FINAL CLASS - and Digital Embroidery Samples

The final class consisted of our group being introduced to machine embroidery and digital embroidery in the fablab. I already had the idea in my mind that I would use applique to apply the cut out shapes that I had laser cut from the back of the Jacket, so once I saw both processes I was able to identify that machine embroidery would probably suit what I wanted to do better. I trialed out the digital embroidery, using Inkscape to digitize the chess motifs I had used in week 2 with the vinyl cutter, and in week 3 with the laser cutter.

I found that once it was set up, the digital embroidery machine was very efficient, however it was hard to work out specific placement with it, and I wanted the motifs to fall within the squares on the linen.

I also found that the machine had some pretty serious tension issues, as you can see in the image below. The red thread that is visible is actually the bobbin thread being pulled through.

After this I decided to try my hand at some applique, so I went to my local sewing shop in Kilbirnie and had a chat to one of the friendly ladies down there who recommended that I use double sided iron on interfacing to attach the felt pieces to the cloth, and I brought an embroidery hoop as well.

Once I cut out the shapes and placed them on the fabric I was able to iron them in place, in preparation for the machine embroidery.

The horses were a real challenge to get the machine to embroider, and the shapes are more distorted than I would have liked, but over all I am very happy with the end result. I feel like this technique has added texture and motif without the use of dyes or print, and has been a fun process.