I've been sewing for 17 years, but I started machine embroidery only a few years back. At start, I made quite a few mistakes and in this post I want to share machine embroidery tips that I wish I knew before starting. Knowing these 15 tips would have helped me save time, energy and complete projects more successfully.
I'm sharing these tips in both video and written format, so please feel free to choose which one is more suitable to you! Click image below to watch video version and scroll to read text.
This post is created in partnership with Mettler - manufacturer of high quality threads.
15 Tips About Machine Embroidery I Wish I Knew Sooner
INTERFACING IS KEY
From my experience in sewing, I know that interfacing can massively improve sewing results. In machine embroidery, that’s even more true and proper stabilizer is key to success. Without stabilizing the fabric, the stitches will get pulled and finished results won’t look good, so using stabilizer is a must in every project.
In my embroidery projects, I usually use two types of stabilizers: tear away (for wovens) and cut away (for knit fabrics).
2. MARK INTERFACING WITH LABELS
All these stabilizers look very similar and - together with interfacing that I use for sewing - I have about 15 different types of stabilizers. Needless to say, at the beginning, they used to get mixed up quite often, so to solve this issue I now mark every piece of interfacing I have with a small label at the corner.
3. SPRAY ADHESIVES
Neither tear-away, nor cut-away interfacings I use for embroidery have glue backing, so to apply them to my fabric, I use water soluble spray adhesives. Simply shake the can of adhesive, spray it on stabilizer and apply on the wrong side of the fabric you want to embroider, before hooping it. Once you’re finished with embroidery, you can wash away the spray adhesive, without leaving any marks.
The spray adhesives that I use are called Web Bond by Mettler.
4. ANTI-GLUE NEEDLE
When using spray adhesive, I always pair it with anti-glue needle that has special coating which prevents glue from sticking onto the needle. Without this needle, the glue quite quickly gathers around the needle and results in either thread or needle breakage, this is why I always have a few packs of Anti-glue needles for embroidery.
5. CORRECT NEEDLE IS A MUST
This brings us to importance of needle altogether: nothing will teach as quickly why correct needle is so important as machine embroidery!
The best example for that is Metallic threads - these threads come in several colors and they add a fantastic touch to embroidery or sewing projects. The surface of this thread is rather rough, so this thread needs to be paired with a needle that has a larger eye, so that when needle goes into the fabric, it has more space in the needle and does not break.
Just as it’s important to use correct stabilizer in embroidery projects - it’s equally important to use correct needle to ensure smooth embroidery process and good results.
6. VARIETY OF DIFFERENT THREADS
Now that I’ve mentioned metallic threads, I also want to mention that embroidery threads come in a larger variety than compared to sewing threads, so you might want to explore different options that you have available.
For example, Metallic thread has a very premium look, while multi-color thread (like Mettler Poly Sheen Multi) will add a very playful touch to your designs. Using cotton sewing thread for embroidery will give a more matt finish, while using embroidery thread (like Mettler Poly Sheen) will give more subtle gloss. And you can use glow in the dark threads (like Mettler Poly-Glow), which will give a ‘wow’ effect to your garments.
Knowing about different types of threads will expand of what you can create and what looks you can achieve.
7. BOBBIN THREAD
While in sewing we often match bobbin and top thread colors in machine embroidery it’s not needed and you can use one color to stitch out whole design, to create a smooth looking back. My go-to choice is Mettler Bobbinette thread that comes in big, 1000 meter spools and two colors - white and black. It’s very tear-resistant, pairs well with Mettler embroidery threads and works well with sewing and embroidery machines.
8. WIND LOTS OF BOBBINS
Speaking about bobbins, one tip I wish I’ve known sooner is to wind multiple bobbins before starting embroidery, so that when machine notifies that bobbin is almost empty - I’ll have replacement bobbin already waiting; and do not need to stop everything just to wind a new bobbin.
9. THREAD TENSION
Thread tension is also something that plays even more important role in embroidery success. In sewing, we usually need to adjust just the top thread tension, but in embroidery, bobbin tension adjustments may also be needed. Different threads and different fabrics may require different tension setting, so it’s a good idea to do a small test prior to stitching on main fabric, to fine tune tension.
10. WATER SOLUBLE FILM
One item that helped me significantly improve quality of knit embroidery, is using water soluble film on top of main fabric, so that the thread doesn’t sink-in too deep into the fabric. Put film on top of fabric (that already has stabilizer applied on wrong side of the fabric) and hoop it in. Once the embroidery design is finished, remove the free film and wash out the remaining film in washing machine.
It’s a tiny change, but it does make big difference!
11. BUTTONHOLE EMBROIDERY
Before getting embroidery machine, I didn’t know that it can be used in such wide range of projects. For example, you can stitch buttonholes on embroidery machine, instead of sewing machine, and unlock a completely new range of available buttonholes.
Buttonhole stitches may already be available on your machine, or you can buy them additionally.
12. GREAT WAY TO ADD PERSONALISATION - EVEN ON INVISIBLE PARTS
One way how i like to use embroidery is adding little personalisation details to garment insides. For example, stitching out who made the garment on the lining. This will not be visible on garment outside, but it will add an extra nice touch to your designs.
13. KIDS LOVE IT
Kids also love embroidery, but the key here is to create what they like - for example, my son loves cars, heavy machinery and fish. So if I’ll add any of these embroidery designs to the garment that I’m sewing for him - he will automatically be much more excited to wear it.
14. PATTERNS CAN BE PRICEY
Before starting machine embroidery, I didn’t know that embroidery patterns can be rather pricey and if you buy new one for each new project - it can quickly add up.
I’ve tried making my own embroidery designs in the past, but I haven’t enjoyed the process much plus it takes quite a long time, so now I either use patterns that are available on my embroidery machine or buy on Etsy,, where I often can find items on sale or in design packs, that have multiple designs, thus saving money.
15. PATIENCE - IT TAKES TIME, strive to improve with every project!
Thank you for reading these tips and I hope you learned something new!
Wishing you a creative week ahead,
Julija Gobere (SewingJulie)
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