The value of embroidered product can be increased by improving the quality of embroidery in the following ways:

a) Print a template(s) of your embroidery design so you plan the embroidery layout. Place it on the item (garment, home décor, craft or quilt) and critique its placement and size.

b) Build a test stash- Keep a test polo T-shirt, stretchy T-shirt, terry cloth towel and common items that you embroider on all the time in your test stash. Use this resource when testing a design for a final project. Fill every available inch with test designs then toss it when there’s no more than you will need so you have material to use for a test stitch-out. So many problems can be avoided by stitching a test of the design with the fabric, stabilizer and thread combo that you will be using for the final project.

c) Press the fabric – Use starch and steam to get the fabric to behave. Press the stabilizer if it’s wrinkled so it will lay flat for the final project.

d) Hoop on a flat, sturdy surface, not on your lap- Ironing boards work in a pinch, but best results are achieved when hooping on a solid surface such as cutting table and mat. Use the lines on the mat to square the fabric in the hoop.

e) Select the right hoop for the job- The best hold is achieved with the smallest hoop for the design. For instance, a 4” × 4” hoop is the best choice for a 2 ½” × 3” design.

f) Insert a fresh needle when starting a new embroidery project.