If you're the crafty type who's good at sewing, but doesn't have endless hours to spend on an extra project or two, imagine a machine that could do it all for you. After you make that creative pattern, flip two more switches, and add intricate embroidery stitches.
When the machine is finished, the design will appear as though you did it all by hand. With a embroidery sewing machines, you can enjoy the best of both.
Embroidery Patterns
For those who are interested only in adding embroidery patterns to already-finished clothing, embroidery machines may be a better alternative. Most will allow users to upload and use digital embroidery patterns by scanning them directly into the machine. Consumers can easily find embroidery designs to download from many websites on the internet.
Commercial embroidery machines are also available. These are intended for use by persons who want to create high volumes of a particular design, or for those who will be using their machines primarily for tougher fabrics like denim or upholstery. Artists who are planning to create and sell large numbers of embroidered patterns will probably want to invest in a commercial embroidery machine.
Looking for an embroidery machine, but just not quite sure what to buy? Products like Pfaff, Melco, and Babylock Embroidery Machines will produce quality creations and are sold with solid warranties, or take a chance and buy a slightly less expensive model. Generally, however, as stated earlier, three basic types of machines are available.
Embroidery machines are good for someone who isn't interested in purchasing a new sewing machine or doesn't enjoy sewing. Similarly, commercial embroidery machines offer only embroidery functions, but include several needles that can be threaded before the design is begun. These also feature several heads, so that a design can be added to multiple items simultaneously.
In contrast, a combination sewing and embroider machine allows people to both sew and create embroidery designs on the same machine. These are excellent for sewers who want to add to their repertoire of skills.
Computerized Sewing Machines
Each of these embroidery machines, though, offers a variety of different features that can make the job easier or more professional. Choose an easy-to-use machine that will automatically thread a needle or a model that allows bobbin changing with a couple of clicks. Or choose embroidery machines made by Janome or Tajima that offers the latest in state-of-the-art computerized technologies.
Interested in creating geometric designs, or ensuring that the designs stay balanced on either side? Select a machine that offers mirror-imaging capabilities. For those who prefer to create their own designs and transfer them to the machine, a scanner feature is a must-have. Be sure, too, to select a machine with a memory large enough to store all of the designs and features desired.
Each machine will feature slightly different embroidery hoop sizes, so choose a machine that will use a hoop large enough to accommodate the largest designs you intend to embroider. Most machines offer users the opportunity to select from a variety of sizes, so buy a machine that offers the smallest and largest size needed.
The majority of machines include a presser foot, which will maintain an even tension on fabric during sewing and embroidering. Some also offer a walking presser foot. This will move as the machine moves and help to keep delicate fabricates in place during the embroidery process.
Embroidery Digitizing Software
Good embroidery software is a critical part of developing designs for computerized embroidery machines. Software applications make pattern creation less painful and greatly increase the variety of patterns and design choices available.
Most commercial machines require commercial software, but some combination machines can use this software as well. These programs offer everything necessary to create intricate embroidery patterns.
Some machines use only proprietary software. Usually, manufacturers of machine-specific software feature a variety of basic patterns that can be downloaded and used by the operator. The same is also true of independent designers; these designs are created to be used only with certain machines and their existing software applications. Many of these can be converted to a more user-friendly format with independent vendor software.
Hand Embroidery
For those who want to try their hand at the art of hand embroidery, a number of embroidery kits or patterns are available for purchase as well. Embroidery patterns for nearly any kind of flower, fruit, or design imaginable have been marketed and sold. Many include needles, floss, or ribbon trim required by the pattern. Some also include scissors or transfers.
Beginners would do well to attend some instructional classes or buy some embroidery books or information guides to learn this classic art. Another good early investment is storage cases or totes for embroidery supplies. Embroidery uses hundreds of different colors of floss and almost a dozen sizes of needles; as well as scissors, patterns, frames, hoops, and other accessories. Staying organized without a proper embroidery storage case can be very challenging indeed!