Embroidery Applique Tips

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While I have created an appliqué post before of my first time creating one I thought it was time to share what I have learned thus far to help those who are also learning embroidery. Appliqués can be intimidating so just like any other file the first tip is to test and take notes on the file. Notes can be  for referring to the color numbers used, if there is a trace layer and if there are steps you would prefer to skip to leave out a specific detail of the design. These will make the process run smoothly without ruining finished projects.

Read more: Embroidery Applique Tips

If there is a trace layer included in the file it will be easier to pre cut the fabric pieces needed, however, creating the test run through will also aid in this. Next, take the appliqué pieces and prep them with heat and bond. Yes, at first I thought it was an over the top step as well but it really is a game changer. Heat and bond acts similar to botox for fabric as it freezes the fibers in place to prevent fraying as well as stretching. 

After the appliqué is tacked down it is time to trim the access fabric with scissors. For this I recommend a curved pair that allows for close cutting; beware not to cut too close or too far. To prevent any issues pull the appliqué fabric away from the base fabric so that there are no incidental cuts that puncture the base fabric. You want a small amount of fabric past the tack down stitches. If you cut too close, when the border is stitched it could rip out the tack down stitches and make the appliqué look messy.

Let me know if you have created an appliqué before and if you have what your favorite tip is for creating them even if I did not mention it in this post. For a full walk through of these tips click on the video linked below.

XOXO Faith

Etsy Shop Revamp | Behind the Scenes

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Although I have not officially classified launches for Custom Little Beasties when the shop first opened this is the first revamp of the shop which sort of classifies it as the second launch. The shop has come along way and I have learned a lot along the way. How to make things more efficient as well as experimenting with new ideas. 

Read more: Etsy Shop Revamp | Behind the Scenes

Here are some things that have changed since the first launch. The first round of blankets did not showcase mock ups of any embroidery work on the specific fabrics. Yes, they were still aesthetically pleasing, however, if I was looking for a custom embroidered blanket I would want an actual visual on the material I am purchasing to see how the colors worked together. It was also the very beginning of my embroidery journey so there were only two embroidered character choices too. 

Now each themed blanket has a unique embroidered character to match its print. The sizing options have also changed from one to two by adding in a lovey option. Loveys are the perfect size for on the go comfort, they are able to be customized and are made with luxurious plush minky fabric. Also the shop has expanded to include more crochet items such as cute hats for halloween costumes and adorable baby photoshoots. More sparkles with bows and dresses for birthdays, holidays, dress up and everyday wear. To view the entire collection and for a peak behind the scenes watch the video below. Go to the shop tab to shop directly.

XOXO Faith

Free Embroidery Software + Free Fonts

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Learning how to use an embroidery machine is tricky enough so, let’s discuss some basics to make it easier to design with fonts. Softwares for embroidery are pricy but luckily there are some free options. Embrilliance’s free tier is called Essentials which allows you to add and edit fonts together. This means that all the designing is done on the computer rather than on that tiny screen of your machine. The program even allows you to add multiple font styles together to make it one step on the machine. Set a guide for your specific hoop size that will alert you if your design won’t fit. Simply design and then export it onto a USB just as you would with a design file. 

Continue reading ➞ Free Embroidery Software + Free Fonts

Embroidery Fonts Tips & Tricks

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Learning how to use an embroidery machine is not easy. It takes a lot of experimentation especially to go beyond the basics the machine comes with. Last week I shared my top tips for digital embroidery files so it is only right that this week we focus on fonts. If you are thinking the rules of files and fonts are the same you would be kinda right but would find yourself in some sticky situations like I did. 

Continue reading ➞ Embroidery Fonts Tips & Tricks

Digital Embroidery Files | Tips & Tricks

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Although I would not say I am anywhere close to being an expert at embroidery, looking back I have learned A LOT. If you recently purchased a machine or are curiously researching machines, this next mini series is full of helpful information to get you started. Today’s focus is on digital embroidery files, which seems like an easy concept, however, there are things that can may catch you off guard if you are not careful. First realize that each machine has a set size limitation so depending on how large your embroidery field is depends on which files the machine is able to read successfully. 

Continue reading ➞ Digital Embroidery Files | Tips & Tricks

My First Time | Minky Fabric

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Texture is one of the first things that can make or break a design. The weight and stretch ability can create a comfy textile all while creating a sewing nightmare. It was not until recently when I sewed minky fabric for the first time that I realized we would have a love hate relationship. If you have ever touched pinky it is a luxurious plush with either a dot texture, a cute design or solid. Basically it is a cuddler’s dream and quite popular in the baby industry. 

