Clipping those tiny jump stitches in text, especially small text, can be a real nuisance, but what a difference it makes. People may not notice if you do trim, but if you don’t, everyone will notice!
If you are like me, trimming jump stitches in embroidered text is one of my least favorite tasks. I will share a little short cut and a tip that saves some time and keeps stitching clean.
I used to trim jump stitches between each letter as they stitched. That is monotonous, starting and stopping the machine to clip thread. Now, I cut that time in half with this technique.
When fonts stitch, the thread typically jumps from the end of one letter to the beginning of the next. Here, after the “S” stitches, it ends at position 1 and jumps to position 2.
I let the “a” stitch at position 2 for a couple of stitches to secure the thread, stopped the machine, and clipped the jump thread at position 2 only.
Tension on the thread lets it stand up straight (position 1), out of the way. Start the machine back up and continue stitching the “a.” That covers up the spot where the jump thread was clipped quite nicely.
When stitching finishes on the “a” (position 3) and jumps to the “n” (position 4), let the machine stitch a couple of stitches, stop the machine, and cut the thread at position 4.
Continue until all text is stitched. So long as the trimmed text stitches do not fall in the embroidery field, you can wait until you are done embroidering to trim them completely.
This works best with fonts that are not extremely small. Another option that works really well is to use a topper. I can't find a photo showing this, but you can get the idea. If you have an area of small text to embroider, add a layer of water-soluble or heat-away topper. It is a great way to use topper scraps, too.
The topper separates threads from the fabric and make them really easy to clip. Then, just tear away the topper. Most of the time, you won’t even have to wash or iron it away.
How do you trim your jump stitches?
Debbie Henry
Sew Inspired by Bonnie
Debbie Henry - April 04, 2022
Thank you, Nancy. Great tip on pulling jumps to the back!
Nancy Boccadoro - March 07, 2022
Thanks for all your embroidery tips; coming from an experienced embroiderer, they are oh so helpful. I have used this tip on lettering jump stitches for a long time and have found I can also bring the previous “tail” to the back of the fabric by giving the jump stitch on the back of the fabric a little tug with my stiletto. Using a topper is also a great help. I’ve found an iron-away topper that makes removal much easier than having to wash (wet) the surface. Again, thanks for all your great designs, tips & videos.
Bonnie Welsh - March 07, 2022
Pat—What type of fabric is it? Maybe try a cut away stabilizer so that it’s more secure as opposed to a tear away. I’d only use a ball tip needle on knits. I normally use a 75/11 embroidery needle on most everything else.
Bonnie Welsh - March 07, 2022
Bobbi & Cheryl—So glad you’re enjoying the tips!
Pat Rapp - March 07, 2022
Thank you for the tip about clipping jumps between small type. Very time saving. I have a question about a problem I have encountered. Satin stitching around a final border seems to cut the fabric on the back side of the hoop. I use a 75/11 sharp needle. Possible the fabric is not the best quality, don’t know, but do you think changing to a ball tip needle will stop this cutting?
Cheryl Imami - March 07, 2022
Thanks so much for them tips!
Bobbi Miller - March 07, 2022
Great tips! Definitely going to try that!!