Embroidery 101: Getting Started Embroidery Project
Embroidery 101 will provide both new and experienced embroiderers a unique perspective into the tips and tricks that are critical to a successful, enjoyable embroidery experience. This first column is geared for the new machine owner - you’re only a be
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Water Soluble Stabilizer - 12" x 25 Yds
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Embroidery 101 will provide both new and experienced embroiderers a unique perspective into the tips and tricks that are critical to a successful, enjoyable embroidery experience. This first column is geared for the new machine owner - you’re only a beginner once, but sometimes it's important to remember the basics.
Congratulations on the purchase of your first embroidery machine! If you’re excited but a bit apprehensive, the following guidelines will help you get started. And remember, you’re only a beginner once!
1. Review the instruction manual and video carefully. Pay special attention to the parts description pages so that you know what buttons and keys perform what functions. In the embroidery section make note of some important features. |
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2. Select your design Some machines have a screen that displays the embroidery images and you make your selection from that screen. Other machines do not display the image, they only list the number of the design. How do you know what design you have chosen? If it’s an image, match the screen image to the image on the artwork. If it’s a number, match the number to the number on the artwork. Sometimes the image on the screen is not clear enough to determine what design is selected. This is often the case with many leaves, flowers and vines because all of the designs on the card can appear to be very similar. There is one more point of reference that can help you determine what design is selected. The sequential order of the designs will be the same on the machine as they appear on the artwork. If you wanted the third design on the artwork, select the third design on the screen. |
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3. Fabric selection Plain fabrics that have very little or no pattern work best. Keep in mind the fabric is a backdrop for your embroidery. Don’t select one that will compete with or overpower your embroidery. Embroidering on highly textured fabrics can also detract from the overall finished look. A combination of textured fabrics and embroidery can be quite successful but it’s best to leave that for more advanced embroidery projects. |
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4. Stabilizer The four basic categories of stabilizer are: Cut-away A permanent stabilizer, cut-away’s main function is to maintain the resolution of the embroidery design. It is available in black and white, fusible and non-fusible in a variety of weights. Tear-away A permanent stabilizer that remains in the embroidery design once the excess is torn away. It is available in black and white, fusible and non-fusible in a variety of weights. Tear-aways should only be used when the act of tearing will not distort the fabric or the embroidery design. Wash-away A temporary stabilizer that is completely removed with water. Most water soluble stabilizers are a clear film available in adhesive and non-adhesive in a variety of weights. Often used as a topper on knits, pile fabrics and terrycloth. Other uses include lace embroidery, embroidering on sheer fabrics and dimensional embroidery. Heat-away A temporary stabilizer used on sheers when water can not be introduced to the fabric. Heat-away stabilizer is removed with an iron after completing all embroidery. |
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5. Hooping Proper hooping is the key to successful embroidery. Note the position of the design on the screen. Is the image in a vertical or horizontal position? Does your machine have the ability to rotate the design in the hoop? If not, the fabric must be hooped accordingly. Select the right size hoop for your design. Loosen the outer ring of the hoop and place it on a flat surface. Lay the stabilized fabric on top of the outer ring. Press the inner ring into position. Manipulate the fabric to make sure that you are ‘square’ in the hoop before tightening. Make sure the fabric is taut in the hoop and there is nothing undesirable caught between the rings. Attach the hoop to the machine and make sure the hoop can move freely on the sewing table without any obstructions. |
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6. Thread Use the artwork as a guideline for color selection. There is a large variety of embroidery thread available for the home sewer. Most designs call for a 40 wt. rayon or polyester thread. Consult your machine manual for bobbin thread recommendations. When selecting your thread colors, keep in mind the fabric that the design will be stitched on. Using thread that is close in value to the base fabric will produce a tone-on-tone look. Thread that is in high contrast to the base fabric allows your embroidery to ‘pop’ or jump out to the viewer. Now, the hard part is over and it’s time to let the machine perform its magic. But stay close by because you still have to change the thread. Happy stitching - you’re going to love your new investment. |
