Machine Embroidery GlossaryGlossary

A repositionable spray used to hold fabric, stabilizer, batting, or applique pieces in place instead of hooping them. Choose one labeled for temporary textile or embroidery use and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

A machine embroidery technique where fabric pieces are stitched onto a base fabric and secured with decorative embroidery stitches. Appliqué reduces stitch count, adds texture, and creates colorful designs.

Software-assisted conversion of artwork into embroidery stitches. While quick, auto-digitized designs often require manual editing for professional results.

Another name for stabilizer placed behind fabric to support embroidery during stitching.

A needle with a rounded point that slides between knit fibers instead of piercing them, which helps prevent holes and runs on T-shirts and other stretchy fabrics.

The soft middle layer of a quilt, sandwiched between the quilt top and the backing fabric. Quilting designs stitch through all three layers at once.

A stitch that travels over the same path multiple times to create a thicker outline. Commonly used for redwork and vintage embroidery.

Outline-style embroidery traditionally stitched in black thread, the sister style to redwork. Like redwork it uses light, simple outlines, and you are free to stitch it in any color.

Fine thread wound onto the bobbin underneath the fabric. It supports the top embroidery thread and helps produce balanced stitches.

Lettering fonts included with embroidery software or embroidery machines.

A collection of embroidery designs sold together, usually organized around a theme, holiday, or project.

The order in which thread colors are stitched within an embroidery design. Following the correct sequence minimizes thread changes and ensures the design stitches correctly.

A pause the machine makes when one section of a design is finished. A color stop does not always mean a thread change - in in-the-hoop and applique designs it is often a cue to add fabric, trim, or turn the project.

A machine that both sews and embroiders, often called a combo machine. It can stitch a design and then sew the seams that finish the project, which is why many beginners start with one.

A hoop that opens or releases so fabric can be repositioned without fully rehooping, also called a border hoop. It makes repeating borders, motifs, and long rows of embroidery much easier.

A permanent stabilizer trimmed after embroidery. Ideal for knit fabrics, stretchy materials, and garments that require long-term support.

The process of converting artwork, logos, or images into embroidery-ready stitch files specifically designed for embroidery machines.

Creating personalized names, monograms, or text using embroidery fonts.

Professionally resizing an embroidery design while adjusting stitch density and underlay to maintain stitch quality.

The amount of stitching packed into a design. Proper density produces smooth embroidery without causing stiffness or thread breaks.

A digital embroidery file containing stitch instructions, color changes, and machine commands.

A package containing multiple embroidery designs offered together at a discounted price.

The process of creating embroidery stitch files from artwork using specialized embroidery software.

An embroidery file delivered electronically after purchase.

An embroidery file format created by Tajima and widely used on commercial embroidery machines.

The largest area your machine can stitch in a single hooping, sometimes called the sewing field. It is slightly smaller than the hoop itself, so a design must fit the field rather than the frame.

The specific file type used by embroidery machines, such as PES, DST, JEF, EXP, VP3, HUS, or XXX.

A computerized sewing machine designed specifically for stitching embroidery designs.

A machine built purely for embroidery. It stitches designs beautifully but cannot sew regular seams, so a separate sewing machine is needed to finish many projects.

Programs used to edit, resize, combine, personalize, and digitize embroidery designs.

The embroidery file format used by BERNINA embroidery machines.

The letters after the dot in a file name, such as .pes, .jef, or .dst, that tell your machine what type of file it is. Renaming the extension does not convert a design - it only renames the file.

A series of stitches used to completely cover larger areas with thread.

A technique where fabric is placed on top of an already-hooped stabilizer instead of being hooped directly.

A collection of embroidery letters, numbers, and symbols designed specifically for machine embroidery.

Embroidery stitched entirely on water-soluble stabilizer to create lace that stands on its own after the stabilizer is dissolved.

A stabilizer with a heat-activated adhesive that is ironed onto the back of the fabric. It is a favorite for T-shirts because it keeps the knit from shifting and stretching while the machine stitches.

A specialty hoop that holds a cap or hat so it can be embroidered on the curve. Hat hoops are machine-specific, so one has to match your machine to work.

A frame that holds fabric and stabilizer securely during embroidery.

Visible marks left by embroidery hoops on delicate fabrics.

The maximum embroidery area supported by a specific hoop.

An embroidery file format used by Husqvarna Viking embroidery machines.

Projects completed almost entirely inside the embroidery hoop, such as bags, ornaments, key fobs, coasters, and plush toys.

Material added to fabric to improve stability and structure, sometimes used alongside stabilizers.

The embroidery file format used by Janome embroidery machines.

A connecting thread left between separate stitched sections that is trimmed after embroidery.

A small in-the-hoop project where a fabric strap is stitched almost entirely in the hoop and finished with hardware. Key fobs use little fabric and stitch quickly, which makes them a popular first ITH project.

The metal parts added after stitching - a key fob clamp, key ring, swivel hook, snap, or lobster clasp - that turn the finished strap into a usable key fob.

Stretchy fabric such as T-shirt jersey. Knits move while stitching, so they usually need a cut-away or fusible stabilizer and a ballpoint needle.

