I have been faithfully married to sewing machines for 58 years.
We’ve been through trends. Through rotary cutter revolutions. Through “Why did I choose that fabric?” moments at midnight. But embroidery? That was the mysterious neighbor I politely nodded to… and never invited in.
Too frilly.
Too traditional.
Too not-my-style.
You know me. I like things modern. Graphic. Clean. A little cheeky. If a design starts looking like it belongs on Grandma’s teacup collection, I quietly back away. No offense to teacups.
And then… I agreed to test a sewing machine with an embroidery module. Let’s just say: curiosity is my second name. And possibly my downfall. 😏
Entering Stick Territory (With Slight Skepticism)
Before the machine even arrived, I went down a research rabbit hole. Because if I was going to do this, it had to feel like me.
And here’s the plot twist: embroidery has evolved.
There are designers out there creating bold typography. Graphic labels. Minimalist motifs. Modern colors. No dusty roses in sight.
The first thing that hooked me? Making my own embroidered labels.
I discovered the designs by by_bea—clever, slightly cheeky, very Berlin energy. Some are German (with that fabulous directness we do so well), but many are language-free icons. Clean little frogs, suns, scissors, bold words. Suddenly embroidery didn’t feel fussy. It felt… graphic.
Modern.
Even a little rebellious.
I stitched my first set of labels (yes, the ones you see in the photos). Little stamp-shaped pieces with zigzag edges, bright thread, crisp lines. “Nice to sew you.” “Optimist.” “Klimbim.” A fox declaring “What the Fuchs.” (Fuchs is the German word for fox)
Tell me that doesn’t make you smile.
The Moment I Felt Slightly Embarrassed
Now comes the confession.
I have been sewing for nearly six decades. Designing fabric collections. Writing quilt patterns. Teaching. Experimenting. Breaking rules.
And I did not know that in-the-hoop projects existed.
You may laugh. I deserve it.
In-the-hoop means: the embroidery module doesn’t just decorate your project. It constructs it. Inside the embroidery hoop. Step by step. Seam by seam.
When I discovered this, I had one of those dramatic designer moments:
“How did I not know this was a thing?!”
Naturally, I had to try it immediately.
On the Bernina blog, I found a free in-the-hoop project: a small travel zipper pouch. Practical. Clean. Clever construction. Interior pockets. Exterior pocket. Zipper included. The whole engineering magic happens guided by the machine.
Thirty minutes. (Not counting cutting.)
Thirty!
And there I was, staring at this neat little pouch thinking, “Excuse me… where has this been all my life?”
You can see the result in the photos—the grey modern pouch with graphic fabric and zipper, made from my Mira collection which will hit stores in April. Or use just solids, add one of my cheeky embroidered labels and suddenly it becomes the perfect handmade gift.
Efficient. Stylish. Personal.
That’s my language.
Lesson Learned: Don’t Dismiss a Tool Just Because of Its Reputation
Here’s what I realized.
Embroidery wasn’t “not my style.”
I had simply only seen embroidery that wasn’t my style.
There’s a difference.
As modern quilters, we’re selective. We care about design. About proportion. About typography. About negative space. And yes—about avoiding visual clutter like it’s a fabric sale at midnight.
But tools are neutral. It’s what we do with them that matters.
An embroidery module can produce lace doilies.
Or it can produce bold modern labels.
It can make ornate monograms.
Or sharp graphic statements.
It can be traditional.
Or completely contemporary.
And if you already love quilting, imagine combining precise quilting lines with crisp embroidered typography. Let’s just say… my brain has started planning things.
Practical Value: Why You Might Want to Try This
If you own a machine with an embroidery module, here’s your nudge:
1️⃣ Start with Labels
They’re small. Fast. High impact.You’ll use them on quilts, bags, gifts. And they elevate everything instantly.
2️⃣ Try an In-the-Hoop Project
The free zipper pouch from the Bernina blog is a brilliant entry point. It’s structured but approachable. And the feeling when the final seam is done inside the hoop? Slightly magical.
3️⃣ Think Modern
Search intentionally. Look for clean lines. Bold fonts. Graphic shapes. Not every embroidery file on the market will suit your aesthetic—but some absolutely will.
4️⃣ Combine It With Quilting
Imagine:
A quilt with a subtle embroidered quote
A bold label integrated into the quilt back
Graphic motifs stitched between quilting lines
The creative crossover potential is huge.
A Question for You (Because I’m Very Curious)
Now I need to know:
Do you own an embroidery module?
And if yes—are you secretly embroidery-obsessed and just never told me?
Or are you like I was—interested, but slightly skeptical?
Tell me in the comments. I genuinely want to know how many of you are already exploring this territory. Because after this adventure I will definitely have my own embroidery machine soon in my studio. Which means… this little adventure may not have been a one-time fling. It might become a new chapter.
Your Invitation 🎁
If you have a machine with an embroidery module, I highly recommend trying the free in-the-hoop zipper pouch project. It’s quick. It’s clever. And it might just open a creative door you didn’t know was there.
And if you’re here reading but not yet on my newsletter list—join us. That’s where I share new ideas, experiments, behind-the-scenes moments (including machine testing adventures), and the occasional design confession.
Curiosity is welcome. Quilt rebels especially.
Happy rule-breaking, quilt friends!
– Brigitte x