I am always looking for ways to streamline my embroidery and tools are the quickest way I have found. Templates are my favorite tool and I use them a lot. I have Exophoria which means my eyes don't always track together and will wander if I am tired or stressed. I do have bifocal glasses made especially for close work but there are days that I need a little extra help. Templates that double check measurements or squaring placement really make my crafting life easier.
I have several embroidery machines and my single needle has all sorts of laser and camera tools. My Multi Needle did not come with a laser so I have a more difficult time judging the placement of the embroidery foot. On most projects, if I can get relatively close I am in good shape. For more precise projects like one I am working on above, I need exact location. I am embroidering 42 different designs for a quilt on a single piece of fabric. I have 1/2 inch around each design to allow for cutting out the completed blocks once sewn. This is for economy of fabric use. You can see I created a small foam tool that I can slip underneath the embroidery foot. As long as I have my fabric square in the hoop and placement marks, I can line up the foam.
When layering the foam, I made sure I kept the thickness beneath the embroidery foot when it was extended. I can jog the hoop around and carefully hold the foam in place. You can see the cross mark very well from the front of the machine. Even at this angle, I can tell I will be right in the middle of the needle placement to start stitching.
Here is a closeup. To make the template, I used craft foam and hot glue. I drew the lines with a permanent marker on each square and lined them up. My hot glue gun is low temp and I was able to secure each one in the centers then add glue along the edges so they were secure.
It's not fancy, but it does work. If it gets dirty or damaged, I can make another one very easily. I have a short video showing it in action below. Remember to be careful using any tool with your embroidery machine. Make sure the depth sits underneath your foot before you use it the first time, protect your fingers while using and remove before you begin stitching. I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you learn and are generous with what you create. Someone will appreciate your hard work!