A layer of stitches placed beneath embroidery to flatten textured fabrics like towels or fleece.

Creating embroidered text using embroidery fonts or custom digitized alphabets.

Loose loops appearing on the embroidery, usually caused by incorrect thread tension.

The process of using a computerized embroidery machine to stitch decorative designs onto fabric.

A hoop that holds the project with magnets instead of clamping it between two frames. It makes bulky items such as jackets, quilts, thick towels, and bags far easier to hoop and reposition.

A needle with a larger, smoother eye that reduces friction on metallic thread and helps prevent shredding and breaks.

A decorative thread with a metallic finish. It looks stunning but can be fussy, so a metallic needle, a slower stitching speed, and a test stitch are worth the extra minutes.

Decorative initials stitched onto garments, towels, bags, and gifts.

An embroidery machine with multiple needles that automatically changes thread colors.

The raised, directional surface on fabrics such as velvet, fleece, and towels. Stitches sink into a nap, so these fabrics usually need a topping or a knockdown stitch.

A specialized embroidery needle designed to minimize thread breakage and produce clean stitches.

Indicates the diameter of the embroidery needle and should match the thread and fabric being used.

Stitches used to define edges and details within an embroidery design.

A downloadable printable sewing or quilting pattern supplied as a PDF document rather than an embroidery file.

A popular embroidery file format used by many Brother and Baby Lock embroidery machines.

The first outline a design stitches to show exactly where fabric or another material should be laid down. Applique and in-the-hoop designs begin with one.

Strong, colorfast embroidery thread that holds up to regular wear and frequent washing, which makes it a practical everyday choice for beginners.

A bobbin that arrives already wound with bobbin thread, ready to drop in. Some machines need a specific size or type, so check the manual before buying.

Wrinkling of fabric caused by insufficient stabilization, incorrect tension, or excessive stitch density.

Additional width added during digitizing to compensate for fabric pull during stitching.

Natural distortion that occurs as embroidery stitches pull fabric in one direction while pushing it in another.

An embroidery design specifically created for quilt blocks, borders, stippling, or decorative quilting.

Embroidery thread known for its soft sheen, which gives lettering and florals a polished, slightly glossy finish. It is less durable than polyester, so it suits projects where looks matter more than heavy washing.

Simple embroidery created primarily using bean stitches or running stitches, traditionally stitched in red thread.

Accurate alignment of multiple stitch layers and color changes.

A single line of stitches commonly used for outlines, details, and travel paths.

Dense parallel stitches used for borders, lettering, and narrow columns.

A needle with a finer, more pointed tip that pierces cleanly through tightly woven or dense materials.

The total number of stitches contained within an embroidery design. Higher stitch counts generally increase stitching time.

A support material placed behind, beneath, or above fabric to prevent distortion during embroidery.

A pre-made embroidery design available for purchase and immediate download.

A quilting style made of wandering, curved lines, also called meandering. It adds texture across an area without large filled sections, and it stitches in a single thread color.

A needle shaped to prevent skipped stitches on very stretchy fabrics such as spandex blends and activewear knits.

The stitch that sews fabric down after it has been laid over the placement line, holding it securely while you trim the excess and before the finishing stitches go on top.

A patterned fill stitch commonly used to cover large embroidered areas.

A stabilizer that is torn away after embroidery, commonly used on stable woven fabrics.

The looped, textured fabric used for towels. Its raised pile swallows stitches, so towel projects usually need a water-soluble topping and often float on hooped stabilizer instead of being hooped directly.

Stitching a design on a scrap of the same fabric and stabilizer before embroidering the finished item, so size, colors, and settings can be checked first. Also called a sew-out.

An interruption caused when embroidery thread snaps during stitching.

The total number of stitches in a design is often mistakenly referred to as thread count. In embroidery, stitch count is the correct term, while thread weight refers to the thickness of the embroidery thread.

How tightly the top thread and bobbin thread are pulled as the machine stitches. Balanced tension produces smooth, even stitches, while unbalanced tension causes looping, puckering, or thread breaks.

The thickness of embroidery thread, commonly 40 wt for machine embroidery.

A water-soluble stabilizer placed on top of textured fabrics to prevent stitches from sinking.

A hidden running stitch used to move from one part of a design to another.

Foundation stitches sewn beneath the visible embroidery to stabilize fabric and improve stitch quality.

Loading embroidery designs onto a machine using a USB flash drive.

Artwork made from scalable mathematical paths that is ideal for professional embroidery digitizing.

The embroidery file format used by Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff embroidery machines.

A water-soluble stabilizer that dissolves after embroidery, commonly used for lace and sheer fabrics.

A temporary stabilizer placed on top of textured fabrics like towels or fleece to improve stitch definition.

Fabric made from threads crossing at right angles, such as quilting cotton, denim, or canvas. Wovens are stable and forgiving, which makes them an easy choice for a first project.

An embroidery file format compatible with Singer embroidery machines.

A compressed folder that holds the design files from a download. Unzip it on a computer first, then copy the individual design files to your machine.