Machine embroidery - The Basics
Embroidery is the art of decorating any sewable material with thread. Often it can be further embellished with sequins rhinestones and other decorative items. Hand embroidery has been practice since around 3000 BC. Hand embroiderers use a variety of stitch types to create wonderful pieces of artwork. Hand embroidery is very time consuming and requires considerable skill and patience.
There are two different types of machine embroidery, the first one is using a sewing machine to created designs in the fabric the second is the use of a computerized embroidery machine. With the growing popularity and affordability of embroidery machines stunning embroidery results can be produced much faster and is accessible to almost anyone.
Machine embroidery designs can range from quite simple one color work (Red Work) to extremely elaborate designs using lots of different colors. There are many designs available to download from the internet and most websites will offer a selection of free designs.
If you are new to machine embroidery you here are the basics to get you started; Don't start with stretchy knits or light weight fabrics, they are tricky to hoop and you will need some practice before you attempt them. start with stable fabric like cotton, homespun or calico.Make sure you cut enough stabilizer to fit in the hoop and place it underneath the fabric and hoop it up.
Choose an design that is suitable for the fabric. you don't want a really delicate design on a towel or a fabric with pile as it will disappear into the pile and you won't be able to see it. Conversely, don't put a dense design with lots of stitches onto a lightweight fabric.
It is important to choose the correct stabilizer. Use Tearaway stabilizer if you don't want the stabilizer showing on the back because it can be nearly completely, it is more brittle to touch and therefore can be scratchy against the skin. Use cuttaway stabilizer for unstable fabrics like knits it is also better if the garment is being washed often and is softer to touch than tearaway. Use washaway if you are making free standing lace or 3D designs. A water soluble topper is essential on top of towels and fabric with a pile.
Happy stitching
There are two different types of machine embroidery, the first one is using a sewing machine to created designs in the fabric the second is the use of a computerized embroidery machine. With the growing popularity and affordability of embroidery machines stunning embroidery results can be produced much faster and is accessible to almost anyone.
Machine embroidery designs can range from quite simple one color work (Red Work) to extremely elaborate designs using lots of different colors. There are many designs available to download from the internet and most websites will offer a selection of free designs.
If you are new to machine embroidery you here are the basics to get you started; Don't start with stretchy knits or light weight fabrics, they are tricky to hoop and you will need some practice before you attempt them. start with stable fabric like cotton, homespun or calico.Make sure you cut enough stabilizer to fit in the hoop and place it underneath the fabric and hoop it up.
Choose an design that is suitable for the fabric. you don't want a really delicate design on a towel or a fabric with pile as it will disappear into the pile and you won't be able to see it. Conversely, don't put a dense design with lots of stitches onto a lightweight fabric.
It is important to choose the correct stabilizer. Use Tearaway stabilizer if you don't want the stabilizer showing on the back because it can be nearly completely, it is more brittle to touch and therefore can be scratchy against the skin. Use cuttaway stabilizer for unstable fabrics like knits it is also better if the garment is being washed often and is softer to touch than tearaway. Use washaway if you are making free standing lace or 3D designs. A water soluble topper is essential on top of towels and fabric with a pile.
Happy stitching
