Techniques
Atomic Machine Embroidery Set
This design set is so radically retro, it has received the official Jetsons Seal of Approval! The FREE Set includes: three combination designs, individual Atomic Particle Starbursts, a full alphabet, and a bonus set of background diamonds.
Eclectic Placemat
With so many great techniques in one placemat, it’s challenging to pick a favorite. Is it the unique decorative stitching? The straight line quilting? The patchwork featuring Jelly Roll strips? The itty bitty binding? It’s all of the above!
Simple, Stylish Shoulder Tote
Build your bag-making foundation. You’ll learn (or practice if you’re already a pro) how to make box corners, assemble layered handles, create bold topstitching, pattern match a pocket, insert a magnetic snap, and more.
Mindfulness Hobby Patch Embroidery Design
Available in our Etsy Shop in 8 major machine embroidery formats, this custom design is a perfect reminder to stop, breathe, and relax. Stitch it as a patch or directly onto a finished, off-the-rack item.
Patch Pocket Drawstring Apron
This apron’s design has a classic style that works year ’round. The FREE machine embroidery designs were originally designed with a summer Flower Power vibe. They get a whole new look in updated rustic tones set against a stunning stripe.
Faceted Dog + Cat Faces Embroidery Designs
Pets are family. Celebrate your love for a special dog or cat with our colorful custom embroidered faces. As a gorgeous faceted design, they have the look of stained glass. Available in our Etsy Shop in eight machine embroidery formats.
On The Road Again Hobby Patch Embroidery Design
Available in our Etsy Shop in 8 major machine embroidery formats, this custom design features a vintage VW Bus on its way to adventures near and far. Stitch it as a patch or directly onto a finished, off-the-rack item.
The Flower Power Tote
Our basic tote design is quite easy and can be made with any machine; the embroidery accents kick it up a notch. We feature a full design on the front pocket, using the companion single element inside. The designs are a FREE download.
Happy Gardener Hobby Patch Embroidery Design
Are you happiest when digging in the dirt? This embroidery design is for you! Available in our Etsy Shop in 8 formats, it would be delightful stitched directly onto a work apron or coveralls. Or use it as a patch to apply to a tote.
Adventure Hobby Patch Embroidery Design
Where will your adventures take you?! This striking design can be stitched as a stand-alone patch or embroidered directly onto the base fabric or project of your choice. Available in our S4H Etsy shop in 8 machine formats.
Five Pocket Half Apron
This beginner-friendly design in tough cotton canvas lends itself to indoor or outdoor chores. Decorative stitching accents and machine embroidery (we link to our Queen Bee design) add fashion to its five-pocket function.
Easy + Elegant Rayon Scarves
You can’t beat the sewing ease and fashion versatility of a classic scarf. There are really only two steps: pick a fancy fabric, finish the edge. We show three ways to hem a square and a rectangle – as well as our fave cutting tips.
Puffer Sling Bag
You’ve all seen puffer jackets. The look has now shown up on high-end bags! S4H leads the pack, bringing you a DIY version. We combine ripstop nylon and high loft batting, creating the texture with straight line quilting + ruler work.
Ragged Edge Tote in Two Sizes
Ragging – letting your seam allowances show and fray on the outside – is traditionally found on blankets, pillows + quilts. We stepped outside that box to use the technique on a pair of trendy canvas + flannel totes.
Vintage Christmas Ornaments Embroidery Designs
These five nostalgic designs are based on actual ornaments from the personal collections of the S4H Team. We used fills, flourishes, French knots, and more, plus an optional BOW design can top off any design. In our Etsy Shop.
Botanical Florals Machine Embroidery Designs
Add a graceful floral touch to pillow covers, linens, garments, and more. This free embroidery collection includes six different designs, each in two size formats. Cross stitch cloth was a perfect base fabric for these delicate designs.
Square Fabric Baskets in Three Sizes
A set of plants in these cute and clever baskets makes a lovely gift idea. They’d also be fun as table decorations for a family gathering – or set up an assembly line and make matching baskets to adorn the tables at a wedding.
Scalloped Edge Napkins with Satin Stitch Finish
Learn how to create this unique edge finish with a padded satin stitch. It’s an easy technique that works especially well on the bias edges of scallops. The result is smooth, stable, and beautiful. We show it on both napkins + placemats.
In-the-Hoop Gift Stocking with Snowflake Embroidery
Make our scaled-down stocking as table décor, use several to hold flatware, create an elegant place card or adorn a gift box. It’s made”in the hoop” with just a single line of stitching to finish. Free embroidery download too.
Elephant + Gator Appliquéd Pillow Pair
It’s the call of the wild! Our adorable lumbar pillow pair features a Gregarious Gator and an Amiable Elephant. You’ll find all the steps for THREE different appliqué techniques: outline and stitch, raw edge, and reverse.
Machine Monogramming: FOUR Ways to Make Your Mark
Applying initials to something to identify it as undeniably yours dates back as far as the signet rings of the ancient Romans. Today, machine monogramming makes it easy. Janome expert, Anne Hein reviews a variety of options.
Pressing + Ironing for the Best Finish
What’s the difference between pressing and ironing? What are the best practices of each? Why is it so important to “press as you go”? When do you need a pressing cloth? So many questions, and we have some answers.
Fancy Fruits Machine Embroidery Designs
Bright and fanciful designs can add a splash of freshness to linens, garments, and more. Pick a Grapefruit, Papaya, Pineapple, Watermelon or Grapes. Use one or collect them all as a set. Free downloads in 8 formats.
Friendly Forest Animals Machine Embroidery Designs
A Bear, Deer, Bunny, and Fox relax among the swirling leaves of the forest. They’re beautifully digitized as machine embroidery designs, ready to stitch in 8 major embroidery file formats on anything from bibs to totes and more.
Zippered Case with Sashiko Style Machine Embroidery
We took a classic, box-style zippered case and embellished it with a blend of Sashiko style straight stitching and Sashiko style machine embroidery. Learn the techniques to simulate this beautiful handwork tradition with your machine.
Zippered Case with Sashiko Style Machine Stitching
Sashiko means “little stabs” and references the running stitch that is a defining feature of this traditional handwork. The style can be created by machine using a Triple Stitch, often found in your machine’s utility stitch collection.
Days of the Week Embroidery Designs
What are you doing today? This Etsy Shop embroidery package has seven favorite to-do selections. Designs are split into separate components so you can mix and match Images and Days.
Getting Creative with Cross Stitch
We took at peek at some favorite cross stitch options from the experts at FQS this past Spring. The good news is: patterns are still in stock and many of the Stitch Alongs are available in their YouTube channel archives.
Cross Stitch Apron with Drawstring Ties
This classic one-piece cut is a great style for most body types. The extra-long tie is continuous for an easy, adjustable fit. And that intricate cross stitch flower on the bib is a built-in machine embroidery design!
When and How to Understitch
When you want to keep a seamed edge sharp and clean, you understitch the inside piece to the seam allowance so it won’t roll to the outside along the edge seam and look all messy and unprofessional. Learn the steps.
Sewing is a Real Life Survival Skill
Join us, along with our friends at Janome, as we pull together information, tutorials, and projects to rekindle sewing as a real life survival skill. Now is the time to remember, re-learn, and teach others how to create from scratch.