How to Start Machine Embroidery? Tools & Tips for Beginners

Machine embroidery represents a significant advancement in textile embellishment, offering precision, efficiency, and versatility. This automated process allows for the creation of intricate designs on fabric with remarkable consistency and speed

The advantages of machine embroidery include:

• Enhanced productivity

• Consistent reproduction of complex designs

• Extensive design possibilities, from simple monograms to elaborate patterns

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamental aspects of machine embroidery for beginners, equipping you with the knowledge necessary to embark on your embroidery journey.

Before we can start stitching, we need to gather the right equipment and materials. Let's go through the essential components you'll need for successful embroidery projects.

The embroidery machine is the heart of your new craft. It's crucial that you select a machine that aligns with your goals and skill level.

Single Needle Machines :

• Recommended for beginners

• User-friendly interface and compact design

• Suitable for small-scale projects and personal use

Multi-Needle Machines :

• Advanced functionality and increased versatility

• Optimal for larger projects and commercial applications

• Capable of managing multiple thread colors simultaneously

When evaluating embroidery machines, consider the following factors:

• Financial investment

• Intended project scope and complexity

• Willingness to navigate a steeper learning curve

When purchasing machine embroidery equipment, it's important to choose trusted sources that align with your machine brand. For Brother, Janome, or Bernina machines, consider buying from well-known suppliers like SewingMachinesPlus, AllStitch, or Ken's Sewing Center. These stores are frequently recommended on embroidery forums and offer detailed reviews and support.

For second-hand embroidery machines, check platforms like Meissner Sewing and LindaZs, but always verify the seller’s reputation and machine condition. Forums like r/MachineEmbroidery on Reddit or Sewing Pattern Review are great places to read experiences and get advice from experienced users.

I advise beginners to start with a single-needle machine. It will give you a solid foundation, and you can always upgrade as your skills grow.

In addition to your embroidery machine, you'll need several other supplies to get started:

Thread Varieties and Colorways

Embroidery thread is your primary medium for creating designs. You'll want to have:

• Polyester thread (you'll appreciate its durability and colorfastness)

• Rayon thread (known for its luster and softness)

• Metallic thread (for when you want to add some sparkle)

I suggest starting with a selection of basic colors. You'll find your collection growing as you take on more diverse projects.

Needle Selection

Choosing the right needle is crucial for achieving quality stitches. Here's what you need to consider:

• Needle size (you'll use smaller needles for lighter fabrics and larger ones for heavier materials)

• Needle type (embroidery needles have larger eyes to reduce thread friction)

Remember to change your needle regularly. You'll see the difference in stitch quality, and it helps prevent damage to your fabric.

Stabilizers

We use stabilizers to maintain fabric integrity during embroidery. You'll need:

• Cut-away stabilizer (great for knits and stretchy fabrics)

• Tear-away stabilizer (you'll use this for woven fabrics)

• Water-soluble stabilizer (ideal when you don't want any stabilizer visible in the finished project)

Support Tools

Don't forget these helpful tools:

• Precision scissors for trimming threads

• A seam ripper (we all make mistakes!)

• Tweezers for precise thread placement

Discover our related blog post about Embroidery Tools and Materials: A Beginner's Guide to learn about the implements that transform simple threads into works of art.

Choosing embroidery designs is an exciting part of the process. You can:

• Use pre-installed designs that come with your machine

• Purchase designs online

• Create your own designs

Read more about How to Create Your Own Embroidery Designs: From Idea to Digitalization

As a beginner, I recommend starting with simple designs. Try geometric shapes, monograms, and uncomplicated floral patterns to develop your fundamental skills.

Now that we've covered the essentials, let's walk through the process of creating your first embroidery project. I'll guide you through each step, sharing tips I've learned along the way. We all start somewhere, so don't worry if it feels a bit overwhelming at first.

First things first, let's get your fabric ready for its embroidery debut.

Cutting to size :

• Measure your hoop and add an extra 2 inches all around.

• Use sharp fabric scissors for a clean cut.

Ironing for a smooth surface :

• Press your fabric on both sides.

• Avoid using steam, as it can distort your fabric.

Pro tip: A wrinkle-free fabric is your best canvas for crisp, clean embroidery.

Think of stabilizer as your fabric's supportive best friend. Here's how to use it:

Choose your stabilizer :

• Cut-away for knits and stretchy fabrics

• Tear-away for woven, stable fabrics

• Water-soluble for when you don't want any stabilizer showing

Attach the stabilizer :

• For cut-away and tear-away: Place it behind your fabric.

• For water-soluble: Place it on top of your fabric.

Remember, using the right stabilizer can make or break your project. When in doubt, it's better to use a slightly heavier stabilizer than one that's too light.

