National Embroidery Month Projects: Machine Embroidery on Cuddle®

Machine embroidering on Cuddle® minky fabric opens a world of creative possibilities, combining the luxurious softness of Cuddle® with intricate and personalized designs. Whether you're a seasoned embroiderer or a beginner, working with this plush fabric can result in stunning and tactile creations.

Cuddle® fabric is known for its ultra-soft texture and durability, making it a popular choice for various sewing projects, including blankets, stuffed animals, and apparel. When it comes to machine embroidery, the fabric's plush surface adds an extra dimension to the designs, giving them a cozy and inviting feel.

Here are some tips and techniques to enhance your machine embroidery experience when using Cuddle® minky fabric.

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Stabilizer

Of course, depending on your project, your stabilizer may vary, but for most applications, a cut-away type would be used. Cuddle® is a knit fabric; therefore, it stretches. It’s important to prevent any stretching or shifting during embroidery. Applying a light interfacing, such as Pellon SF101, to the backside of the fabric is recommended to prevent distortion.

Choose the Right Needle

A 90/14 stretch needle is recommended when machine sewing Cuddle® minky to prevent skipped stitches and thread breaks. I’ve haven’t had any issue doing machine embroidery on Cuddle® using a 75/11 needle when the fabric has been prepared as described above. If you experience an issue, try using an 80/12 needle.

Topper

Since Cuddle® has a pile, you want to use a topper designed for machine embroidery to prevent your beautiful stitches from sinking into the fabric. Using one of the film-type toppers will allow you to gently tear it away from the edges of your embroidery once it’s finished stitching, leaving no residue.

If the nap of the Cuddle® is longer than 3mm, you will want to use what is called a ‘knockdown’ stitch under the embroidery. A knockdown stitch is a type of closely stitched grid design that will hold the pile down so the embroidery will stand out. This step would be stitched first.

Thread Selection

Use 40 wt. polyester embroidery thread, as it offers a good balance between strength and flexibility. Use 60 wt. bobbin thread. The thread should complement the colors of your design and contrast well with the minky fabric.

Hooping Techniques

Hooping is essential for keeping the fabric taut and preventing puckering. Depending on the thickness and pile of the Cuddle® you’re using, you may want to use one of the new magnetic embroidery hoops on the market. If you’re using your traditional 2-piece embroidery hoop, make sure to loosen it fully, hoop the stabilizer with the minky, and then tighten the screw to prevent the hoop from popping open.

Test Stitch on Scrap Fabric

Before embroidering on your main project, it’s a great idea to do a test stitch on a scrap piece of Cuddle® minky to evaluate the tension, needle, and thread choices. This helps in fine-tuning your settings for optimal results and will allow you to change your thread color choices if desired before stitching your actual project.

Design Considerations

Most embroidery designs can be stitched onto Cuddle® fabric when following the steps above.

Monograms look beautiful on minky blankets, jackets, and more. Quilting designs work well on Cuddle® minky too. I’ve stitched several ‘in the hoop’ machine embroidery designs out using it, and the minky produces a fun, unique finished product. The possibilities are endless.

Post-Embroidery Care

After completing the embroidery, remove any excess stabilizer and topper. If necessary, give your project a light steam to remove any wrinkles and restore the fabric's plush appearance. Cuddle® should be washed in cold water and dried at a low temperature.

Machine embroidering on Cuddle® minky fabric is a delightful experience that transforms this already luxurious material into a personalized work of art. Whether you're embellishing a baby blanket or adding a touch of sophistication to a throw pillow, the combination of machine embroidery and Cuddle® minky fabric results in creations that are both visually stunning and irresistibly soft to the touch.

Teresa's Tips & Tricks About Machine Embroidering on Cuddle®

Project Inspiration

Machine embroidery projects we love. These include everything from baby loveys and cuddly baby blankets to makeup or multipurpose zipper bags, adorable stuffed animals, and so much more!

Cozy Sleepy Baby Quilt

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Pattern by Anita Gooddesign
Sewing by Linda Lingner
Fabrics: C3 Bellflower, Bubblegum, Saltwater & Turquoise, LC Hide Banana and Aruba.

Zipper Bag

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Pattern by Embroidery Garden
Sewing by Reen Wilcoxson
Fabrics: C3 Mother's Bouquet Digital Cuddle® Pink & C3 Blush

Owl Lovey, Peek-a-boo & Cushion

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Owl Lovey
Pattern by Ohana Applique
Sewing by Diane Kemple
Fabrics: Nature Nerds Digital Cuddle® Black, Luxe Cuddle® Snowy Owl Natural, C3 Ivory

Peekaboo
ITH Pattern by Creative Medley
Sewing by Diane Kemple
Fabrics: Luxe Cuddle® Snowy Owl Natural

Owl Cushion
Original design by Diane Kemple
Sewing by Diane Kemple
Fabrics: Nature Nerds Digital Cuddle® Black, Luxe Cuddle® Snowy Owl Natural, C3 Ivory

Dinosaur

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Brontosaurus Dinosaur
Pattern by CholyKnight
Sewing by Naomi Stewart
Fabrics: C3 Saltwater, Teal & Mallard

Sew Simple Apron

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Sew Simple Apron
Pattern by Always Sewing
Sewing by Linda White
Fabrics: C3 Mallard, C3 Aruba, C3 Fucshia. Pincushion embroidery by Lunch Box Quilts.

Cuddle® Baby Projects

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