These two files are just rectangular embroidery boxes to hold the fabric to the stabilizer when the fabric can't be hooped - enjoy!

[NOTE: right click on one of the 2 download links below and choose the SAVE AS or SAVE LINK AS options to save the file to your computer!]

download the Elna 8300 Hoop A Basting file or download the Elna 8300 Hoop B Basting file

Needles Notes

Universal needles will suffice for 90% of your sewing & are designed with a modified ball point to sew knits and wovens.
Ballpoint needles have a rounded tip to slip between knit fibres when sewing.
Stretch needles are used to sew lycra. They have a longer scarf to avoid skipped stitches.
Denim needles have sharp points and stronger shafts which allow them to pierce densely woven fabric.
Leather needles have a wedge-shaped knife tip and are designed to easily pierce natural animal hides.
Embroidery needles have a deep groove down the front forming a thread path for thread to follow. The eye is larger thus reducing thread breakage.
Along with the new microfibres came the microtex needles with their sharp point and thin shaft to easily pierce densely woven fabrics (including silk).
The tapered point of the quilting needle allows you to sew through a great many layers of fabric without fabric damage.
The topstitch needle is a universal needle with an eye that is twice the size of the normal eye for heavier threads to pass through.
The answer to metallic thread woes is the metallic needle with its rounded point, deeper groove, and larger teflon coated eye to prevent broken threads.
A spring needle is designed for free-motion embroidery. The attached spring holds fabric taut during stitching to prevent broken threads.
Twin needles come in varying widths with two needles attached to a single shank. They are used for pintucking and decorative topstitching.
Triple needles have three needles atttached to one shank. They are used for decorative stitching.
A wing needle has knifelike wedges on each side. These wedges separate the fabric producing a decorative hole.

Free Designs / Patterns

Free Purse Pattern

Articles

Stitches - The History of Sewing Machines

Hand sewing is an art form that is over 20,000 years old. The first sewing needles were made of bones or animal horns and the first thread was made of animal sinew. Iron needles were invented in the 14th century. The first eyed needles appeared in the 15th century. Birth of Mechanical Sewing [source:http://inventors.about.com]

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