You may have recently received an embroidery machine and want to make maximum use of it. However, you can only enjoy its benefits with good skills on how to use embroidery machine.
You may find it challenging to learn how to use embroidery machine especially if you have never done any sewing before. Luckily, we got what you want. So, let’s get through every step and learn all you need about machine embroidery.
Embroidery Machine Definition
What is an embroidery machine? If you can define the machine, you can tell about its dynamics. An embroidery machine is a sewing machine specially designed to create a pattern on your fabric of choice. Some call this process machine embroidery.
There are various things to do with an embroidery machine. Most will use this machine branding products such as uniforms, company logos for advertisement purpose, creating patterns for decorative purpose among other things.
Step by Step Guide to Using an Embroidery Machine
This is the easiest way to learn how to operate embroidery machine. It is crucial you also keep your manual at hand, to check on the specific recommendations of items to use with your machine. Some tools such as needles and thread type may differ from one machine to other.
1. Assemble your tools and materials required
Before getting your hands-on work, ensure you bring together all the things you require. First, you need to ensure you have an embroidery machine or ensure that your sewing machine supports embroidery functions.
Then ensure you have needles, thread, bobbin, stabilizer, fabric, and embroidery computer software. Later on, you will learn deeper about these items.
2. Insert the right needle
Any embroidery project will require a specific needle for the embroidery machine. These needles are usually stronger than the common sewing needles. You will also need to choose an embroidery needle depending on your textile’s weight.
For example, if you are using a domestic embroidery machine, there is a great chance your machine will require a shank needle that is flat-sided. On the other hand, most commercial embroidery machines employ round shank needles.
Most beginners might find it challenging to choose the right needle size for their projects. This can be attributed to the unique standardization number system that these needles use. For instance, if you want more accuracy, you may need a smaller needle.
You may also need to experiment with different types of needles to determine the right needle size for your fabric.
3. Choose the right thread
Choosing the correct thread for embroidery is as important as choosing the right needle. Embroidery for beginners will require two types of threads. These threads include the bobbin thread and the embroidery thread.
Embroidery thread is usually thinner and stronger than the common sewing threads. When choosing the thread to use, consider the color and the quality of the thread. You don’t want that awkward look on your precious fabric.
4. Set up your machine
Embroidery machine setting might be a bit similar to setting up a sewing machine. The first step that you have to follow in both involve, connecting the machine to a power supply.
Since an embroidery machine requires more advanced settings; you may need to employ software and other skills to achieve the best. However, if you are a beginner learning how to use embroidery machine, you will get everything you require here.
After plugging in your embroidery machine to power, connect it to your computer through the USB port and a cable. Alternatively, if you have a modern embroidery machine, chances are it has pre-installed software that you can use to choose your suitable embroidery designs.
5. Thread the bobbin
Most people learning how to use embroidery machine are usually unaware of the difference in every machine. This may lead to wrong threading. When threading your bobbin, check your manual.
Every machine comes with an operational manual that explains the procedures involved in threading the bobbin. You should be careful here to avoid breaking your needle when applying embroidery to your fabric.
6. Set up fabric
Set up your fabric in the embroidery frame before inserting it into the machine. The frame is commonly known as an embroidery hoop. If the fabric is thin, employ a stabilizer for convenient embroidery.
To insert the fabric into the frame, lay it over the bottom piece of the frame. Then place the top piece of the frame over your fabric. Ensure it is well-positioned before tightening it.
If the knob or dial on your embroidery hoop won’t tighten the hoop securely, you may use a screwdriver. Remember, the point here is to fit the fabric tightly and securely on the frame to prevent messing up with your pattern when embroidering.
Do it carefully not to over tighten it as this may make a permanent mark on your fabric. After you are done setting up the fabric in the hoop, slip it into the embroidery arm and secure it.
You may need to double-check to ensure that the fabric is in the frame with no piece caught under the frame.
7. Choose your suitable embroidery design
Now it is time to determine what kind of embroidery you want to use for your fabric. If you have the traditional, embroidery, you will have to use it with your computer. With the modern machine, your work may be easier.
Take advantage of the several designs in the built-in software of such machines. Modern machines also give the opportunity to use your favorite design from the internet or your computer.
To choose your suitable design, just scroll through the numerous designs from the menu on the touch screen. Some machines also allow you to modify and edit the available designs in their menu.
8. Embroider your fabric
Up to this stage, you could be still wondering how do embroidery machines work. But once, you have your design, with the frame, needle, and threads in place, getting the rest of the job to be done is easy.
Check in the lineup to see the thread color that is first. Next, pass the first thread through the needle and start your machine. Once the machine starts running, you can view the embroidery sequence on your screen.
