Hey embroidery enthusiasts! Today, I'm going to talk about a little trick in the world of machine embroidery – the knockdown stitch. If you're wondering what it is and when to use it, you're in the right place! If you're already using a knockdown stitch in some of your projects, keep reading for some tips.
Imagine this: You're working on a beautiful embroidery project, perhaps a intricate floral design or monogram. You've selected your threads, chosen your backing and topping, and your machine is all set to go. But if your fabric has a textured surface, like terry cloth or fleece, sometimes Solvy isn't enough, or appropriate for the project. That's where the knockdown stitch steps in to save the day.
So, what exactly is a knockdown stitch? This stitch is designed to create a solid or mesh-like base over the textured or plush fabric before the design is embroidered. It's like laying down a foundation for your stitches to glide over, ensuring that the final design looks crisp and professional.
When should you use the knockdown stitch? Well, anytime you're working with materials that have a bit of fluff or texture. Think of fluffy blankets or towels. Any material that has high-pile fibers that peek through the embroidery will make the design look messy and unfinished. But, if you use a knockdown stitch, you're essentially taming these fibers, providing a flat surface for your design to shine.
My favorite use for the knockdown stitch is for sewing beanies. Beanies are thick and squishy. Even if you use a heavy backing for stability, small details or lettering will sink into the squish of the beanie. I like to lay a knockdown stitch before sewing my design because the layer of thread flattens the squish of the beanie and provides a stable surface intricate logos and lettering.
Now, let's get down to how to use it. If you don't have access to digitizing software such as Embrilliance or Hatch, you can buy knockdown stitch files, just like you buy embroidery designs. If you purchase an embroidery design online and need a knockdown stitch to accompany the file, ask the artist or digitizer if this is something they can provide. They are simple to create.
Typically, you will sew your knockdown stitch in a thread that matches your fabric so the stitches will blend and not be noticeable. Here, I chose a light grey thread to lay down my knockdown stitch before sewing the logo.
After the knockdown stitch is complete, you can proceed with sewing your design. Watch as your embroidery comes to life on the newly prepared surface. The end result? A flawless, professional-looking design that stands out, even on the fluffiest or squishiest of fabrics.
Here, you can see that this logo includes small lettering. Without the knockdown stitch, the lettering would sink right into the beanie, making it illegible. But here, you can see that the lettering is crisp and clear over the knockdown stitch. If I were sewing thick towels or a fleece blanket, I would have used a layer of Solvy before sewing the knockdown stitch, to even further prevent fibers from pushing through. I find that Solvy is not necessary when sewing a knockdown stitch on a beanie because the surface is smooth. We are using the knockdown stitch to address the squish of the material.
So there you have it! The knockdown stitch is your secret weapon for tackling textured and squishy materials and ensuring your embroidery projects look top-notch. Happy stitching!
Beth
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