Braiding Foot and Guide: Video Part 15

Hi Everyone!  I'm back and with a New Video!

I just wanted to take a moment and thank all of those that joined my new FB Group, Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Fans.  Thanks for sharing your wonderful projects, interacting to help others, and encouraging each other.  If you already own the Singer 9960 or are interested in learning more about this machine, you're invited to join us!

I also want to send out special Thanks to those of you that have email and messaged me recently.  It makes me so happy to read that you've found my videos so helpful and especially that you reached out and said so!  It means a lot to me!

This is Part 15 in my ongoing Video Series featuring the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960. The Braiding Foot is another one of the specialty feet that came along with the Singer 9960 as part of the value added bonus.

Here's a list of the bonus feet that came along with this machine:

1. Adjustable Binding Foot

2. Welt Cording Foot

3. Stitch in the Ditch Foot

4.  Fancy Trim Foot

5.  Braiding Foot and Guide

6.  1/4" Foot and Quilting Bar
7.  Shank/Ankle

Braiding Foot, Shank and Guide

Shank Joined to the Braiding Foot and Guide Attached to the Back of the Shank

The Guide Attached to the Back of the Shank

"V" Shaped Channel on the Under Side of the Foot.

This is a brand new foot for me and my first time trying it. As with all the bonus feet, they work in conjunction with the plastic shank/ankle that came with the bonus foot collection. There's also a special guide that attaches to the back of the shank/ankle to help guide the braid or trim into the foot properly. (shown in picture #3) There is a large hole in the center front of the foot. (shown in picture #1) This large center hole is for threading the braid, cord or trim through, to hold it in place while the machine stitches it in place.  On the underside of the foot, there is a "V" shaped channel that helps guide the trim as it's stitched. (shown in picture #4) This channel also allows the foot to float easily over the trim as it's being stitched.

For my first video demo, I used black rat tail cording and stitched through the center of the trim with a contrasting color thread to make the demo more visible. Rat tail cording is a smooth rounded satin cording.  It's readily available by the yard and comes in a wide variety of shades. I used the same poly/cotton woven fabric that I use for all of my video demos, except this time, I added a fusible stabilizer to the back of the fabric. It's always a good idea to use stabilizer when adding dimensional trim. More on that later in my "tips" section.

In my second demo, I showed how to use a zigzag stitch over the rat tail cording.  You don't have to stop there, since the Singer 9960 has a wonderful assortment of decorative stitches that can be used with this foot to add trim for even more of an embellished look. For my last demo, I used stitch #24, the blanket stitch to stitch on the braiding/cording.  Make sure when using any stitch that stitches over the braiding/cording, that you secure the ends.  Otherwise, it can be pulled out of the stitches easily.

L-R   #24 Blanket Stitch, Zigzag Stitch, Straight Stitch 4.0 length

Be fearless and play with your decorative stitches. Try contrasting threads with different braids and cording. The important thing to remember is to make sure the stitch width is able to clear the trim manually and you're good to go!

Tips for adding trims:

1.  Add Interfacing or stabilizer to the area:  When adding trims to a project, it's helpful to add interfacing or stabilizer to the area.   By making the area a little firmer, the stabilizer acts as support system for the trim whether it be beads, braid, embroidery, or any other dimensional trim.

2.  Match your trim to your fabric:  It's important not to add heavy weight trim to a very light weight fabrication. This is important when working with very light weight or sheer fabrication.  This is why many times in RTW fashion, we will see seed beads sprinkled on these garments as embellishment.  You wouldn't want to add heavy beads or trims that may distort the fabric and possibly risk damaging the fabric by weighting it down.

3.  Consider your print when choosing trim:  If you have a very busy bold print, your trim should complement the fabric, not compete with it.  It's best to choose a solid colored trim or embellishment.

4.  Replace sewing machine needle:  Do yourself a favor, and put in a new sewing machine needle before you start. The size of the needle will depend on the trim being stitched.  Use a new sharp point needle so it pierces through the trim without getting hung up or caught. 

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and read my blog and view my latest video.

Have a Happy Creative Day!

Roxanne