Darlene’s Thread: Bobbin Blunders, Grommeted Curtains, and More
Putting the Pieces Together
Who says that quilt scraps or fat quarters have to be used for quilting? After they’re washed and pressed why not consider piecing them together for an easy apparel project like this sporty button-down shirt? I mixed a few Amy Butler Prints with Deb Strain for Moda pieces. The pattern is an oldie but goodie Butterick 4023. I just modified the sleeves by eliminating the cuffs and adding a tab with buttonhole closure. Looking for a pattern is a lot like looking for a new home–look for good bones, as in Structural Details. Princess seams will always give you a more flattering fit than a one piece with darts.
In Search for Troubleshooting Help?
If you own any of the Singer Futuras you can go to Singer’s Futura support site where dozens of the most common questions are answered. This site is specifically designed to support the FUTURA™ sewing and embroidery machine and software: www.futura-support.com Check it out today!
Experiencing Bobbin Blunders?
Have you ever had tension problems? Did you change the needles and threads, but still had the problems? Be sure to check these two things:
1. Be sure to check the threading order in your machine’s manual. All machines do not thread the same way. Case in point: The Singer Stylist 9960. This particular machine has a specific threading protocol. The thread must be coming off the horizontal spool from underneath the spool when sitting on the spool pin, or else there could be tension problems or skipped stitches.
2. Sometimes we mistakenly think that all bobbins are the same, but actually there are very minute differences. Sometimes these differences are smaller than your naked eye can see and can cause skipped stitches or tension nightmares. The hole inside the bobbin may be a millimeter different in diameter, sometimes it’s the ever so slight slant of the outside wall, or a teeny tiny bevel on the outside rim. SEWING RULE: Never use machine A’s bobbins on Machine B.
How to Make Giant Grommets
Uber popular in today’s home decor scene, grommeted curtains are not just for the shower! If you want a fast, easy and economical way to make drapery panels, consider using jumbo grommets along the top. Below are a few tips when using these attractive and functional accessories:
1. Use a fusible adhesive such as Heat’n Bond or Stitch Witchery on the facing. This will make the facing stick to the front side, making it easier to cut the grommet holes and snap all the layers together inside the grommets.
2. Drapery hardware usually sets the curtain rod around 3″ from the wall, so keep the grommet holes no more than 6″ apart or else your inside folds will be smashing into the wall.
3. Use an even number of grommets to ensure that both sides are facing the wall, NOT the front!
4. Make sure the grommet band is stitched onto the curtain below the grommet holes.
5. With the backside of the top facing up, insert the front of the grommet into the cutout template hole underneath the top band. This will allow you to press and snap the two pieces together with the heel of your hand on the flat tabletop surface.
6. Fold the panel like an accordion before stringing onto the rod for hanging. This will help to set the folds and make sure that the end pieces face the window wall.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 5a
Step 5b
Step 6
When to Watch
May 16th at 6am ET for Singer Ironing
May 17th at 5am & 5pm ET for Brother Sewing, at 8am & 4pm ET for Smart Cover Ironing
May 24th at 6am &5pm ET for Singer Sewing, at 9am ET for Singer Ironing
May 25th at 7am & 12pm ET for Singer Sewing
Thanks for Watching!
Darlene
More Sewing with Darlene Cahill:
» Top 10 Sewing Tips to Always Remember
» Choosing the Right Scissors to Make the Cut
» More sewing projects and ideas
More Sewing and Crafts from HSN.com:
» Shop sewing new arrivals
» Stay steady and organized with a great sewing table
» Shop all crafts and sewing supplies
Hello Darlene how are you I love your futura products they work fabulous and are resonable to buy especially on flex pay I would like to know if you could talk to the engineers about making a machine that you can thread with thin cotton or baby yarn and also put some decorative designs and also raise the millimeters to around 12 with a larger needle for decorating tablecloths,blankets etc. I own a cake and candy shop so I do meet alot of ladies I tell them to watch you on HSN thanks Helene K.sc.
I purchased the Singer Industrial machine last year. Just now able to get to use it. However, am not able to pull bobbin thread to top. Have removed the bobbin case to see if something is blocking but did not see anything. Made sure bobbin was going correct direction; still not able to pull up. Top thread is not wrapping over bobbin. Any suggestions?
Darlene, I hate to appear so uneducated, but when it comes to some basic sewing terms, I guess I am. I have no idea what fat quarters are. Thank you for all the help you’ve gien me so far.
Blessed Be
Darlene,
Some time ago you had a towel with a large applique flamingo on it. I was hoping you would share the instructions and flamingo applique design. My friend loves flamingos, she just graduated and will be taking a cruise – I was hoping to have this flamingo towel as a surprise for her trip in August. Thanks! :)
Annie,
Thanks for writing. I’ll look to see if I still have that design. Meanwhile, friend me on Face book so I can send you instructions and an image, which I am unable to do here. We’ll help you knock out this towel gift for your friend. She’ll LOVE it! See you on FB.