Proper hooping is crucial for achieving professional-looking results. Here's how we do it:

• Loosen the outer hoop and place your fabric and stabilizer on the inner hoop.

• Press the outer hoop down, sandwiching the layers.

• Tighten the screw while gently pulling the fabric taut.

Your goal is to make the fabric as tight as a drum, but be careful not to stretch it out of shape.

Now, let's get your machine ready for action:

Upper thread installation

• Follow your machine's threading guide carefully.

• Make sure the thread is seated correctly in the tension disks.

Bobbin thread preparation :

• Wind your bobbin evenly.

• Insert it into the bobbin case, following the thread path indicated in your manual.

A little patience here goes a long way. Proper threading prevents a host of potential issues down the line.

Time to tell your machine what masterpiece you want to create:

Transferring designs to your machine :

• Use a USB drive or direct connection, depending on your machine.

• Ensure your design is in a format your machine can read.

Positioning the design :

• Use your machine's screen to center and rotate the design as needed.

• Double-check the size to make sure it fits within your hoop.

Pro tip: Always preview your design before you start stitching. It's much easier to make adjustments now than to unpick later!

The moment of truth has arrived. Let's get stitching:

Machine settings and adjustments :

• Set your stitch speed. I recommend starting slower for your first few projects.

• Check that you've selected the right needle and presser foot.

Here are some suggestions:

Needle Type : 

For most fabrics like cotton (commonly used in t-shirts and sweatshirts), a 75/11 or 80/12 embroidery needle works well. If you're working on thicker fabrics like hats, use a sharp needle for better penetration.

Ballpoint Needles : Use these when working with knits to prevent fabric damage.

Needle Size : Smaller needles (75/11) work best for thinner fabrics, and larger needles (80/12 or 90/14) are more suitable for thicker materials.

Monitoring the embroidery progress :

• Keep an eye on your thread tension and adjust if necessary.

• Watch for any issues like thread breaks or skipped stitches.

• Density for Text : For small lettering (less than 1/4 inch), reduce the stitch density slightly to prevent the design from becoming too bulky. Typically, a density of 4-6 stitches per mm works well for text.

• Density for Designs : For larger designs, increase the stitch density slightly to provide more coverage and smooth stitching.

• Underlay Stitching : Ensure your design has a good underlay (a base layer of stitching) to provide stability, especially for larger or dense designs.

It's okay to pause the machine if you need to make adjustments. Better safe than sorry!

Congratulations! You've completed your embroidery. Now for the final steps:

Removing the hoop :

• Gently take your fabric out of the hoop.

• If you used tear-away stabilizer, carefully remove it now.

Trimming excess threads :

• Use your small, sharp scissors to snip away any jump threads.

• Be careful not to cut your embroidery stitches!

Final pressing :

• Press your embroidery from the back, using a pressing cloth to protect your stitches.

• This helps your embroidery lay flat and look its best.

Take a moment to admire your work – you've just taken your first step into a larger world of creativity and craftsmanship.

I have some small tips that'll help you take your machine embroidery skills to the next level. I hope these tips will save you time, frustration, and maybe even a few broken needles!

You might be wondering, "Does it really matter which needle and thread I use?" The short answer is: absolutely! Here's why:

• Light fabrics : You'll want to use finer needles (sizes 65/9 to 75/11) and lighter weight threads. This combo prevents those pesky holes that can ruin delicate materials.

• Medium fabrics : A middle-of-the-road approach works best here. Go for needles in the 75/11 to 90/14 range with standard embroidery thread.

• Heavy fabrics : Break out the big guns! Needles sized 90/14 to 100/16 and robust threads will power through denim, canvas, and other tough materials.

Remember, matching your needle and thread to your fabric is like finding the perfect dance partners. When they work in harmony, the results are beautiful!

We all love speed, but in embroidery, faster isn't always better. Here's how to find the right pace:

Simple Designs

• Speed: 800-1000 stitches per minute (SPM)

• Use: Basic shapes, large fills, or simple logos.

Intricate or Detailed Designs

• Speed: 500-700 SPM

• Use: Small text, fine details (like Bible verses), or complex images.

Metallic Threads

• Speed: 400-600 SPM

• Use: For metallic or specialty threads prone to breakage.

Thick Fabrics (e.g., sweatshirts, hats)

• Speed: 500-700 SPM

• Use: To prevent thread breaks and fabric distortion.

Thin/Delicate Fabrics (e.g., silk, satin)

• Speed: 400-600 SPM

• Use: To avoid puckering or damaging delicate fabrics.

Appliqué

• Speed: 600-800 SPM

• Use: To ensure precision when stitching around fabric pieces.

