Kimberbell Designs

Kimberbell Designs creates machine embroidery projects, patterns, and specialty supplies. They are best known for seasonal bench pillow designs, mug rugs, and holiday-themed collections that combine machine embroidery with quilting techniques. Each project typically includes a design file (on CD or digital download), a coordinating embellishment kit with fabrics and trims, and step-by-step instructions. Kimberbell projects work with most embroidery machines that read standard file formats.

Any embroidery machine that reads .PES, .DST, .EXP, .HUS, .JEF, .VIP, or .VP3 files will work. Most home embroidery machines from Baby Lock, Brother, Bernina, and Husqvarna Viking support these formats. Check the design CD or download listing for included file types. Larger projects like bench pillows may require a hoop size of 8" x 12" or bigger, so verify your machine's maximum embroidery hoop size before purchasing.

A bench pillow is a long, narrow decorative pillow (typically 16" x 38") designed to sit on a bench, shelf, or mantel. Kimberbell releases seasonal bench pillow designs throughout the year, each with a themed pattern, embroidery design files, and a matching embellishment kit with pre-cut fabrics, trims, buttons, and other dimensional elements. The pillow inserts into a Kimberbell Bench Pillow Form and the cover can be swapped out seasonally.

An embellishment kit contains the coordinated materials needed to complete a specific Kimberbell project. Depending on the design, a kit may include pre-cut fabrics, ribbons, buttons, sequins, vinyl, mylar, felt, applique pieces, and other dimensional elements. The kit is sold separately from the pattern or design CD. Purchasing the embellishment kit saves time sourcing individual materials and ensures colors and textures match the original design.

Most Kimberbell projects use standard embroidery supplies: stabilizer, embroidery thread, and bobbins. Some designs call for Kimberbell-specific materials:

• Wash-Away Topping: A water-soluble stabilizer placed on top of textured fabrics like terry cloth or fleece to keep stitches from sinking into the pile.
• Embroidery Leather: Thin, sewable faux leather sheets designed to run through an embroidery machine without special needles.
• Mylar: Metallic film sheets cut by the embroidery machine for shiny, reflective accents in designs.