Hey Darlene, I decided to get the singer prof. five thread vs. just the coverlock machine. Might as well have one that will do all the extra stitches and the extra feet…WOW I’ll learn it and love it. Thanks. Happy Summer p.s. also liked your hubby’s idea on using a piece of weather str
Darlene, I just noticed today that the Futura Quartet was available again. I ordered it, after seeing some of the reviews I really need to ask a question. Will I be receiving a new machine, or will it be one sent back from an unsatisfied HSN customer ? Truly I would like to know, because I want to know if my machine is used.
Not trying to cause ripples, but what happens to the returned machines ?
I am happy to buy a good Singer always.
Shopnevada,
All machines that HSN sells are brand new. I don’t work for Singer so I don’t know exactly what they do with their returns but if you have any concern about the newness of a product you’ve received, please contact HSN customer service right away so they can help you.Sometimes HSN inspectors randomly check out products and they may leave the packaging a little askew. Wishing you a great sewing day!
Thanks so much for the info! I have just started sewing the layers of fleece (8 layers where seams are joined) and it is fine. I used a straight stitch, and a 3 tension, making the pressure foot pressure as light as possible. This machine is a keeper!
Darlene, I have the brother 1034D serger and it is wonderful. But it does not do a cover stitch for tee shirts. I’m thinking about getting an extra serger but was wondering if it’s better just to get a cover stitch machine or one like the singer 5 thread? Or if you can do a mock cover thread. whatever I do I’m keeping the brother because it is wonderful. Thanks as always for makeing yourself so personable to your, do I dare use the word “fans” ha p.s. when will the 5 thread be back on?
Hi doodle52,
Thanks for writing with your question. The good news is that the Singer 5-thread HAS the cover stitch option!!! Remember you can always give it a test drive:) The machine coverts to a flatbed for the real deal…in two or three needle top stitched cover stitching…instructional CD included. As of today, I do not have the 5-thread on my show sheets for June but maybe it will come on in July:) You don’t have to wait for a show….you can make your purchase on HSN.com! Thanks again~~
Darlene, I see references to shows from u as we;; as dvd’s. How can I find out more about this and your e-mail address, if that is available. Thank you for everything u have taught me so far.
rhbdragon
Will you ever write a blog about sewing fleece? I have been making rag quilts out of it for club fundraisers, & it has been messing up my embroidery machine big time. It takes the needle out of balance so it cannot be lowered into the machine.
I just purchased the Singer heavy duty machine & am excited about using it for this project. I was wondering about the best needles, stitch tension for sewing multiple layers (up to 8) of fleece at the time. Fleece is harder to sew than denim. Help!
Hi mmr1— Kudos to YOU for using your talents to bless others!!
Were you embroidering the fleece or sewing? Which embroidery machine do you have? Sounds as though you’re using quite a few layers. Try a ballpoint (stretch sewing) needle size 16 or 18 and heavier thread…. 40 or 30 weight. Also use a TINY zig-zag (1.5- 2mm)and a short stitch length (1-2)…TEST first. The zig-zag will allow for normal pulling and tugging without popping a seam. Fleece has give so a ballpoint needle is best!
Darlene, a couple of years ago I purchased the Singer 2010. Just now getting to use it. Nice machine but the bobbin is a problem. I thread it through just like the little illustration on the machine but it will not hold the thread across the bobbin when I begin sewing. I have to rethread the bobbin 6 or 8 times before it will hold the thread across the bobbin instead of it slipping off the top of bobbin. How do you get it to hold the thread so it will tension correctly the first time. Thanks!
Threadgirl…
Thank you for your purchase and for writing. It always takes time to get used to a new machine. Hope I can help:)
1) Be sure to ONLY use the bobbins that came with the machine.
2) Use regular sewing thread (NOT embroidery) in the bobbins.
3) Insert the bobbin w/thread counterclockwise.
4) Be sure to slip thread inside tension guide on side of bobbin holder.
5) Pull the thread up through the throat plate and hold the ‘tail’ when you start to sew.
If not–call 1-800-4-SINGER
Darlene,
Thank you and Singer and the buyer for having the Quartet back on the air. I purchased one as soon as I saw it listed in the craft section. I wanted to know since I travel a lot will there be a case that I can carry my new quartet in. Right now I travel with the SES 1000, SES 2000 and several sewing machine to and from vacation site. I have not seen a case big enough to hold the Quartet. Please let know where I can find a sewing bag for the quartet.
tbirdtammy–You’ve got me stumped! I don’t know of a bag large enough for the Quartet…. and I hope you’re lifting weights or have a cute valet if you plan on traveling with it:)
I’ll keep my eyes open and let you know if I find anything. Happy Embroidering!
Darlene, am looking forward the the rolled hem on your next blog. I won’t have to buy one because one came with my new featherweight. Thanks to Singer! Now it’s practice, practice, practice with your help! haha Thank you God bless
I’m writing it as we speak~~~ Live shows take priority (we had 5 hrs. last week) so now it’s time to get back to the keyboard:) Thanks for your patience!
