Transparent template for facilitating embroidery alignment using a support frame of a sewing machine

Abstract

An apparatus and method are provided including a sheet formed of a transparent material. The sheet defines a template capable of having a pattern printed thereon. During use, the template is adapted for being removed from the sheet. Also included is at least a pair of alignment designators that are positioned on the template of the sheet for marking the material. The markings facilitate alignment of the material in a support frame that is adapted for use when embroidering the pattern on the material.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising: 
 a sheet adapted for having a pattern printed thereon, the sheet capable of being positioned on material for viewing the pattern with respect to the material; and    at least one alignment designator capable of aligning the material in a support frame.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the sheet has a substantially rectangular configuration for facilitating the printing of the pattern on the sheet using a printer.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the sheet is flexible for facilitating the printing of the pattern on the sheet using a printer.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the at least one alignment designator includes a cut out formed in the sheet.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a label adhered to the sheet for allowing a printer to print information relating to the pattern thereon.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the label is removably positioned on the sheet.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the sheet is transparent and the label is opaque.  
     
     
         8 . A method for facilitating embroidery alignment, comprising: 
 positioning a patterned sheet with respect to a piece of material; and    aligning the material with a support frame for embroidering the pattern on the material.    
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the sheet has a substantially rectangular configuration for facilitating the printing of a pattern on the sheet using a printer.  
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising printing information relating to the pattern on the sheet.  
     
     
         11 . A sheet having a pattern printed thereon for aligning material in a support frame for embroidering the pattern on the material in an aligned fashion.