
| issue 8 67