_edited.png)
Embroidery with an embroidery machine
Machine embroidery is one of the most beautiful ways to embellish your sewing projects. This article will show you how to get started easily and what you need for machine embroidery.
You can find a more detailed introduction in my blog post: "Embroidery with an embroidery machine".
An introduction
In den folgenden Beiträgen findest du alle Informationen zu den Grundlagen des Maschinenstickens.
The basic equipment
What accessories you really need
When you start with machine embroidery, you don't need a complete studio setup. A solid entry-level embroidery machine with a small to medium-sized hoop is perfectly sufficient. Many modern models have USB or Wi-Fi ports, allowing you to transfer embroidery files directly to the machine.
Other essential accessories include embroidery hoops, embroidery thread, bobbin thread, stabilizer, and embroidery needles.
The frame holds the fabric and interfacing taut, ensuring the machine can work precisely. Make sure your fabric is at least five centimeters larger than the frame – this way the clamp grips securely and nothing slips. If you're embroidering delicate fabrics, magnetic frames are a good choice, as they won't leave any pressure marks.
For the thread, you should definitely use embroidery thread – not regular sewing thread. Embroidery thread is specially designed for the high speeds of embroidery. It is particularly tear-resistant, smooth, and even, resulting in a clean stitch pattern. The standard thread is size 40, and you can choose between polyester and rayon (viscose thread). Polyester is robust, colorfast, and machine washable; rayon has a slightly nicer sheen but is more sensitive to moisture and friction.
You can find the full post on my blog:
The right fleece
The basis of every embroidery file
Embroidery stabilizer (also called backing) is the invisible backbone of your embroidery. It prevents the fabric from warping or rippling during stitching. Without stabilizer, the design would become distorted or shrink. Depending on the fabric and design, you can choose between different types of stabilizer:
-
Tear-away stabilizer: for firm, non-stretch fabrics such as cotton, canvas, denim, or linen. After stitching, it is carefully torn away along the stitched edge.
-
Cut-away stabilizer: for stretchy fabrics such as jersey, sweatshirt fleece, or knits. It adheres permanently to the back and prevents the design from distorting when worn.
-
Wash-away fleece: for transparent or delicate fabrics, but also as a topper for pile fabrics such as terry cloth, velvet or plush, so that the stitches do not sink into the pile.
For firm or thick materials like denim, canvas, or faux leather, you can add two to three layers of interfacing underneath. This gives the embroidery more stability and prevents the stitches from sinking into the material.
Also, make sure to cut the stabilizer so that it extends slightly beyond the frame all around. This is the only way the clamp will grip properly and the fabric will remain smooth during embroidery.
You can find the full post on my blog:
the embroidery file
Embroidery files – where to get them and how to load them onto your machine
Embroidery machines work with special digital embroidery files. These files contain all the information for the machine: stitch direction, thread colors, fill patterns, density, and the order of the color fields. Each machine model only reads specific file formats – for example, PES (Brother), EXP (Bernina), JEF (Janome), VP3 (Pfaff), or DST (Tajima).
You can obtain embroidery files in various ways:
-
Many machines already have integrated designs that you can use immediately.
-
You can find numerous freebies to download on websites and embroidery blogs.
-
In online shops like Etsy, Creative Fabrica, Urban Threads or Makerist you can buy professional designs – from simple lettering to realistic animal motifs or 3D embroideries.
-
When purchasing files, pay attention to the license terms: some files may only be used privately, others also commercially.
To load the embroidery file onto your machine, proceed as follows:
-
Download the file in the format that is compatible with your machine.
-
Copy them to a USB stick or transfer them via Wi-Fi or app if your machine supports this.
-
Open the file on your embroidery machine, check the size, the frame area and the colors.
-
Position the design exactly where you want to embroider it and secure it.
-
If possible, do a test stitch on a scrap piece of fabric – this way you can see if the density, fleece and thread tension are right before you risk your project.
You can find the full post on my blog:
The embroidery process
step by step
Once the fabric, fleece, and frame are prepared, select the design on your machine and align it precisely in the desired position. Make sure that no creases or tension have formed.
Check the thread tension – if the tension is too high, the top thread will pull the bottom thread upwards; if it's too low, the stitches will be loose. Start at a medium speed to observe the first few stitches, and reduce it for delicate fabrics or metallic threads.
While the machine is embroidering, change the thread colors as soon as they are displayed. Remove any loose thread remnants immediately so they don't get stitched in.
Once the embroidery is complete, carefully remove the frame, trim any excess stabilizer, and cut the threads. Washable or tear-away stabilizer is removed; cut-away stabilizer remains permanently.
Then iron the embroidery from the back or with an ironing cloth to avoid flattening the surface.
You can find the full post on my blog:
