Do you want to get started with machine embroidery but not sure how? Well, we have got you covered.
In this article, we will help you assemble all the supplies and tools that you need to start machine embroidery. Check out.
Embroidery Machine
An embroidery machine can be single-needled or multi-needled.
- Single-Needled Embroidery Machine
If you are looking forward to doing basic sewing and digital embroidery work, the single needle embroidery machine is enough. Single needle embroidery machine uses a single needle and the embroidery arm moves over the flatbed to embroider the chosen design. It is user-friendly and good for those looking out for machine embroidery as a hobby.
- Multi-Needled Embroidery Machine
Once you master the working of a multi-needle embroidery machine, there is no going back. These machines are particularly for those who want to take machine embroidery designs as a profession and make money out of it. These machines have 4 to 16 needles with each having a different color thread on it. So, no hassle of changing or switching the thread with a new color every time.
Another plus with multi-needle machines is their hoop sizes. They start from 4×4 and go up to jumbo sized hoops suitable for embroidering over hats and caps too.
Getting all excited?
Embroidery Threads and Needles
Now that your embroidery machine is selected, next in line are the threads. The two types of threads used in machine embroidery are the bobbin threads and the needle threads.
Embroidery needle threads are different than sewing threads and come in different textures like polyester, rayon, cotton, and metallic. The needle threads are the top thread that you see on the top of your embroidery.
The most commonly used thread in machine embroidery is polyester as it is easily available, hard to break, machine washable, and available in all colors. Moreover, its shiny texture makes the embroidery look heavenly. Being silky in texture makes it easy to work with too.
Only use rayon in selected designs to provide a soft and delicate texture to your piece. Rayon breaks very easily. However, it gives a beautiful look to the piece.
If you want a hand embroidery to feel to your design, choose the cotton thread. Cotton threads are best for cross stitching designs, and quilting. Lastly, the metallic thread provides a hardwire feel to your designs. They are a little different to get your hands on because of frequent thread breaks.
The other one is the bobble thread. Bobble thread is the back thread that is meant to provide support to the needle thread at the back of the embroidery. Bobble thread usually comes in two colors, black and white and in varied qualities.
Embroidery Stabilizers
Embroidery stabilizers are used to provide support to the fabric. They play an important role in keeping your embroidery design intact for long by keeping fibers of the fabric strong.
The different kinds of stabilizers are cut away, tear away and wash away stabilizers.
Cut-away stabilizers are the most commonly used as they are the most stable and strongest. They are easy to use on any type of fabric. These are known as cut-away stabilizers as the excess part can be cut away after the embroidery is done. Cut-away stabilizers are best used on stretchy and knit fabrics.
Wash away or water-soluble stabilizers, as the name suggests, can be washed away once your embroidery design is done. These are best used on fabrics that are transparent and look through like laces.
Tear-away stabilizers can simply be torn away from the gaps between the designs. Just find a space between your embroidery designs to tear the extra stabilizer to remove it. The only thing to remember is that tear away stabilizers should not be used on stretchy and knit fabrics.
A Smart Device (Computer, Laptop, Tablet Or Smartphone)
Wondering why you need a computer or laptop for embroidering? To get inspired from free embroidery designs and that can only be available online. However, don’t believe in every free embroidery design you find online. Search for the reputable ones that do not end up in a disaster when executed.
If you a beginner, you can always master and hone your embroidery skills by going through free machine embroidering tutorial videos.
Embroidery Software
Embroidery software will help you in visualizing your embroidering designs before getting them impressed. Embroidery software is most commonly used for design transfer i.e. they can help you transfer an embroidery design (in a file format) to your embroider machine. This embroidery software sometimes comes handy with embroidery machines too. There is no harm in asking for it from your vendor.
Other small essential items for convenience while machine embroidering are scissors, iron, fabric marker, pins, and fabric clips. That’s it! After this, you are all set to start your machine embroidering and excel in it like a pro.
