Machine Embroidery

Machine embroidery is a fun way to make your fabric and clothing items look unique. It is similar to hand embroidery in that you are creating a design with colored thread, but machine embroidery allows you to embroider with more precision and volume. Hand embroidery is ideal for small details and a handcrafted look, whereas machine embroidery looks much more manufactured. 

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Another major difference between hand and machine embroidery is – yep, you guessed it – you need a machine! Some sewing machines offer embroidery capabilities, but often they just have the options to make patterns similar to the ones you can create with your hand. A standalone embroidery machine costs around $400, but it allows you to upload designs that can be transferred to fabric in minutes.  

You will also need embroidery thread and needles. Embroidery thread is typically made of polyester because it is strong and affordable, but cotton thread is also a great option. Universal needles can be used for embroidery, but there are needles designed specifically for this craft. Chrome-plated steel and titanium-plated needles are specifically recommended for machine embroidery because of their durability. 

Embroidery stabilizers are also important for clean machine embroidery. The stabilizer feels like a cross between fabric and paper, and it is used to improve the quality of the stitches. There are tons of types of stabilizers that vary based on weight, use, and how it is removed from the design. Most people recommend tailoring the type of stabilizer you’re using to the project you are working on. 

Certain fabrics are also best for machine embroidery. Fabrics with a tight weave, such as cotton, linen, and wool, normally work best for both machine and hand-embroidery. 

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Once you have your materials gathered, you have to decide on a design. To browse free embroidery designs, check out Embroideres or the Brother sewing machine website. Every machine reads different types of embroidery files best, so make sure you know this before purchasing a design file. You should be able to find this in the machine’s manual, or you can Google it! You can also download software where you can digitally create your own designs to be embroidered. 

The best part of machine embroidery is that, once you have established your design, you can execute it very quickly with the machine. You can also easily switch up these designs, making machine-embroidered items easy to make hyperpersonalized quickly. You can make embroidered items for your friends, like sweatshirts with their initials or tote bags with their name on them.