Top Machine Embroidery Tips for Beginners
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Here is a list of machine embroidery tips for beginners. Please know that I also have an accompanying YouTube video for your convenience.
Buy the right embroidery machine to get the job done.
You must buy the right equipment because you don’t want anything to be a “limit” to your creativity. Overall, the first thing to consider is your embroidery machine. You’ll want to purchase a machine with the biggest embroidery window you can afford.
This will allow you to print out large designs without having to use software and/or multiple hooping(s). If a 4×4 is all you can afford, don’t worry because I do have a YouTube video on how to print large designs on a 4×4 machine.
When it comes to machines, the second thing to consider is the availability of service centers, tutorials, and accessories. Within the US, Brother embroidery machine accessories and tutorials are most readily available. However, the availability of service centers is going to be different according to your respective area.
The last thing to consider about your embroidery machine is how much you would like to do with this machine. Some of you would like to use the machine for embroidery and sewing, while others will just want a dedicated embroidery machine.
Likewise, there are embroidery enthusiast who don’t plan on buying any additional software. For those of you who don’t want to edit designs from the computer, I would recommend getting a machine that allows you to add text to existing embroidery designs right from the embroidery machine. Usually, this feature is only available on the larger/more expensive units.
I’ve listed a few great home embroidery machines below:
4×4 Machines
5×7 Machines
Larger Embroidery Window Machines
- Bernette B70 6×10 (embroidery only)
- Bernette B79 6×10 (sewing and embroidery machine)
- Janome Memory Craft 500e 7.9×11 (embroidery only)
- Brother Innov-is NQ3600D (sewing &embroidery)
Use the Right Interfacing
I cannot give machine embroidery tips for beginners without covering interfacing. Interfacing keeps embroidery designs from warping or moving out place during and after sewing. For this reason, it is one of the most important things to consider when taking up embroidery.
Here are some basic details about interfacing for embroidery projects.
Cutaway Interfacing is used for items you wear like hats and t-shirts.
There are many different types of cutaway interfacing. However, I find this kind of cutaway interfacing sufficient for most projects.
Tear Away interfacing is temporary and used to embroider on everything you don’t wear. It comes in 3 varieties:
- Lightweight = non-dense embroidery designs & stable fabrics
- Medium = versatile and multipurpose 🙂
- Heavy = dense designs & fabrics that easily move/shift.
Please, don’t forget to pick up a temporary adhesive for attaching your interfacing to the fabric. I like to use the 505 for this particular tasks.
Stitch With The Correct Thread
You’ll want to use embroidery thread for embroidery because it is thin and has extra vibrancy so designs can really stand out. Here’s a few of my favorite embroidery thread bundles:
Get Needles For The Job
You’ve got sewing machine needles. Then, you’ve got embroidery needles. Both can be used for embroidery. However, embroidery machines are better for embroidery because they have bigger eyes, which prevent thread from snagging in the machine.
Of course, there are ball point needles and standard universal needles. You’ll use universal needles for most projects. However, ball point needles are needed for stretch fabrics that can easily be damaged by sharp standard sewing machine needles. Here is a short list of the top needles I use for embroidery
11 needle size: Standard for most jobs
Ball Point 11 needle size: Standard for most jersey fabrics
Have Fun!
The very last thing to consider is how much fun you will have with embroidery! There are limitless possibilities when it comes to decorating fabrics. I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of machine embroidery tips for beginners.
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