Masses have loved embroidery in the past and the present without discrimination between young and old. We know the love of people for embroidery is immense, so it can be a significant trend to exchange gifts with embroidery for different occasions like weddings, birthdays, and bridal/ baby showers.
Its usage varies in a vast range. It can be on your quilts to logos on your caps or t-shirts.
Along with that, it can be an easy tool to customize your clothing brand by giving it a traditional. In the past, this art was known by a few and loved by all.
But the question is how to use embroidery machine?
As embroidery by hand takes time, and with the advancement in technology, embroidery machines were created. An incredible creation indeed!
Hold your imagination, and let’s talk about how to use an embroidery machine!
Embroidery Machine 101
Using an embroidery machine is different from that of a sewing machine. Choosing an embroidery machine is also an important task or decision that must be made wisely.
There are a lot of top embroidery machines available in the market; some have only one function, while others can perform dual functions; sewing and embroidery.
There is a considerable variation in their costs, too, like a machine with dual functions will cost more as compared to the one with the sole purpose.
Along with all that, you can also buy additional software for more designs other than the one already added. There are a few terms that you must know whether you are a beginner or a pro at an embroidery machine, and these are:
- Hooping
- Stabilizers
- Design
Hooping
When you place the fabric and start embroidering on the circles is known as hooping.
The primary purpose of the hooping is to keep the fabric taut and stable when the embroidery is being done on it so that embroidery can be done neatly. Most of embroidery machines come with a hoop that attaches to the machine.
Without hooping, the fabric will move, then the design will be compromised, and that’s not a good sign. The most common problem that arises is with the border, which doesn’t get aligned with the rest of the design because the fabric keeps falling on one side.
Hooping is particularly beneficial when the work is being done on a wearable product. You place the fabric in the rings of the hoops and attach it to the machine and start sewing. It is just like a presser foot holding the fabric when embroidery is being done on the fabric.
Stabilizers
It works along with the hoop to keep the fabric in place. It is also used to stiffen the fabric to protect it during the stitching process.
There are multiple types of stabilizers available easily in the market. The selection of stabilizers is based on the type of fabric.
Some stabilizers are on the top of the fabric, while others are seated below. Some are torn or cut down once the design is complete.
You can dissolve many of them quickly. Stabilizers can be withered away by the heat as well. But embroidery remains in place despite the type of stabilizer.
The stabilizers that can be torn away are for woolen fabric, satin, poplin, and chambray while water-soluble are for fabrics like chiffon and organza, and heat away stabilizers are for delicate silk-type fabrics.
Designs
If you are a beginner and don’t know much about this concept, then let me tell you that there are a lot of embroidery machines that are for beginners, and the point is those are cheap too.
Such machines have designs programmed in them mostly via USB, as these are computerized machines.
However, if you want more designs, then you can buy software for them, but never forget to check the compatibility of the software with your machine.
After that, you have to select one design from the embroidery software provided to you. If you have a newer version of the machines, then you can edit the models too.
Once you are done with that, then you have to place the fabric in such a format that it is acceptable for the machine. The machine will start working on it, and after some time, you will have your embroidery done.
How To Use Embroidery Machine
You have received your all brand-new shiny embroidery machine, but how to use it? The first step is to unpack it carefully and take out all its accessories. Everybody knows that you are itching to stitching, but wait!
First, learn how to use it and get yourself familiarized with all its parts.
Set The Machine
Here are the steps then you have to take; first off, all switch to embroidery functions from sewing one if you have a dual function machine but that too before plugging in the machine.
Change the presser foot with freehand embroidery foot or embroider freehand. Now, plug in the machine, connect it to the computer, and install the software if necessary.
Choose The Perfect Needles And Threads
The next task is to choose the perfect needles and threads. Go for embroidery-specific needles, as it won’t let your thread to break while sewing.
As for as thread is concerned, you can use any type of yarn, but embroidery-specific threads have a particular shine that gives your work a beautiful, different, yet professional look.
Next is to thread the yarn into the machines, consult the manual for this step, because it has loops and the thread must pass through every loop; otherwise, get ready for the beeps a tool won’t work.
Thread The Bobbin
The bobbin is somewhere below the needle and under the cover, and you have to thread it and then pop it in its place.
Unaware of this step? Go back to your instruction. Once done with it, place the cover back while the thread hanging loose in between, the needle will pick it up.
Select The Design For Embroidery
Choose the design, either from the pre-loaded ones or if you have a newer machine that gives you the choice of design selection import one of your own choices for embroidery.
Stitch The Design
Here comes the most exciting part, and that is to let your machines do the wonders. Press the start button. For multiple colored designs, the machine will stop, so that you can change the thread. Beware of any warning beep. Press the start button again. You will have to do the drill multiple times until your work is done.
Tips for Beginners
If you are a beginner, then feeling nauseous or nervous is natural, but don’t be afraid of it and relax!
Doing embroidery is going to be the most memorable experience of your life. You won’t get the best result of your first try, but do remember, every skill demands practice.
Don’t Be Shy And Seek Help
Look around, and if you find someone who is pro at it, then ask him/her to help you.
One Step At A Time
Kindly take one step at a time and don’t rust! Start with smaller and more comfortable designs and then move towards difficult ones slowly.
Keep a Diary; An embroidery Diary
Make notes and save them in the diary-like which stabilizer was used with which fabric, thread type, combinations of thread, and fabrics or designs so that you can replicate them in the future.
Be Organized
In the beginning, you have to organize; you have to remember the place of every thread, fabric, stabilizer, and scissors so that you can easily find them when you need them. Keep everything in a nearby shelve or cupboard.
No Extra Shopping
Fight your temptation of going out and buying the extra stuff that you don’t need right now. Once you have some experience, then you can decide what extra thing you can buy.
Don’t Rely On Imported Designs
Strictly don’t always rely on imported designs, as files may be corrupted. So, it is good to try stitches on some scrap fabric for testing.
Every Machine Is Different
Every machine is different, so it can’t replicate the same design as other machines. And there are a lot of factors. It may be because of a stabilizer or thread or needle or even a machine digitizer.
Conclusion
The bottom line of all this is to practice, practice, and practice again. You won’t become an expert overnight; you have to burn the midnight oil.
Keep practicing. Using an embroidery machine is not a painful but an exciting experience and a beneficial skill. All you have to do is to stay focused as well as read the manual and understand how it works. Every machine is different from others in its instructions, so the manual is the best thing to consult.
There are different types of embroidery machines in the market, do proper research and then buy the best embroidery machine for your home business, and do remember that the sewing machine is different from the embroidery machine, so learn to operate it.
In a short while, you will have immaculately monogrammed hats, t-shirts, and towels. You will fall in love with the results of your embroidery machine.
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