After every thread color is complete, the machine will stop. To keep the machine working on your embroidery, you will have to change the thread color. Lift the presser foot, apply your favorite thread color and restart your machine. Repeat the process till all colors are complete.
9. Finishing
After all the process is complete, get the embroidery frame out of the machine by lifting the latch and sliding it out. To make your work look perfect and presentable, use a pair of sharp scissors to cut out any loose threads. Clip them off your embroidery as closely as you can.
Supplies for Machine Embroidery for Beginners
An embroidery machine alone is not enough to complete your embroidery projects. You also need to master supplies used alongside your machine to successfully learn embroidery as your hobby or profession. Here is what you need to use with your embroidery machine.
Thread
The choice of the thread to use in your embroidery is crucial. When it comes to thread sizing, you will come across terms like thread weight. Like in needle sizes, you need to understand the criteria used in determining the thread weight, to avoid confusion.
For instance, the low thread weight number will imply a heavy and thick thread. Higher thread weight number on the other hand implies a thinner and finer thread. Therefore, in most embroidery, a higher thread weight number is used.
Here are different types of thread you can use with your embroidery machine
- Most individuals prefer polyester thread for their embroidery projects because of the thread’s affordability, hard to break, availability in all color options, and they are simple to use. Besides, this thread is machine washable and long-lasting. So if you want to do embroider on pieces of fabric that require lots of washing, you may want to go for this thread.
- Rayon might not be as tough as polyester, but this thread produces beautiful results that are soft to touch and feel. If you have to go for this option, ensure you source the thread from reputable vendors and use them on fabric that you wash occasionally.
- Cotton is another good option to use in your embroidery. If you are learning how to use embroidery machine with some rework designs, cross stitch designs, and quilts in your mind, you might find this thread the ideal option.
- You can expect a spectacular look with metallic threads and that hardwire feel to your favorite designs. However, it is challenging to use metallic threads which makes them unsuitable for beginners
Stabilizer
This is another crucial item you need when learning how to use embroidery machine. A stabilizer is essential for supporting your fabric as your machine does its work applying your favorite design.
With a stabilizer, you are sure to keep your fabric intact and prevent it from puckering and stretching. A few examples of stabilizers that you can use include the following.
- Cut–away. These are the strongest known stabilizers. The stabilizer can be used on all types of fabric. However, it is ideal when stitching on knit or stretchy fabrics. Ensure you leave this stabilizer intact after stitching to keep the stitches in place.
- Tear. As the name suggests, this stabilizer is removed from the back of the design after stitching. You can use tear-away stabilizers on almost all types of fabric except stretchy and knit fabrics.
- Wash–away. This type of stabilizer is ideal for designs that do not show any trace of the stabilizer after the embroidery is done. The stabilizer may not be as strong as other stabilizers but it leaves your fabric clean and smart. After you are done embroidering your fabric, rub water this stabilizer with water to easily remove it.
Hooping
Hooping is one of the embroidery machine tips for beginners that you should not miss out on. Machine embroidery hoops come in various sizes and shapes. Most machines will come with at least one hoop.
Since not all machines are compatible with most sizes and shapes of hoops, it is advisable to check your machine manual to get enough information on hooping before buying additional hoops.
Designs
As said early, modern embroidery machines come with built-in designs. However, the number of designs varies from one machine to the other. In most cases, the price tag affects the number of designs every machine comes with.
While most machines will allow designs from your computer or the internet, it is always advisable that you are careful with such designs downloaded online.
Always refer to your machine manual to be sure of the file format that is compatible with your machine. Also, it is good to avoid the free designs offered by disreputable websites.
Software
When you don’t find your favorite design in the built-in designs of your machines, you can easily get to the internet for further options. However, if you are the kind of a person who is creative and would want a certain design, you can turn to software.
There are different levels of software that offer various levels of customization and digitizing. If you want to make little editing from the designs you get online, you will need the Hatch embroidery organizer.
If you want to add names or monograms for more personalization, you will need the Hatch embroidery personalizer. For more editing and layout tools, you will need Hatch embroidery composer.
This software will also give you an opportunity to try one-click auto-digitizing. On the higher end of the software and digitizing is the Hatch embroidery digitizer. This software is ideal for creative individuals who want to create their designs from scratch. The manual digitizer beats the rest in offering limitless creativity.
Conclusion
It is time now to try your newly learned skills. With the tips above on how to use embroidery machine, you can easily try your first embroidery project soonest. The supplies mentioned here are also crucial to use with your embroidery machine for a successful project.
Start by trying simple embroidery. Once you finish your first project, you will find it exciting to try the second, third… and with no time become a pro.
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