Urban Spools

Multiple needles look impressive when you’re shopping for an embroidery machine — and they absolutely have their place. But for many projects, how you hoop matters more than how many needles are on the machine.

A single-head embroidery machine gives you flexibility to get into tighter spaces and work on curved items like baseball caps, sleeves, and after-market tote bags. If hats, patches, and small goods are what you want to make most, this style of machine can be a great fit.

If caps and totes are on your list, come take a look at our single-head embroidery machines. We’ll show you how they hoop, how they stitch, and help you figure out what fits your workflow best.
✔️ Unlimited operator lessons
✔️ Ongoing support
✔️ Upgrade options as you grow

✨ Single-head embroidery machines are 10% off this month.

Stop by the shop or give us a call to see one in action.

Embroidery curious? The Baby Lock Aurora is a great place to start. 🧵✨

If you’ve been thinking about trying embroidery or just want to make patches, small gifts, and personalized projects, this machine keeps things simple and approachable. With a maximum embroidery field of 4" x 4", it’s perfect for learning the basics without feeling overwhelmed.

You also get a full sewing machine built in, so you can sew and embroider on one machine as you build your skills.

We’ll help you get comfortable with it, too:
✔️ Unlimited operator lessons
✔️ Support whenever you need it
✔️ Upgrade options later if you fall in love and want to go bigger

It’s an easy, low-pressure way to get started and see where embroidery takes you.

✨ The Baby Lock Aurora is 10% off this month. ✨

Come try it in the shop or give us a call if you want to see if it’s the right fit for you.

We LOVE a good thrift flip. ♻️✨
A Customer brought this tote into the shop and we immediately needed to talk about it. She thrifted the bag (great bones, old logo… not the vibe), then dug into her scrap bin from the Just Kitten Around quilt and made these two blocks to appliqué right on top.

Result? A one-of-a-kind tote that’s equal parts upcycle + scrap magic + main character energy.

This is your reminder that:
🧵 old bags can get a second life
🧵 quilt scraps deserve to be seen
🧵 appliqué fixes almost everything
🧵 your past projects can become future favorites

Honestly… now we all want to go home and dig through our scrap bins.

Tag us if you’ve done a thrift flip or scrap glow-up — we want to see them ALL.

2026 mantra: Love More. Worry Less. 💖
And, we stitched it into a quilt so we don’t forget.

Our Love More, Worry Less Quilt Kit is a fast one — I had mine done in a weekend. The lettering is appliqué instead of piecing, which makes it super approachable for newer Sewists and very satisfying if you just want a quick win.

This kit includes a few extras to make starting easier:
• Steam-A-Seam Lite to attach letters
• Monofilament thread to stitch down letters (makes applique stitching nearly invisible)

This kit is basically:
✨ therapy
✨ a hug
✨ a finished quilt
all in one project. Perfect if you want something you can start Friday and show off by Sunday.

Available in the shop and on our website now.

Quick rule of thumb:
✔ Stable woven fabric → tear-away
✔ Stretchy fabric → cut-away
✔ Fluffy or textured → wash-away topper

And if you’re still standing there holding your project and questioning everything… you’re not alone.

If you’re ever unsure which stabilizer to use, bring your project in. We’re always happy to help you choose the right one before you commit to vibes.

We carry tear-away, cut-away, wash-away — and calm decision-making.

To sew or not to sew… that is the real question. 🧐
When it comes to embroidery machines, sometimes the biggest decision isn’t about the embroidery at all — it’s about whether you want sewing built in, too.

And this month, it’s a great time to decide:
✨ Baby Lock embroidery machines are 10% off through Feb 28.

Baby Lock Vesta vs Baby Lock Flare
👉 Same embroidery results
🪡 Vesta: sewing + embroidery
🧵 Flare: embroidery-only

Baby Lock Altair II vs Baby Lock Meridian
👉 Same embroidery results
🪡 Altair II: sewing + embroidery
🧵 Meridian: embroidery-only

So the question becomes:
Do you want a machine that does it all…
or a dedicated embroidery station?

