Embroidery for Beginners – Hot Pad

Hot Pads are one of my most favorite things to embroider. They are inexpensive, they are quick and they are easy to embroider on both a single and multi needle machine.

If you have an Esty or online store, hot pads can be a very profitable item to sell. I picked up a set of two hot pads at my local Dollar Tree at 2/$1. You can easily sell a set for $10-12.

In the video below, I will show you just how easy these are to stitch out on both a single needle embroidery machine and a multi needle. They are equally doable. I used my Janome 500E single needle embroidery machine. It’s really an amazing single needle option with an embroidery field of up to 7.9 x 11″. I also highly recommend the Brother 800 or 1900 machines for your first embroidery machine. They both embroidery up to 5 x 7, however, the 1900 machine can also work as a regular sewing machine, so it’s sort of a two for one for about the same price. Of course, I love and use my Ricoma EM1010 muti-needle for hot pads as well. If you’re interested in the Ricoma, using the affiliate link above will save you on your purchase of any Ricoma machine.

Using the Mighty Hoops whenever possible is not only a time saver, but it makes hooping so easy! Use code NEVERSTOPMAKING to save on hoops for your machine to order Mighty Hoops this code only works on phone orders. Call 262-257-0930.

So, let’s get started with this very beginner friendly project. I’ve got step by step video tutorial instructions for you using both a single and a multi-needle machine. Let’s get started.

Custom Hand Sanitizer Holders with your Cricut

Today, we are making custom hand sanitizer holders with the Cricut Maker. You can use the Cricut Explore or Silhouette as well. These little cuties are pretty easy to make. All you need is an image and the handy dandy new offset tool in Cricut Design Space and you’ll be making holders in no time flat.

These are just a few of the designs I created using images right in Design Space. If you’re a Patreon Member, you can have my Design Space file, but if not, just watch this quick tutorial and you can create your very own unique hand sanitizer holders.

Let’s get started….

In the Hoop Wristlet / Keychain

Wristlet / keychains are obviously on my mind. You may recall my recent post “How to Sublimate a Wristlet / Keychain“. This is a very similar style, but this time we are using the embroidery machine and a really cute embroidery file by Parker on the Porch. The file requires a 5 x 7 frame or larger. You can use a single needle embroidery machine or a multi-needle. I will be using my Ricoma EM-1010 multi-needle in the tutorial.

I may have had so much fun making these that I made 2 or 3… or okay I made 7! They are quick and easy (my favorite type of project). You will need only a few items to create these little cuties.

The file includes both 1.25″ and 1″ versions in 3 different lengths. You will need to use the matching keyfob hardware for whichever size you choose. The picture above is the 1.25″ size. The photo with the white vinyl keyfobs are the 1″ varieties. I, personally, love both! Here is a link to the hardware:

1.25″ Silver Hardware 1″ Silver Hardware 1″ Multi Color Set w/Pliers

1.25″ Gold Hardware 1″ Gold Hardware

Pick your favorite base material. I used cork fabric, faux leather, metallic faux leather and marine vinyl.

SUPRISE GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment on this post and you will be entered to win the Keyfob pliers and an assortment of keyfob hardware.

So, now that you have the materials you need, let’s get started with the tutorial:

In The Hoop Valentine Coasters – FREE Embroidery Designs!

Valentines Day is right around the corner. I cannot even believe I just said that! I don’t do a lot of decorating or a lot of Valentine crafting, but I wanted to make a little something to make it feel like Valentines.

These are so quick and so easy to make! I am just learning to digitize with the Chroma Luxe Software. I was excited to be able to create four simple designs with very little effort. I will be sharing more digitizing tutorials soon.

I love how simply changing the fabric from cork to vinyl and changing the thread colors make each set unique. This set of coasters could really be used any time of the year. They are very affordable to make, easy to store and let’s face it, you can just toss them and make a new set if they get overly used.

I have included several formats of embroidery patterns for you to make a set or two of your own. I would love it if you make them and tag me on social media. It’s always fun to see others making something I created and I enjoy seeing how each of you make it your own. You can get the FREE DOWNLOAD here.

As for assembly instructions, I will walk you through the steps on my Ricoma EM1010 Multi-needle machine, but if you have a single needle, don’t worry because the steps are exactly the same. Let’s get started.

How to Add Embroidery to a Traditional Stocking

I couldn’t resist turning these Dollar Tree stockings into cute personalized stockings using my Embroidery Machines. I wanted to make stockings for my grand – animals :). The stockings at Dollar Tree were the perfect size, but rather plain… until I added embroidery to them.

Santa is sure to remember to fill Charlie and Tobey’s stockings this year.

