I was pressing some designs and did not realize my cutting mat was under my pressing pad. It made my cutting mat bubble up. Any suggestions?

Hi

I’ve researched this question, but so far I haven’t been able to find a solution for you. Sorry! Looks like you might need to replace that mat. Bummer!

Sorry, I couldn’t help you…but maybe one of our savvy readers can! Check the Secrets Blog to see if a remedy is suggested. Good luck!

Evy
A Bit of Stitch

Hi, I would like to use a border embroidery pattern on some napkins.  However, I do not know how to reset my material in the hoop so that I have one continuous design.  Could you please explain, or is there a book, article, or something I could purchase for the answer.  Thanks - Margie.

Hello Margie,

Carolyn Duncan has a series of 4 tutorials on Design Placement that you should find useful - Design Placement Tutorial

There is also a Multi-Hooping tutorial from Heather Snow - Multi Hooping Tutorial

Please let us know if you have any further questions as we are always happy to help.

Kim
Secrets Customer Support

Hi, I would like to ask - What kind of stabilizer is used on newborn clothing so that the stitiching is not scratchy to the skin? Thank you - Robin Lapin

Dear Robin,

I like to use Terradon’s “Lite & Sheer Mesh Fusible” stabilizer for any baby articles I embroider when the back of the embroidery will be next to their skin. I use this stabilizer as the main stabilizer, using two layers if the design in stitch intensive. After the embroidery is complete and the excess stabilizer has been trimmed away, I iron fusible webbing to regular sewing interfacing (lightweight, non-woven); cut it slightly larger than the design and fuse the interfacing to the back of the embroidery. This step effectively prevents even the potentially itchy bobbin threads from bothering a baby’s delicate skin.It is important to remember to pre-shrink all fabrics, including interfacing, when used in a project that will be washed.

Hope this helps!

Evy
A Bit of Stitch

I have been using Customizing Plus for years and just updated to 4D software because I purchased a new Designer SE. My question is, can I use both programs on my computer by just switching dongles from the portal to the stick. I really like the disk manager in the old software and still need to make floppy disk for my old Designer 1.  By the way I love Secrets designs, and your site, you have provided me with much knowledge and I thank you.  - Sandi Shoemaker

Hi Sandi,

You should be able to leave both dongles attached to the computer and both softwares will work side by side with no problems.  I use 4D disk manager to do disks for my D1.  I just drop and drag designs from 4D Organizer onto the stick for my SE.

Carolyn Duncan
Author of Pfaff, Husqvarna & Sewing Tutorials
Sew What Designs

When embroidering on lycra etc- do you use an embroidery needle or a ball point needle? In advance- Thanks so much for your help.

Hi,

Definitely will help to use a ball point needle when embroidering on Lycra! Good luck with that

Evy
A Bit of Stitch

I have a Designer 1 and am thinking of upgrading to a usb port next week.  I am very satisfied with my machine, however disks are hard to find and I know I need to upgrade it. Is it cheaper to upgrade or trade mine in for a new Desgner SE?  It is only going to cost me $550 to upgrade and from what I understand I won’t get much for a trade in on my machine.  Mine is 4 years old.  What are the pros and cons on doing this?  I want to make sure I am making the right decision.  Thanks - Roberta

Hi Roberta,

The music industry uses disks so try a music shop or online.  Ultimately the floppy disks will get scarce but I think that they will still be around for a good while yet.

I must admit that my SE is lovely to use and the ability to just drop and drag designs onto the USB stick is wonderful.  I think that the lighting is a great asset.  Stitch wise it is pretty much the same as the D1.  I assume that the $550 is for the USB upgrade and not the SE!  It comes down to opportunity cost.  If you have the funds to go to the SE what would you have done with that money?

Carolyn Duncan
Author of Pfaff, Husqvarna & Sewing Tutorials
Sew What Designs

I just purchased 4 D embroidery only to find out it did not come with all the modules I need. Do you know if you can upgrade to Professional? - Melinda

Dear Melinda,

4D Embroidery, 4D Embroidery Extra and 4D Professional are sold as separate packages.  There is not an upgrade as such.  If you have not opened the box then your dealer should be able to exchange it for you.  You will need to talk to your dealer to see what can be organized but if you have opened the box and installed and registered the software it would alter the situation. The modules only come with the full package and most are no longer sold separately.

Carolyn Duncan
Author of Pfaff, Husqvarna & Sewing Tutorials
Sew What Designs

What will clean the hoop of the sticky spray? - Betty B

My favorite sticky hoop cleaner is denatured alcohol. You can buy a really big can of it at any hardware store, or in the hardware department of many super stores like Wal-mart. As it’s also water-soluble, it leaves no nasty odor or residue. Just put a small amount on a rag and rub the hoop…the sticky comes right off. I’ve used it with my hoops for several years and it has not damaged them in the slightest. I would recommend testing a small area first, though, just to be sure as not all hoops are made with the same plastic! And be sure to keep it in a safe place as it would be harmful if ingested.

Good luck!
Evy
A Bit of Stitch

The wonderful new Maxi Magic tutorial from Carolyn Duncan of Sew What Designs is written for the Pfaff 2140/44/70 machines. Learn to make the most of the maxi stitches on your machine with this easy to follow 43 page tutorial, which focuses on the built-in functions of the machine itself and does NOT require any other software at all. The tutorial covers how to use the Stitch Sequencing tools, pasting the maxi stitch sequences into the embroidery hoops so they stitch out perfectly, using the Endless and Large hoops, and much more. If you have been looking for information on using the endless hoop, this tutorial will help you get started using it. Find out how to use the stitches on your machine to create your own designs for free!

My question is about stabilizers. When embroidering a design for example on a quilt where the back of the embroidery will end up being enclosed by a backing, would it be wise to use a soluble backing like rinse away? I have made embroidered pockets in the past and wanted to put a lining on the inside of the pocket but have hesitated as I have used a tear-away backing, and as it seems to dissolve and wash away over time, I thought it may end up as an enclosed lump of lint on the inside between the front and the lining. I have lots of things to make that would be affected. I thought that pockets would be better to be lined so as not to catch any threads on the back of the embroidery when using the pocket. Your advice would be very much appreciated. Shirley

Hi Shirley,

Yes, I would definitely use a wash-away stabilizer for projects that will be well-loved (and therefore well-washed!) when the stabilizer will be enclosed within fabric. The other alternative is to use a cut-away stabilizer, which would be permanent and will not wash away. It would be advisable to do a little test with your project fabric and chosen designs to see how the designs look with either a wash-away or a cut-away stabilizer after laundering. That extra layer of stabilizer really makes a difference in how well the design holds up with certain fabrics. I love Terradon’s Lite & Sheer both regular and fusible when embroidering fine fabrics such as linen, voile, organza, organdy and batiste or other lightweight cotton fabrics. It keeps the designs looking great through laundering, does not show through (when trimmed closely to the design) and does not add any bulk. (I used this product for my cotton organdy little girl pinafore with the Nutcracker appliqué designs).

You can read more about this stabilizer at: http://www.terradonunlimited.com.

I love lined pockets! This is one of Nancy Zieman’s tricks too, and a great one to use when embroidering pockets. You’re a smart girl!

Evy
A Bit of Stitch