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From: sewhappyrtr
Date: 03-20-2007, 04:25 PM (1 of 15)
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Hello, Is it difficult to machine embroidery designs on fleece fabric,, specifcally the single sided fleece. I have made a jacket/coat type out of the fleece and I think I would like to machine embroidery on it now. Thanks 
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User: sewhappyrtr
Member since: 08-01-2006 Total posts: 43 |
From: lendube
Date: 03-20-2007, 04:47 PM (2 of 15)
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Hi, I have done many, many embroideries on fleece and have been very successful. Absolutely do a tester on a scrap piece of fabric though. I use an emb. needle, sturdy stabilizer, poly thread. I've tried using toppers but can't say I've really noticed a difference but it certainly doesn't hurt to use one. Good Luck, Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-21-2007, 09:04 AM (3 of 15)
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I agree. I don't usually need the toppers either. On a garment I use a couple layers of light weight cut away like Poly Mesh on the back. On blankets I use a good wash away like Villene. Fleece looks a whole lot more challenging than it is. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: weezyrider
Date: 03-21-2007, 09:33 AM (4 of 15)
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It also helps by NOT using a too-dense design. The more open ones seem to work much better. Weezy |
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 218 
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From: MotherInLaw
Date: 03-21-2007, 10:47 PM (5 of 15)
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I always use a topper. It makes the design stand up on top of the fabric. When I tried to not use the topper the design got caught up in the pile of the fabric. I guess it's just a matter of preference.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118 
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From: lazyolazys
Date: 03-24-2007, 02:53 PM (6 of 15)
| I am having a terrible time embroidering on fleece. This is my first machine and my second day embroidering. I know that it is operator error, but I cannot figure out what to do differently. The bottom thread is showing on the top, so I adjusted the thread tension as far as I can and it is still showing on the top (there is no top thread showing at all). I changed needles to a 90/14, still the same issue. I changed my stabilizer...still the same problem. I was so frustrated that I just stopped and jumped online to get some advice. The machine I have is a Brother PE700. I have already embroidered on other fabric, so I know the machine is working. The only thing that seemed weird was that even when I was embroidering on a linen fabric, I had to adjust the thread tension as far as it would go so that the bottom thread would not show through. Any suggestions? |
User: lazyolazys
Member since: 03-04-2007 Total posts: 17 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-24-2007, 03:01 PM (7 of 15)
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There is something REALLY wrong. Are you SURE you are loading the bobbin thread correctly? It sounds like you are totally missing the tension springs in the bobbin case. That is waaaaaaayyyy beyond the little dot of white bobbin thread that people often have. Also, are you sure you are not tightening the top thread because it sounds like you are turning it the wrong direction. The top thread should wrap over the bobbin thread so that it frames the bobbin thread on the wrong side of the fabric. The rule of thumb is 1/3,top, 1/3 bobbin, 1/3 top underneath. By wrapping the top thread, you are assured that with stitch changes, the bobbin thread should still not come to the top. If you don't have a good stitch by the end of the weekend, you need to take your machine to the dealer and have them watch YOU thread the machine to see what is happening. Then have them help YOU adjust the tensions correctly. I'm assuming that you purchased this machine from a dealer, well, this is what you paid them for and they should be more than willing to help. The first paragraphs are places to start. Once you have tried those, get back with us and tell us what is going on. We'll try to help you clear it up. Hopefully, one of us who actually has the PE 700 or 750 will be along to help. I'm not sure about the threading system in those machines. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-24-2007, 03:04 PM (8 of 15)
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Rats! I just saw your other post and now realize that you do not have a local dealer. Ok, so lets start slow with your problem. Start by moving the top tension the oposite direction of where you were and lets see if that helps.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: lazyolazys
Date: 03-24-2007, 03:19 PM (9 of 15)
| Ok...I re-installed the bobbin and know now that it was probably not installed correctly before. I tried a small letter and none of the bobbin thread is showing. I am still, however, on the least thread tension available on my machine. It still doesn't seem right. I did not quite understand what you meant by 1/3 of each thread and wrapping the upper thread...sorry, new to all of this and have no idea what I am doing (obviously). |
User: lazyolazys
Member since: 03-04-2007 Total posts: 17 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-24-2007, 03:23 PM (10 of 15)
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Whew...doesn't matter, now we are close. Ok, first of all, don't be concerned about the numbers on the tension being too high or too low...they are just numbers of tollerance and if you were not allowed to use all of them, they wouldn't be available...so don't worry about those just because... Now, turn your fleece over. You should have the (presumably) white bobbin thread in the center with some of the colored thread on each side of the stitch if you are doing letters. It may not be quite as evident if you are doing a design. At any rate, on at least one side of the design underneath you should have a frame of color from the top thread. Now, obviously, if you are using white top thread and white bobbin thread, this will be harder to see...but none the less, the top thread should wrap to the bottom. If you are doing lettering that is satin stitch, you should see a line of color going down each side of the bobbin thread underneath. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: lazyolazys
Date: 03-24-2007, 03:46 PM (11 of 15)
| Well, I have some of the top black thread on the edges. It is not all the way down the letter though. It is only on the top edge and part of the bottom edge where the design had a turn in it. |
User: lazyolazys
Member since: 03-04-2007 Total posts: 17 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-24-2007, 04:25 PM (12 of 15)
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If you can decrease your top tension just a tad, it sounds like you are very close.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: lendube
Date: 03-24-2007, 04:51 PM (13 of 15)
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Can't help you but I'm cheering you two along. Pam, you're a great teacher and lolazys isn't this a terrific site? You can do it. You can do it!  Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: lazyolazys
Date: 03-24-2007, 09:46 PM (14 of 15)
| This is a great site! I was ready to call it quits earlier today and I just got on this site and it made a huge difference! Thanks so much for the help! I had to run out this evening, so didn't get to finish. I will try in the morning and get back with you on how things turned out! Thanks again! |
User: lazyolazys
Member since: 03-04-2007 Total posts: 17 |
From: mamadus
Date: 04-15-2007, 03:06 PM (15 of 15)
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lazyolazys.. just wondering if you ever got this situation straightened out... and yes... isn't it wonderful to have online buddies to help you out MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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