We’re happy to walk you through the differences and help you decide what fits your space and how you like to create. Come see them in person or give us a call — we love a good machine comparison.

📅 10% off runs through February 28.

Patches = personality. ✨
In our Machine Embroidery: Patches class, you’ll design and stitch your own custom patches to add to bags, jackets, and anything that needs a little extra YOU.

You’ll create three iron-on patches while learning:
🧵 how to hoop for patch making
🎨 different patch backings
🔤 adding graphics + lettering
✂️ clean finishing for that pro patch look

Perfect for anyone embroidery-curious or ready to add some flair to their projects. Warning: once you start making patches… you’ll want to put them on everything.

Spots are limited — grab your seat and start stitching your personality.

Register here:
https://www.urbanspools.com/module/class/486367/machine-embroidery-techniques-patches

🤔The things we learn from our Customers…
A Customer came to class with potato vodka - not for a party, but for pressing fabric.

Apparently the natural starch in potato vodka helps press out wrinkles and remove unwanted smells. Sewing hack 🪡💡or cocktail hour 🍸? We’re still deciding. 🧐

Honestly, this is why we love this community. Y’all are a walking encyclopedia of “wait…that actually works??”

We can’t confirm we’ll be stocking this in the notions wall anytime soon…but we can confirm we’ll never look at pressing spray the same way again.

Have you tried this before or is this new sewing lore? 👀

P.S. “The Harry Hines Collection” label is GENIUS!

They’re here and we are OBSESSED.
We now carry Folkwear printed patterns in the shop ✨

If you love garments with history, culture, and serious main-character energy… these are for you. Think iconic silhouettes, global inspiration, and patterns that feel like wearable storytelling.

Why we love them:
🧵 Unique, heritage-inspired garments
✂️ Great for adventurous garment sewists
📚 Packed with detail + learning
👗 Pieces you won’t see everywhere

Flip through the patterns and get inspired for your next make. These are the kind of projects that make people say, “Wait… you made that?!”

Available in-store now:
https://www.urbanspools.com/shop/Patterns/Shop-by-Pattern-Designer/Folkwear-Patterns.htm

Remove machine embroidery like a pro ✂️
We’ve all been there… the monogram looked like a good idea at the time 😅

Good news: you can remove machine embroidery without wrecking your fabric. It just takes patience and a gentle hand. Here’s how we do it in the shop:

1️⃣ Turn it over
Flip the embroidery so the bobbin stitches are facing you. Slide the curved edge of your seam ripper under those threads and snip carefully. Slow and steady — we’re removing stitches, not fabric.

2️⃣ Brush & remove
Turn it back to the front and use your fingers or tweezers to gently pull the top threads away. They should release pretty easily once the back stitches are cut.

3️⃣ Clean it up
Lint roller or tape = your best friend here. Pick up all that little thread fuzz so you can see what’s left.

4️⃣ All done
You’ll see needle holes at first, but they usually relax over time or after a wash.

👉 Pro tip: take breaks. Removing embroidery is a marathon, not a sprint.
👉 On delicate fabrics, go extra slow to avoid snags.

Monogram regret happens. We’ve got you.

In our latest Sewing for Kids Beginner Series: Appliqué Pillow, the plan was simple:
add one letter.

The kids said… what if we add everything instead? 😄

From bacon to hearts to full-on appliqué storytelling, these pillow fronts turned into a full creative explosion. Honestly, we’re just here to support the artistic vision.

Watching new Sewists realize they can put anything on fabric is one of our favorite things. Confidence goes up, rules go out the window, and suddenly there’s bacon on a pillow. As it should be.

Have a kid age 8+ who’s curious about sewing? Our Sewing for Kids series is where our youngest makers start building skills (and personality-filled projects).

Register here:
https://www.urbanspools.com/kids-classes.htm