Continue reading ➞ My First Time | Minky Fabric

Small Business Story Time | Shipping

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Starting a small business is obviously a roller coaster, so let’s talk about what I’ve learned about shipping. Although I am very much an amateur in the small business community some may call it a side hustle but I’d rather poor the energy out there that it is a small business. Either way let’s not get off track, being an amateur means learning as you go and while some may decided to skip past the icky parts I would rather document my journey to help others. Also it doesn’t hurt that sometimes mistakes can make amusing stories too.

XOXO Faith

Fabric Haul: Scraps and ALL

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The candy store otherwise known as the fabric store is my kryptonite. I love looking up and down the aisles for unique prints and characters. Although I often purchase fabric with the intention of a project there are those spur of the moment deals that I cannot pass up. If you see it, you like it, you best get it while you can. Yes, there are those fabrics that will always be in stock but there are also some that are rare gems. For example, rummaging through the clearance fabric there are items that will not come back to the shelf. Needless to say I have accumulated a lot of fabric over the past few years. 

After editing this video I’ve come to the conclusion that I really should pause on buying anymore and instead use up what I have. In order to accomplish this I shouldn’t even browse but I’ll let ya’ll know if I cave in and splurge on something new. Prior to editing I was going to share what my intentions were for each piece of fabric from pajama sets to blankets, however, I underestimated how much I had and it became a bit out of control. If you are curious on a particular scrap project and want to know what I made with it let me know and I would be more than happy to share with you. I hope you all enjoy peeking at my stash and let me know which fabric is your fabric from my collection. Of course if you have any crafty or content ideas please also leave me a comment. (:

XOXO Faith

Etsy Order | Pack with Me & Profit Stats

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While I do not have a “successful” Etsy shop yet I have been learning as I go. At this stage I am learning a lot so rather than be ashamed of having the few orders I do I decided it was the perfect time to share my knowledge to help other new Esty shop owners or those curious as to if Etsy is a good place for them to sell their crafts. In the video today it showcases how I package an order which in itself is always fun to see how people do it and what they include in their packages. Also discussed today is the actual stats for this listing meaning what the profit margin is as well as where the rest of the money actually goes when selling on Etsy. Shop owners usually say that they are “successful” and that Esty takes a portion of the money but I’ve yet to see someone share the raw data.  I know I was curious before opening up my shop and yes Etsy gives a full description and calculator on its site, however, I did not find it helpful or accurate. It is very misleading which is why I am breaking it all down for you so you can do the math to figure out how to properly list your items. 

Stats Cheat Sheet 

  • Listing Fee: $0.20
  • Relisting Fee: $0.20 * They will charge a $0.20 relisting fee to change the stock number to the next digit and keep the item listing for sale.
  • Shipping Label: Depends on the weight and size of the product and will not effect your profit unless you are offering free shipping. The label is added into the order total which is added in through the processing fee.
  • Processing Fee: 3.0% of the order total plus $0.25
  • Transaction fee for Shipping: 6.5% of shipping total
  • Transaction Fee for Product: 6.5% of item total
  • Sales Tax: is collected from the buyer and does not effect your stats but is calculated towards the processing fee since it is down with the order total.

*The simplest way to calculate your portion is to calculate 78% off your listing price. Yes that means the other 22% goes stickily to lovely Etsy fees. Keep in mind this is a rough estimate to simply help guide you to create your proper pricing. From the 78% you will also need to dive in a little further by subtracting all material costs. Next subtract your personal labor cost and then you will have your profit total.

Example: A handmade blanket listed for $50 without free shipping. The item cost $7.95 for the customer to ship to their residence and the tax rate is 7.5%. The customer paid $61.75 total.

FeeFee AmountRunning Total
Processing Fee: 3.0% of the order total plus $0.25$1.85 + $0.25 = $2.10$59.65
Shipping Cost$7.95$51.70
Transaction Fee for Shipping: 6.5% of shipping total$0.52$51.18
Transaction Fee for Product: 6.5% of item total$3.25$47.93
Sales Tax$3.75$44.18
Listing Fee: $0.20$0.20$43.98
about 71% Profit Margin

Let’s break down our profit into our expenses.

Material Cost$12.00Fabric Cost
Labor Cost$15Your Portion
Retail Price$50Listing Price
Profit$16.98Back into business

Free PDF Template for Download. (:

etsy-profit-template-sheet1Download

XOXO Faith

Poshmark – Mercari Resale Tips & Tricks

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Over the past year I have tried my hand at reselling clothes and various items. Currently, I’ve sold over sixty items! As time has progressed so have my strategies of creating quality listings. Below are my top tips for creating listings that leave viewers with all the information they need in order to purchase your items with confidence. One thing I would not recommend wasting your time with is creating a fluffy description. Instead fill the description section with essential information. I have created a cheat sheet list down below of what I recommend putting in the description section. Also use these tips to up your photography skills for flat lays and more. If you would like to see how I edit my photos for listings please let me know. (:

Continue reading ➞ Poshmark – Mercari Resale Tips & Tricks