Attention machine embroidery enthusiasts! This month we’re helping you express your heartfelt thoughts with framed stitches. Use the Brother Free Design of the Month as a starting point for your loving sentiments and customize this framed art with your own message for a special gift.

Materials and Supplies

• Brother Sewing and Embroidery Machine
  

• Brother Embroidery Threads.
  
• Brother Bobbin Thread.
  
• Removeable marker for fabric.
• Cotton fabric measuring approximately 10-inches wide X 13-inches long for embroidering design.
• Medium weight fusible interfacing for backing fabric with two layers applied.

• Pre-purchased frame suitable for a 5” X 7” photo.
• See Figure #1. Brother Free Design of the Month: Skeleton Key 1.pes
  

[caption id="attachment_18705" align="aligncenter" width="605"]
Figure #1[/caption]

Steps to Create Embroidered Art

1. Transfer Free Design to your machine.
2. Measure the inside of your picture frame and record measurement. In this example the inside dimension measures 4 ½-inches X 6 ½-inches.
3. Working with the 5-inch X 7-inch hoop area, create a combination design as follows:

• Start with the outer rectangular frame shape, sizing it to fit within frame measurement recorded in Step #2. Note: Featured design uses frame shape patterns built into all Brother embroidery machines. See Figure #2.

[caption id="attachment_18706" align="aligncenter" width="722"]
Figure #2[/caption]

• Add free Skeleton Key 1.pes design and move it toward center of frame.
• Add heart frame shape. See Figure #3.

[caption id="attachment_18707" align="aligncenter" width="722"]
Figure #3[/caption]

• Add small sized lettering inside heart. Re-size heart to fit around lettering. Featured heart measures 2.37” wide X 2.73” high. See featured font in Figure #4.

[caption id="attachment_18708" align="aligncenter" width="760"]
Figure #4[/caption]

• Add additional small lettering for message near the bottom.
• Adjust designs to fit within frame shape, rotating and moving as necessary. See completed design below:

4. Disassemble frame. Prepare fabric by fusing one layer of interfacing to the wrong side, making it firm and smooth. See Figure #5.

[caption id="attachment_18709" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Figure #5[/caption]

5. Layer fabric with tear away stabilizer and place in 5-inch X 7-inch hoop. Embroider design. See Figure #6.

[caption id="attachment_18710" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Figure #6[/caption]

6. Remove excess stabilizer, and press finished piece.
7. Use glass from frame to trace around the design, taking care to handle the glass carefully. See Figure #7.

[caption id="attachment_18711" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Figure #7[/caption]

8. Cut embroidered fabric to fit inside picture opening. Apply a second piece of fusible interfacing to the wrong side. Gather items to put frame together. See Figure #8.

[caption id="attachment_18712" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Figure #8[/caption] Put frame back together and admire your handiwork!
You are finished! Enjoy!

Options and Ideas:

• Create a design combination to fit a larger or smaller fame using the same general instructions.
• Leave glass off frame and add three-dimensional trim, beads, buttons, or novelty items as desired.
• Use the basic guidelines for creating a combination design, making it to fit on the front of a heart shaped pillow.
• Use this idea as a center block for a quilted wall hanging.