Darlene, boy do I feel silly but my last comment about the rolled hem….well I was using a picot foot. Evidently there is a difference so I’ll have to get a rolled hem foot. There are different sizes, which do you prefer? Thanks
Smaller rolled hems look more professionally finished. You can always adjust the needle position to stitch exactly on the rolled edge so it’s a matter of which ones that will fit your machine do you like the best? YOU are your own artist so the choice is yours…. the best news is that there really is no wrong choice, whatever works best for you! The thinner the fabric, the smaller the hem….and visa versa….so consider what fabrics you’ll be using it on most of the time:)
Darlene, thanks for all your advice. Can you give another or maybe show some on the rolled hem presser foot? I practiced yesterday and still didn’t make it. However, I’m not giving up. Just bought the roller foot, invisible zipper foot and the bias foot. So it is great with singer giving so many feet with their machine. I love my curvy comp. machine and my feather weight. Thanks as always, will be watching you this next week.
Doodle52– You got it– Rolled hem instructions in my next blog post! Thank you for asking!
Darlene, on your last visit, you mentioned some software and I wrote down Favorite Fonts and Frames. Is this software available for sale or is it on certain machines already. If on machines now, which ones? I have the Futura Quartet and CE 150. Bunnye
HI Bunnye, The Favorite Fonts and Frames is a software option that comes with the Futura SES2000. It is not sold separately as far as I know and I have only ever seen it included with that particular Futura model at HSN. Have you considered upgrading your 150 with HYPERFONT software? That will allow you to stitch out any of the fonts currently on your computer and you can even download hundreds more from the internet for free!
Hi Bunnye— The Favorite Fonts and Frames is currently available on the Futura SES-2000 on HSN.com. As far as I know, it is not available a-la-carte:( Thank you for asking and for watching our presentations!
Hi Darlene, Such the busy lady !!! but of course it is because “We” keep you that way LOL
I have a question in regards to my Stylist II sewing machine. I have been really enjoying the circular attachment, more than I thought I would use it !!! it is a nice option to my embroidery machine, really adds more to projects. Anyhow as I use the attachment I have noticed that the little plug piece is getting worn, what is this made from ? I know I can get some from a craft store and make more.
:) THX
shopnevada,
So glad to hear that you’re enjoying your stylist machine. It is a reliable and easy to use sweet machine.. You were smart to pick up that duo! The little plug feels like dense foam with double sided tape ( or sticky stuff) on the bottom side to adhere it to the pin cover while stitching. Reminds me of the black pipe insulation wrap or a manufactured can cozie foam… I’ll toss this around with hubby and see if we can come up with a simple fix!
ShopNevada, You’re going to love this one! My husband took opne look at the foam and chuckled. He thinks weather stripping would do the trick! It was a head slapping moment!!!
Hi Darlene, will singer have a machine that will have sashiko stitches soon?
Thanks
Lillybelle699– most of our electronic and computerized machines do already have the basting stitch that looks as though it has been hand sewn…. that’s the stitch used for sashiko. The bobbin thread needs to be a contrasting color so it ‘pulls’ up to the top and makes the long stitch while the top thread has to match the fabric so it blends in to make the teeny tiny dots in between–which looks like a space. I’m so glad you asked this question. I’ll post directions and machines soon! Thanks!
Hi Lillybelle699,
I just submitted a June blog Post with Sashiko instructions. Look for it in a few days and keep those questions coming…It helps me know what content to include in my posts! Thank you!
Darlene, I saw where you can buy a pe-design from Brother for the pe770 embroidery machine that will allow you to do photo stitch. Can you talk them into presenting this on hsn? I have that machine I bought from hsn and love it. Have had it for over two years. thanks………
doodle52, Thanks so much for the idea… I’ll pass this along to my buyer and see if we can wrangle them away from the dealers. We’ll look int o it and thank you for staying in touch and for watching our shows!!! I appreciate you!
Hi Darlene, I hope the Quantum Stylist 9960 is coming back soon at a good price. I should have bought it a couple weeks ago when it was on, but wasn’t sure. Now, I know that’s the one I want. Can’t wait to see it again!:)
Oh Juliemo, Shucks! The stylist will be back but not for my May appearance. It’s a great choice and well worth the wait! Check back for mid-June shows or pick it up on dotcom anytime… either way, you’ll be glad you did!
Thanks, Darlene. I see it’s back in stock this morning, but I think I’ll wait to see if there will be another sale before I grab it. Can’t wait to see your shows this month and in June!
darlene I don’t know what happen to my first message,I came back and no hint of the message i sent maybe its hiding somewhere lol. anyways i was wondering if you will have the athena on the 24 or25th of may? thanks
Honeydew123— so glad you asked! I’ll be on with limited quantities May 24th at 6am…. so grab your coffee and I’ll see you then!
YES Boomoom– The Athena will be back on air on the 24th at 5pm and the 25th at noon…. Hope to see you then!
Hi Boomoon,
You may have noticed that the Athena was deleted at the last minute from the shows I mentioned. Sometimes items get deleted/replaced at the last minute to give our viewers the very best variety available. Sorry about the mix-up!
Darlene, do you have any idea when you will be airing the FQ4 so I can make sure I’m home Diana
Honeydew123— Great news! The FQ4 will be on May 24th at 6am. Hope you can tune in and thanks for asking!