Projects	Machine Speed
Simple Designs	800 - 1000 SPM
Detailed Designs	500 - 700 SPM
Metallic Threads	400 - 600 SPM
Thick Fabrics	500 - 700 SPM
Thing Fabrics	400 - 600 SPM
Appliqué	600 - 800 SPM

Tips: Start slower than you think you need to. You can always increase speed as you get more comfortable with a design or fabric.

Even the pros hit snags sometimes. Here's how to tackle some common embroidery hiccups:

Broken Threads

If you're constantly rethreading, try these fixes:

• Check your needle for burrs or damage

• Ensure your thread path is correct

• Adjust your tension (it might be too tight!)

Thread Tangling

Nothing's more frustrating than a bird's nest under your fabric. Here's how to avoid it:

• Hold your thread tails when you start stitching

• Clean your bobbin area regularly

• Make sure you're using the right bobbin for your machine

Design Alignment Problems

When your design looks more abstract art than precise embroidery, consider:

• Double-checking your hooping technique

• Using the right stabilizer for your fabric

• Ensuring your design is centered in your software before sending it to the machine

Practice Makes Perfect

I can't stress this enough: practice makes perfect! Here are some fun ways to hone your skills:

• Create a sampler with different stitch types and densities

• Try embroidering on various fabric scraps

• Challenge yourself with progressively complex designs

Remember, every "mistake" is just a learning opportunity in disguise. Embrace the journey!

We're all in this together! Connecting with other embroidery enthusiasts can be incredibly rewarding. Here's why you should consider joining an online community:

• Get inspiration for new projects

• Troubleshoot issues with experienced embroiderers

• Stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies

• Share your successes (and yes, even your failures)

Here are some places that I have been bookmarked for years:

• Machine Embroidery Communities on Reddit
• Machine Embroidery Enthusiasts on Facebook
• EGA Online Communities: The EGA is a well-established group with local chapters and online communities.
• Needle ‘n Thread Forum: It’s a more traditional forum style but great for detailed discussions.
• Embroidery.com: They host forums and offer tutorials, supplies, and patterns. It’s a solid platform for machine and hand embroidery with lots of user engagement.

Every expert was once a beginner. Stay patient, keep practicing, and most importantly, have fun with it! Your next embroidery project could be your best one yet.

Let's explore some fun and manageable projects to help you practice your newfound skills. You can build confidence while creating these beautiful, functional items.

Handkerchiefs

Embroidered handkerchiefs are a classic for a reason:

• They're small, making them quick to complete

• The flat surface is ideal for practicing different stitch types

• You can create personalized gifts with monograms or simple designs

Tips: Start with cotton handkerchiefs. They're easy to work with and readily available.

Pillowcases

Pillowcases offer a larger canvas for your creativity:

• You can start with simple corner designs and work your way up to more complex patterns

• They're practical items that you'll use every day

• Different fabric types allow you to experiment with various stabilizers

Tips: When embroidering pillowcases, position your design so it's visible when the pillow is on the bed.

Tote Bags

Who doesn't love a good tote bag? Here's why they're great for beginners:

• The sturdy fabric is forgiving if you make small mistakes

• You can practice positioning designs on a three-dimensional item

• They make excellent gifts for friends and family

Tips: Start with a simple design on the front panel. As you gain confidence, you can try more complex designs or even add embroidery to the straps!

Now, let's talk about some designs that are perfect for those just starting out. Remember, it's okay to start small – you'll be tackling more complex designs before you know it!

Floral Designs

Flowers are a staple in the embroidery world, and for good reason:

• They come in various complexity levels, from simple daisies to intricate roses

• You can practice different stitch types within a single design

• They look great on almost any item

Tips: Start with a simple sunflower or daisy design. As you improve, you can move on to more detailed bouquets.

Monograms

Monograms are an excellent way to personalize items and practice your lettering skills:

• Begin with basic block letters and progress to more ornate scripts

• Experiment with different fonts to find your favorite styles

• Try adding simple flourishes or borders as you gain confidence

Tips: When doing monograms, always double-check your spelling. Trust me, we've all made that mistake at least once!

Simple Geometric Shapes

Geometric patterns are not only trendy but also great for beginners:

• Start with basic shapes like circles, triangles, and squares

• Practice clean, straight lines and even spacing

• Combine shapes to create more complex patterns as you improve

Tips: Try a simple polka dot pattern on a pillowcase or a series of concentric circles on a tote bag.

Through this guide to machine embroidery for beginners, I hope you're feeling inspired and ready to start your creative journey. The path to mastery is paved with patience, practice, and a healthy dose of enthusiasm.

So, thread that needle, power up your machine, and let your creativity flow. Your embroidery journey is just beginning, and I can't wait to see the beautiful creations you'll bring to life.

Take a look at our embroidered products, in case, you might want to tackle larger projects like embroidered sweatshirts and hoodies. These cozy garments offer an excellent canvas for your creativity and make fantastic personalized gifts or custom wear.