To begin, we will first sew the embossed design - click here for embossing instructions. The embossed design will smooth down the nap of the fabric, allowing the second design to sew over the embossed design without sinking into the fabric.  

If you have embroidery software and would like to merge the two files together,click here for instructions. Be sure to set up the merged file so that the embossed shape sews first.  After the designs are merged, continue reading to see how to stabilize, hoop, and embroider the designs.
 

Poke a hole in the center of the design that will be sewn over the embossed design and align it with the center point on the embossed design. Make sure the design fits well within the shape of the embossed design.

Next, lay the embossed design template onto the article you will be embroidering on (we are embroidering on a hand towel).  Position the template where you would like. Using an air-erase pen (or other marking tool), poke a hole in the center of the template and mark the fabric. Then, mark the horizontal and vertical axis points as well.

Remove the template and draw lines to connect the axis points - these lines will be used for hooping.

Spray a piece of medium weight cutaway stabilizer (we recommend using a light weight cutaway stabilizer if you are using heavier designs) with temporary spray adhesive and smooth the fabric on top. Then, lay a piece of water-soluble stabilizer on top of the fabric and hoop all three layers together (water soluble stabilizer, fabric, and cutaway stabilizer) by aligning the marks on the hoop with the lines on the fabric.
 

 Attach the hoop to the machine and load the embossed design.  Move the hoop so that the needle is directly over the center point on the fabric. Embroider the design.

When the embossed design is finished, remove the hoop from the machine but do not unhoop the fabric. Align the embossed template over the design and mark the center point on the design.

Reattach the hoop to the machine and load the second design. Move the hoop so that the needle is directly over the center point on the fabric and embroider the design. When the design has finished, tear away the water-soluble topping and trim away the excess cutaway stabilizer on the back of the embroidery leaving about 1/4 to 1/2 inch excess around the edges of the design.