1 - Embroidery hoop compatible with a 5”x5” or 5.5”x5.5” design
2 - Tape (masking tape or painter’s tape)
3 - Polyester embroidery thread in your chosen colors
4 - Small scissors (for trimming threads)
5 - Two sheets of tear-away stabilizer
6 - Fabric for your project (a dish towel was used here)

Place two sheets of tear-away stabilizer on the hoop.

Position your fabric by aligning the bottom edge with the lower edge of the hoop (this is where the design will start stitching).

Next, fold the top layer of the fabric (right side) inward, bringing it toward the center of the hoop.

Adjust the fabric so it’s smooth and aligned, then close the hoop, making sure everything is tight and well stretched.

After hooping, fold the top layer of the fabric back out (right side facing up), keeping it outside the embroidery area.

Use tape (masking or painter’s tape) to secure that edge to the side, just to keep it in place and out of the way while the machine is stitching.

Place the hoop on your machine and start the embroidery.

Continue stitching the design as usual, using your preferred thread colors, until you reach the third-to-last step (with three steps remaining).

When you reach the third-to-last step (with three steps remaining), choose the thread color that will be used for the animal’s mouth (we used dark brown in this example).

From this point on, you won’t need to change the thread color again until the design is finished.

The machine will stitch a placement line showing exactly where the fabric edge will need to be positioned in the next steps.

Once the machine finishes stitching the placement line, stop the machine and remove the hoop.

Then, remove the tape from the side to release the fabric edge, getting it ready for the next step.

Place the fabric edge over the placement line and secure it with tape to keep it from shifting.

Tip: The thinner the folded edge of the fabric, the cleaner your final result will be.

Run the next step (keep the same thread color).

At this stage, the machine will stitch over the tape and fabric, securing the fabric edge in place as part of the design.

After the previous step is complete, remove the hoop from the machine, but do not unhoop the fabric.

Using small scissors, carefully trim away the excess fabric, keeping the finish as clean as possible without cutting into the stitching.

After trimming the excess fabric, place a piece of tape over the area where the mouth will be stitched for extra security.

Then, place the hoop back on the machine to continue stitching.

Run the final step to stitch the animal’s mouth and finish securing the fabric edge.

Once the embroidery is complete, remove the hoop from the machine.

Clean up your piece by removing the stabilizer, tape, and any excess threads for a neat, polished finish.

You’ve created a fun, eye-catching piece that brings your embroidery to life.