Cosplay Tip: Sewing Wire with Open Embroidery Foot #20C
My newest cosplay project is a bit of a nostalgia trip. Bring yourself back to 1997 and the worldwide release of the movie, TITANIC.
I was 9 years old and immediately flung myself into the fandom of the Titanic. I didn’t get a chance to see the movie in theaters but when the film reached my VCR, I couldn’t wait to watch it. The first appearance of Rose DeWitt Bukater in her striped boarding gown grabbed ahold of me and still hasn’t let go.
Now, beam back to 2022 and my cosplay plans are being made. Rose is knocking around in my head and it’s finally time to recreate that iconic dress and hat combo.
First up is the hat. I purchased a purple base straw hat from Amazon and was determined to make it work because my wallet would not be up for multiple hat trials.
The hat is slightly turned up around the edges and has a certain shape to it—luckily I had an idea. I chose to satin stitch gardening wire along the edges using my BERNINA so I can shape it the way I wanted. Using the BERNINA Open Embroidery Foot #20C, I prepped my BERNINA 570 QE.
I lowered my presser foot pressure to about 25, making it easier to slide the project under the foot. I found this was crucial, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite options with this machine.
Using Wonder Clips, I bent the wire as I clipped it into place.
I thread matched the best I could to the hat color and placed my hat under the foot. For the satin stitch, I selected a zigzag stitch with a wide width and short length. Then, I started stitching! Carefully at first, making sure I kept my needle away from the wire—no broken needles needed here!
I completed two rounds of stitching over the wire and it was complete! Now I can easily bend the hat to any shape I need. I can’t wait to keep working on this cosplay. I have a few other elements of it that I’ve been working on. Check them out!
If you would like a sew along or to see more of the process, comment below!
Here is the finished look!
Photo Credit: Alexandra Lee Studios
Happy sewing everyone!
Used Products
What you might also like
75 comments on “Cosplay Tip: Sewing Wire with Open Embroidery Foot #20C”
-
“What is your favorite way to use the Open Embroidery Foot #20C?”
Using it for wire around tge bottom of a dress to give it a flared out look that stays open as I walk.-
Decorative stitches on placemats and quilts
-
when did you first learn to use the open embroidery foot? I learned when I purchase my first machine with the “free” lessons from the mom & pop store where I purchase my machine.
-
I have a virtuoso and sadly never took the classes offered but I will look for the embroidery foot to try some of the stitches suggested in these comments
-
-
I use the open embroidery foot when appliquéing on a garment or quilt. It works great! ❤️Thanks for the giveaway chance!
-
I just used the foot to appliqué stars onto a quilts of valor quilt border. It works great!
-
I use it for appliquéing. Getting the stitch lined up with the edge for precision is so easy.
-
Application of most anything
-
I’m new to appliqué and I need all the help I can get. The 20C works perfectly for seeing where I need to be.
-
I have the open embroidery foot and look forward to trying this tip to make an oversize collar stand out.
-
I too have used the 20C foot to cover wire on a piece of fabric to make ribbon.
I have also used it to sew some wire into a 3D mini quilt design. I’m sure I will find other ways to use this foot the next time I’m in a creative mood. -
I love it to appliqué motifs onto a table runner!
-
I mostly use it for applique. The decorative stitches are fun when using the foot.
-
I have the #83 circle attachment that I use the #20 foot to create circle embroidery.
-
I am excited to start using my 790+. I haven’t done enough to have a favorite way to use the 20C foot, other that to see it offers lots of opportunities that I am excited to try. Applique is a definite use, but can’t wait to discover all the others.
-
That is so cool. Thank you for the tip
-
I use it to applique and make fancy stitches.
-
I use my Open Embroidery Foot #20 for applque.
-
I use the 20c when I do applique on quilts or garments. I make alot of superhero capes for grandkids that love wearing costumes.
-
Love the 20C for being able to do complicated applique with ease!
-
I use it when I do appliqué on quilts and garments.
-
I used the open-toed foot to add wire to the bottom, of my granddaughter’s prom dress. It worked like a dream!
I would be lost with this foot! So very useful! -
This is such a fun and easy option. You nailed it with your creative thinking. I especially like that you went slow and easy at first. I hate breaking a needle and love how slowly I can adjust my Bernina 790. Thanks.
-
Still learning uses for the feet for my B570 QE. Thank you for your directions.
-
Sewing ribbon in the middle of a piece, works wonders!
-
I use the use the open embroidery foot to sew hat wire on the brims of historical hats and trim on historical clothing
-
I used it for appliqué and when I need to see the fabric beneath my needle.
-
I use the #20 foot for applique. I use the #20D foot to attach quilt binding by machine using the triple zig zag stitch.
-
I like the open embroidery foot when I am doing appliqué
-
I love it to applique on a quilt and garments for my granddaughter
-
I would love to try adjust the pressure to sew better. I use this foot for applique.
-
I like the open embroidery foot for applique work.
-
Oh wow anyway it works is best for me!
