Having problems combining designs to create design combos for large areas?  Here's help in 12 easy steps.

    ~ 12 steps for Successful Design Combinations  ~

1. Select 3 to 9 designs with the same theme; odd numbers are best.

2. Make sure that each motif is printed in actual size.

3. Mark the center with a dot just large enough to find later.

4. Print out "real view" templates of each design.

5. Cut the designs out like paper dolls.

6. Place the garment/item you're going to embellish on a flat surface with the part to be embellished face up.

7. Start laying the design cut outs in the area; keep moving the designs around until they appear balanced or the way you want them.  Remember, embellishment is a personal preference thing; if it suits you, it's great!

8. Once you have the look you want, straight pin each design in place.

9. Try the garment on & take a look in the mirror to make sure that no design goes under your arm, etc.  If the entire "look" is wrong for your body, no sweat; just keep moving, or adding/taking away designs until all is right.
   TIP: If some of the motifs are too large/small for the combination, be sure to do any design resizing at this point! [See page 28]

10. Wait several hours or overnight to view again; if things still look good to you, it's time to begin stitching!

11. Place a pin hole in the 1st design; use a pen of contrasting color to the fabric & mark a dot in the pin hole.

12. Remove the paper design; using a quilters ruler & tailor's chalk, mark a cross hair to make sure the design is centered & straight.

        You're now ready to stabilize, hoop & stitch!  Follow steps 11 & 12 until all the designs are stitched.  Remember page 33 of the tutorial regarding  my "Hoopless Method" for placement & stabilizing  Page 36 will tell about what to consider re selecting the correct thread colors for the fabric color!  Don't forget to consider using specialty thread, at random, to add interest!  You have an original creation that's sure to draw admiring glances & praise!

Feel free to print these steps out; hang them in a handy place to remind you each time you want to create a new original combo!