How to Use an Embroidery Machine

Do you know how to use an embroidery machine? If yes, that’s good. If no, then you are in luck.

Embroidery machine is a must have in every home. So, this article is perfect for you because it will guide you on how to use an embroidery machine even if you’re a beginner.

What is an Embroidery Machine?

An embroidery machine adds beauty and detail to anything that you like to sew. There are machines that are exclusively for doing embroidery only. They don’t work like a regular sewing machine.

Embroidery machines created so many crafting possibilities. Instead of hand-stitching images and names on fabrics, embroidery machine can save time and effort. However, choices in color, pattern, and design will still be achieved.

In starting your first ever embroidery project, you’ll need an embroidery pattern, thread, needles, stabilizer, and of course your embroidery machine.

Set up your Machine

Before you start, you must have read the instruction manual of your machine. It is important to read the manual to properly set up your embroidery machine.

Your machine has a removable section that you need to take off so you can attach its embroidery arm. Gently slide the embroidery arm in the free space.

If your machine has a built-in computer, turn it on. If not, connect your machine into your own computer. Moreover, you can simply plug your USB so you’ll have your designs and patterns on-hand.

There is a shiny cover that slides over the bobbin case. Next, open it up and insert a bobbin gently.

Some machines have come with bobbins. Check yours. If not, you have to refer to the manual on how to wind one.

Bobbin Thread

In setting up the bobbin thread, you should turn the wheel on the side of the embroidery machine. This will lower the needle once.

The needle will come back up and will catch the bobbin thread. It will pull it up in a small loop. Pull it out of the machine, then stretch it over the back of the machine.

Check if your top thread goes through and over the back of the sewing foot. Now, you’re ready to start your embroidery.

Hooping

Hoop comes in different sizes. Some machines come with two hoop sizes. Make sure that your design fits inside the hoop to avoid machine malfunction or error in stitching.

The hoop holds the fabric when you’re embroidering. If the fabric is not held tightly in the hoop, the pressure of the needle can move the fabric, resulting to poor stitching.

It is better if the hoop is holding closer to the movement of the needle. This ensures that that the fabric is tightly held by the hoop.

I suggest that you must test it out first before you continue to embroider on the actual fabric that you are going to use. That way, you can see if your hoop is tight enough.

Stabilizing

You must select a stabilizer. A stabilizer is a material that is placed under your chosen fabric that you like to embroider. It makes the fabric more stable.

Moreover, it provides the thread a thicker material to catch, as well as to prevent tearing issues. There are different types of stabilizers that can be used in embroidery.

You can get yours in stores. There are so many choices of different brands, models and versions that you might want to experiment on to test colors or quality.

Cut the excess stabilizer and fabric, so it will fit inside the hoop. Then, hoop them together. Make sure that it is tight enough before you start embroidering.

Designing

Slide in your hoop (with the stabilizer and fabric attached on it) to the embroidery arm to start embroidering. Once the computer detects that a hoop is attached, you’re ready to go.

Choose your design and watch as the machine creates your design. You can see how the needle presses down with pressure as it moves onto your fabric.

When you’re done, check your design. Check if it is okay. Now, you have your own embroidered fabric. Repeat the steps for more embroidery projects.

That is the quick guide on how to use an embroidery machine. I hope you learned from this tutorial. What embroidery tricks and tips do you know? Do share!