The back-to-school season is fast approaching and may even have begun for some. As an educator myself, I am looking forward to a fresh school year with lots of eager learners and exciting challenges ahead! I also have a three-year-old who is equally excited for the upcoming school year as she enters preschool for the first time. In today’s blog post, we will be exploring five projects with educators in mind. Whether you are a teacher yourself or are simply looking for a gift for that special teacher in your life, these projects are sure to brighten up any classroom!

One of my favorite things about embroidery is the ability to customize my projects to make them unique. For the following projects, I started with a base design from Designs by JuJu, then personalized using Embrilliance Embroidery Software by adding word art, images, and names. Some personalizations can be created using your embroidery machine, but I find it much easier to use Embrilliance, especially when adding text. Designs by JuJu includes a BX file with nearly all of their fonts, making it very beginner friendly to manipulate and design with.

Projects included in this post:

  1. Personalized Tote
  2. Teacher T-Shirt/Sweatshirt
  3. In-the-Hoop Mug Rug
  4. In-the-Hoop Banner
  5. Composition Book

Check out Embroidery Supplies JuJu Uses for our favorite supplies!

Project Spotlight #1: Personalized Tote

Level: Beginner

Supplies

Personalized Tote

Totes are a fabulous beginner project and a wonderful gift for teachers! I am constantly lugging numerous bags with me every morning on my way into school. Check out this blog post for a step-by-step tutorial for how to make your own personalized tote.

Project Spotlight #2: Teacher T-Shirt/Sweatshirt

Level: Beginner-Intermediate

Supplies

Teacher T-Shirt/Sweatshirt

I love having themed shirts to wear at school. My kindergarten class celebrates lots of fun holidays and events throughout the year, including the 100th day of school. I needed a shirt to wear and I have been wanting to explore the design capabilities of the new Daisy Doodle Bean Stitch Applique Alphabet and Embellishment kits. There are so many creative options for this font with add-on embellishments! Designs by JuJu has a fabulous tutorial for how to use these kits together. 

Additionally, check out this blog post for details on how to embroider on a piece of clothing.

Project Spotlight #3: In-the-Hoop Mug Rug

Level: Beginner

Supplies

In-the-Hoop Mug Rug
Mug Rug in Use

Mug Rugs make excellent gifts and are great projects for beginners! You can pair a mug rug with a cute cup and some hot chocolate for an adorable (and easy) gift. Mug rugs are also quick to stitch, so they make the perfect last-minute gift. 

Project Spotlight #4: In-the-Hoop Banner

Level: Beginner

Supplies

In-the-Hoop Banner

I designed this pennant to hang on my classroom door. Designs by JuJu has numerous sizes and shapes included with your purchase so the customization options are limitless. Choose a size and shape that best suits your needs, then add any additional text and images. You could also string several smaller pennants together using a piece of ribbon to make a “first day of school” banner.

Project Spotlight #5: Composition Book

Level: Intermediate-Advanced

Supplies

Composition Book

Designs by JuJu has the best composition book designs! I have stitched these designs time and time again and they are always awesome. I would consider this an advanced project because it requires multiple hoopings. Check out this tutorial by Becky from Power Tools with Thread for detailed, step-by-step instructions.

I hope these five projects have inspired you to get stitching. Don't forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #designsbyjuju! 

Michelle Christiansen

Hello! My name is Michelle Christiansen. I am an avid crafter and love doing embroidery projects, especially with my mom. My favorite way to spend my free time is with my husband and my three year old!