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Masks, In-the-Hoop

 

 Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.

In-the-hoop wearable masks use fabric to fill open areas and add a back to their designs. The result is a fun and friendly mask that is fabulous for dress up, birthday parties, Halloween, and more. Follow these tips and tricks to learn how to embroider an in-the-hoop mask.
 

Project Needs & Notes

- Felt, flannel, or ultra suede
- Small piece of stiff felt (for added fabric pieces -- like the beak on the owl mask)
 - Medium-weight (2.5 ounce) cutaway stabilizer
- Tear-away stabilizer
- Temporary spray adhesive (like Gunold KK100)
- 1/2" - 5/8" wide ribbon
- Large eye tapestry needle
- Small sharp scissors or craft knife and cutting pad

 For this tutorial, I used the small size of the Woodland Fox Mask (In-the-Hoop) design.
Find even more in-the-hoop mask designs here.

Sizing Notes:
The masks are available in three different sizes: large, medium, and small. Use the chart below for choosing the appropriate size. Measure between the pupils of the eyes (this will insure that the eye holes will sit properly when the mask is worn):
Large: 3 3/16"
Medium: 2 3/4"
Small: 2 3/8"

Cut ribbon ties according to mask size (see below):
Large: two 29" lengths
Medium: two 24 1/2" lengths
Small: two 20" lengths

This project was featured in the following:
 12 Top-Trending Embroidery Styles Lookbook
 

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
In-the-hoop masks from Embroidery Library have dieline files.

Download the mask design and unzip it. Extract the files and look for those marked with the letters "DL". Those files are the dielines. Dielines are used to cut fabric to the right shape and size of the masks. Print the dielines; if you don't have embroidery software, Wilcom's TrueSizer is a free program that can print templates.

Note: Some of the mask designs will have three dieline files: "DLFront", "DLBack" and "DL". The "DL" file is an added fabric piece (like the beak on the owl mask).

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
To prepare the front fabric piece, spray a piece of medium-weight cutaway stabilizer with temporary adhesive and smooth the fabric on top. Spray the baskside of the front piece dieline printout with a quick shot of adhesive; smooth that on top of the fabric.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
Cut out the shape. Also cut out the back fabric piece and any other added fabric pieces (I used stiff felt for the additional pieces).

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
Hoop a piece of tear-away stabilizer. Load the full embroidery file and attach the hoop to the machine. Embroider the design. The first thing to stitch is another dieline.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
After the dieline has stitched, remove the hoop from the machine, but do not unhoop the stabilizer. Spray the backside of the front fabric piece with adhesive.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
Place the fabric piece right inside the shape.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
Attach the hoop back onto the machine and continue with the design. A tackdown stitch, also called a zigzag stitch, will sew next. This will bind the fabric to the stabilizer.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
Other elements of the design will sew. Watch for a note on the color change sheet that says "back piece tackdown". When you reach this step, remove the hoop from the machine and turn it over to the backside.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
Spray the backside of the back fabric piece with adhesive and place it right inside the shape on the backside of the embroidery.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
Some masks will have additional fabric pieces (like the beak on the owl mask).

To add the beak, spray the top of one side of the yellow felt cutout with a bit of adhesive and place in the center bottom of the mask. There should be about 1/2" of the top of the beak overlapping the bottom edge of the front fabric piece. Then, add the back piece on top as instructed above.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
Attach the hoop back onto the machine and continue sewing. Another tackdown will stitch. This binds the back piece (and any other additional pieces) to the front piece.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
For the remaining steps, since both sides of the mask will be visible, I wound a bobbin (or bobbins if there are more than one color remaining) with the same color I am using in the needle.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
Satin stitch borders will sew next to finish off the mask.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
After the design has finished, tear away the stabilizer from inside the eye holes and around the outer edges of the mask.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
Using a small sharp scissors or craft knife, lay the mask on top of a cutting pad and poke holes in the center of the ribbon holes on each side of the mask.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
Thread one end of the ribbon through a large eye tapestry needle and work the ribbon through one of the ribbon holes. Tie that end of the ribbon in place with a knot and trim the ribbon.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
Cut the ribbon to the desired length (see above) and repeat for the opposite side of the mask to finish.

Free project instructions to embroider In-the-Hoop Masks.
These wearable masks are the perfect addition to your dress-up collection, Halloween costume, or birthday decorations. Kids and adults alike will love wearing the fun masks.


Stitching tips for in-the-hoop masks:
 
Fabric Felt, flannel, and ultra suede all work well with in-the-hoop masks. These fabrics are sturdy, so they hold up well when stitching and through wear. They are also soft which makes the mask comfortable to wear.
Cleaning To clean the masks, use a soft cloth soaked in cold water -- gently brush the mask to remove spots or dirt. You can also use a small bit of mild detergent if needed. Machine or hand washing is not recommended
   

Questions or comments? Let us know! Send an email to us; the address is stitch@emblibrary.com.

Products used in this Project: