Two of POP's most popular designs, the original Clutch and Clutch 2.0 bags, come with a Bean Stitch applique option as well as a Satin Stitch applique option.

We frequently get posts in the POP Facebook group saying, "Help! I'm making the Clutch 2.0 bag, and my design has only 9 steps instead of 11. Where is the satin stitching?!" So let's take a closer look at the design options.

Here's the unzipped Clutch 2.0 folder:

When you open the highlighted folder, you'll see two sub-folders:

Many people simply open the first folder, select their design, and send it to the machine, not realizing which option they've chosen. We are going to open the stitch map for the Bean Stitch option. (New to stitch maps? We talked about what they are and how to read them in another blog post.) Select the stitch map for the desired size.

You'll notice that the 5x7 Bean file contains 9 steps instead of 11. The applique tackdown is a triple stitch or "bean stitch" instead of the satin you may be expecting. 

Here is an example of the Clutch 2.0 with Bean Stitch applique:

The Clutch 2.0's other option, the Satin applique, has 11 stitching steps. Step 7 is the blanket detail, and Step 8 is the traditional satin applique stitch. 

Here's an example of a completed Clutch 2.0 with satin stitch applique:

If you loaded the Bean Stitch file by mistake, don't panic! Stop your machine after Step 7. Go back to your computer, open the main folder for the design, and open the Satin sub-folder. Select the same size that you have started in the Bean format. Send that file to your machine. Make sure it's oriented the same direction as the initial file and lines up with the existing stitching. Forward through to Step 7 of the Satin file, and stitch the Step 7 blanket detail right over the bean stitch. Finish your clutch as directed in the tutorial. 

The original front-zip Clutch design also comes in both Bean and Satin stitch applique options. 

If you would like to see the original Clutch being stitched, check out the Panda Kisses video tutorial of this design. Join the POP Facebook group to see a (formerly live) video tutorial of the Clutch 2.0. Links to videos are in the pinned Announcements area of the group! 

And if you ever wonder where POP gets the supplies used in the design listing photos, click through the blog's Supply List archives.

If you've been in embroidery a while, you may remember life before fancy PDF tutorials. Back in the olden days, we had to rely on the stitch map files. These files are helpful to know how to read even with the existence of full tutorials. You can print the stitch map and add your own notes as you stitch the file so that you remember what you did in your own words.

Let's look at the Seaside Top Zip Clutch Zipper Bag.

This is the inside of the main folder once I unzip the file and add it to my POP folder.

Here is the inside of the Seaside Top Zip folder. What a mess! The files are all jumbled up. 

Click on the Type tab and the folder will sort itself by file type.

The stitch map files will have a BMP or JPG file extension. In this case, they are BMP type files. Let's select the 5x7 size. 

Here is the 5x7 stitch map. When you click on it to open, your computer will open it in whichever default photo viewing app or program you've designated. In the upper left corner of the stitch map, you will see the file name, the stitch count, the exact size in inches and millimeters, the location at which the design begins and ends in the hoop, the number of colors and thread stops, as well as the date the file was saved.

The rest of the stitch map is literally a *map* to what your machine is going to stitch. The steps are illustrated and numbered. Step 1 is almost always going to be a placement stitch when you are doing an ITH or in the hoop design. 

In the recent tutorials, there is now a "cheat sheet" on page 5 or 6. If one is not included in the design, you can create your own. I print only this page of the tutorial, and I will add  notes to remind myself of important details, such as where to add personalization, and when to open the zipper. 

When you look at the stitch map for the Seaside Top Zip Clutch Zipper Bag before sewing, you will realize that the fabric you put down first at Step 3 will be the "shell" of the design, and the bottom shape is an applique added later. There's no need to guess what is going to happen next in any POP design (or any designer whose files include stitch maps). Taking a few minutes to review the stitch map will save you time and frustration! 

New designs this week:

Football Stadium Banner Set

Kitty Top Zip Pencil Bag and Charm Bundle

Donut Bow Snaptab

Bow Monogram Snaptab Set

• Fabric is from Sahara Fabrics and felt is from Benzie Design.  Vinyl is from MyPunkbroidery.
• 12 or 16 gauge clear vinyl
• Zippers are from Zipit and My Handmade Space
• Ball Chains
• Jump Rings
• Tassels
• Eyelets
• Eyelet setting tool
• Two Piece Grommets 3/16"
• Keyfob hardware
• Keyfob tool
• Stabilizer used was tearaway from Amazon, I buy in bulk HERE
• Interfacing by Thermoweb, Medium and Lite
  
• Transparent Medical Tape
• Peel and Stick Tape by Thermoweb
  
• Small Scissors, by Westcott
  
• Vinyl Scissors, by Fiskars
  
• Fabric Scissors, by Fiskars