You can also embellish flip-flops using your machine's built-in decorative stitches. This method doesn't require an embroidery hoop.
Prepare the flip-flops as directed on page 37 in the August/September Sew News.
Cut strips of water-activated tear-away stabilizer the width and length of each instep strap half.
Apply the stabilizer strips to the free halves of the instep straps wrong sides.
Select a decorative stitch on the machine. Beginning at the cut ends of the free halves, slowly stitch the length of the straps until the presser foot almost touches the flip-flop sole (A). Stop stitching and gently draw the strap away from the needle area, leaving 4" thread tails.
Remove the stabilizer. Knot and bury the tails within the layers of the instep bands.
Baste the cut instep bands together as detailed for the hooped version. Bring the opposite half of the instep band through the toe loop. Repin the toe loop to the embellished half of the band.
Remove the basting stitches, stabilize the free straps and add decorative stitching to the remaining halves of the instep bands.
When the second halves of the instep straps are complete, remove the stabilizer and bury the thread tails. Finish as directed for the embroidered flip-flops.
Select a decorative stitch on the machine. Beginning at the cut ends of the free halves, slowly stitch the length of the straps until the presser foot almost touches the flip-flop sole (A). Stop stitching and gently draw the strap away from the needle area, leaving 4" thread tails.