-
I use my embroidery foot 20D a lot. Love the duel feed, the alignment, the clear view of all stitches,
being able to see where I want to go clearly. I use it for Small Quilting. FMQ, Decorative stitches for borders, Circular embroidery, and designs to make my projects beautiful. Thank you for the opportunity to enter. -
I use it for applique and sometimes for couching since I don’t have a “real” couching foot.
-
I love to use my embroidery foot to do machine applique. That is my FAVORITE!!!
-
I use it lots. I am able to see clearly where my needle is entering especially on quilting decorative stitches so that I can match and secure the stitches before and after stops & starts. Presently working with stitch #1352 on my Bernina 730E. (And I love my Bernina.)
-
I use the open toe foot when repairing dog beds, which I seem (seam) to do a lot of with 7 dogs
-
I used the foot to applique the numbers onto our new sailboat sail – very specific height & spacing of the numbers placed according to a measurement diagram, centered beneath the Sunfish emblem, with the starboard side placed above the seam and parallel to the seam. My Bernina handled it like a dream!
-
I use the 20C foot for appliqué on quilts, towels, bags. And almost everything!
-
I have used it for applique!
-
I use it to make a Stitch Recipe; grouping various specialty stitches together, making a wide band of decorative stiches. I can apply the finished product to belts, bags and hemlines.
-
I use the foot 20C to appliqué t-shirts for my granddaughter.
-
I use this foot for applique
-
#20 foot is a must have. Use it for appliqué and also when I want to see exactly where I want a stitch line so I can Guide it for precise placement. Getting ready to do some Easter Appliqué projects…
-
I use it for all applications!
-
The #20 foot is my go-to foot for any work where I need to see precisely where the stitches are going, especially edgings, binding, top-stitching, cover stitching (as in the blog post), and machine-guided fancy stitches.
-
I use it for free motion embroidery in fact I love to use it for red-work and blackwork embroidery
-
I haven’t had the 20c foot yet to try this out, I know I would find many uses for costuming and home decor projects… looking forward to trying it out (hopefully sooner than later)
-
I use the open embroidery 20C to sew trim on the edges of napkins, table runners, and small towels. It’s also great for sewing wire around the top of a box or basket!
-
It’s great when you have to see your stitches.
-
Using the decorative stitches on my machine to embellish quilts and clothing.
-
I’ve used the #20 foot to applique felt Christmas stockings.
-
I use my #20 foot mainly for applique.
-
My favorite use for this foot is for the Buttonhole stitch.
-
I use #20 foot for decorative stitches, appliqué, and applying trim to custom travel case for my XL embroidery module.
-
I use the 20D foot to aid in placement of decorative stitches. Love this hat idea!
-
The open toe foot #20 is my favorite foot. I sometimes use it for applique, general sewing and when using decorative stitches. The tip, sewing wire to the brim of a large hat is a very good tip. I will use it when making a Derby hat.
-
My #20 is my go to for appliqué, zigzag, embellishments, precision work when I really need to make sure and catch the edge
-
Hi
I use it for applique. Wish I had my Bernina and 200 foot when I made my “Bo”costume cape and head band in 2019.
She is the Toy Story 4 movie heroin. -
I love the Bernina Open Foot #20 sewing foot for sewing appliqué; and recently discovered it’s also really great for sewing rope bowls.
-
Applique, just like so many of t
You! -
I use the 20C to appliqué and decorative stitching.
-
I’ve recently discovered the many uses for the #20 foot. I’m basically a quilter but also enjoy making costumes.
I loved the idea of adding wire to a hat brim. Normally I add thick fishing line to the hems of flared skirts. It’s just enough to give them extra oomph versus having them just hang down flat and lifeless. -
I love the 20C for applique on blocks for quilts!
-
I use it for applique and fancy stitches.
-
It is also spectacular for quilting. there are times when my fabric pieces aren’t exact, so the space in between is wonderful for being able to make sure that I keep that 1/4″, especially with my binding.
-
I love the 20C to sew up patchwork, it gives me a nice viewing field. :0)
-
My favorite way to use the Open Embroidery Foot #20/20C is to apply decorative stitches to quilting projects. It is very versatile and I can follow along seams and see where I’m going and the placement of the stitches. I have also used it in off brand uses for difficult to sew fabrics on heavy duty outdoor “costumes”. I get strange/difficult requests from people because I can sew. This foot has been a lifesaver in many unexpected sewing “repair” projects. Love it!! Couldn’t live without it!! Didn’t know I needed it out of the box!!
-
What is your favorite way to use the Open Embroidery Foot #20/20C?”
When I am wanting to use decorative stitches and zigzags, especially for bags!
-
One of my favorite feet! It sure a game changer for doing applique, stitching in precise spots. When you can see the needle placement it makes all the difference in how your project turns out!
Enjoy ???
Thank you ??? -
I did an applique quilt and used the 20c foot. It turned out great and was easy to do with the right equipment.
-
I use the door for mending and now for adding patches with hand stitched embroidery and Sashiko.
Thank you. Love my Bernina -
easy simple applique
-
For embroidering my grandkids’ names on items I’ve sewn.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Creative Cosplay WeAllSew Book Giveaway
This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all of our WeAllSew fans who entered!
Congratulations to our winner(s):
Keep an eye out for the next WeAllSew giveaway!