I created a tutorial for you. I used my Ricoma EM1010 Multi Needle Embroidery Machine AND I also used my Jamome 500e single needle machine. Now you can follow along with whatever style of embroidery machine you have. If you haven’t gotten a machine yet and you’re looking to get into an entry level machine, I found a great deal on this 4 x 4 machine and on this 5 x 7 machine . I always recommend buying the machine with the largest hoop size that fits within your budget. I love both of my machines and can make designs up to 8 x 11″. Using the link above for the Ricoma will save you $100 on their already lowest prices of the season Black November sale.

Now, about that tutorial:

Above links may be affiliate links for which I earn a small comission at no cost to you. All opinions are my own.

Customized Apple Watch Band

It’s a week before Christmas! Can you even believe it? I’ve got a quick and easy gift idea for your Apple Watch wearing friends. How about a totally customized watch band? I made this one in about ten minutes using my Sublimation Printer and these watch band blanks. I know I say it everytime, but wouldn’t this be a great stocking stuffer, too!

I had so many ideas running through my head. Favorite sports team, logo, leopard, buffalo plaid, holiday, team/school colors, holiday themes and so many more! Here are just a few “mock ups” I made.

What would you put on your watch band? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Here is a tutorial for this quick and easy project:

In the Hoop Candy Cane Holders by ScissorTail Stitches

I had so much fun creating these candy cane holders by ScissorTail Stitches.

They are a little gift all by themselves. How cute to leave one in the mailbox for your mail person, make them for neighbors, students, co-workers, etc. They are a really easy in the hoop project. Simply select all of your colors and in no time you will have some really cute candy cane holders.

I absolutely love the detail Scissortail Stitches includes in her digitizing. The tree texture, the detail in the bird’s scarf, etc. are signs of a well digitized file. I couldn’t be happier with the results.

You will need a 5 x 7 hoop to make these (unless you have software to resize them). I used my Ricoma EM1010 mutli-needle embroidery machine, but you can make them easily with a single needle as well.

I made a video in case you want to try a few of these cuties.

Wooden Name Tags with the Glowforge

I was so excited to make name tags for my son and daughter-in-law. They recently moved out of town and this will be their very first Christmas to not be here for the holidays. I wanted to make sure they get to experience a big part of our holidays, which is the stocking. In my opinion, it’s the most fun part of Christmas morning. We always open the stockings first.

Even though I bought them new stockings with initials, I wanted to add some customized tags. The Glowforge makes it so super easy to create one-of-a-kind customized pieces. It really only took a few minutes to create the file and a little over 3 minutes to cut. Pretty crazy, right? If you’ve been thinking about a Glowforge, I say go fo it! I love that I can make personalized gifts out of leather, acrylic wood and so much more! If you use this link you will save $100 on the Basic, $250 on the Plus and $500 on the Pro!

What would you like to make if you have a Glowforge? Leave me a comment.

I made a tutorial for for these cute tags, you knew I would!

*Disclaimer:  Some links above are affiliate links.  By clicking on these links I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.   Some products may have been provided to me by vendors.  All opinions and reviews are strictly my own.

In the Hoop Airpod Case

This is such a fun, quick and easy project! My favorite kind of project. Can you believe this is made on an embroidery machine?

How many times have you reached for your Airpods and they either A) are not in your purse, or B) they have sunk to the deep, bottomless bottom of your bag where gumwrappers, pennies and stuff we don’t want to mention live?

Problem solved! Crashing Waves Designs came up with this awesome case that can be easily clipped inside your handbag so that you always know exactly where the Airpods are.

I love the cork version but you can easily use faux leather for this fantastic In the Hoop (ITH) embroidery project. I am making one for each of the kids for stocking stuffers this year. I think they will love them.

I’ve included a supply list below so you can make your own.

Faux Leather

Lobster Clasp

KamSnap Kit

Tear Away Stablizer

Follow my Step by Step Tutorial here:

How to make a Planner Pouch

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Hey there!  Thanks for stopping by! I had a few requests over in my Craft Crazy Facebook Group to create a tutorial for a planner pouch.  I grabbed my planner and got busy creating what I felt was a perfect size, but you can easily adapt it to fit your planner.

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I think it’s super practical and not just for planners.  Journal writers, students and list makers would also enjoy a pouch.  Keeping all of your planner stickers, writing utensils, clips, erasers, etc. with your notebook has never been easier, or prettier.

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This is a beginner sewing friendly tutorial. Don’t let the zipper scare you, I am going to walk you through it step by step… it’s easier than you think!

I would love it if you would tag me on social media when you make theplanner pouch.  You can find me by clicking here 

If you have a Cricut, I have a Design Space file so you can let the Maker cut the fabric and interfacing for you.  CLICK HERE FOR THE DESIGN SPACE FILE.

Are you ready to get started?  Here’s the tutorial: