Home machine embroidery continues to be very popular. Many of our customers purchase machines to personalize items for family and friends and before long, find they have a small business on their hands! As with any other types of sewing, there are additional items that can help embroiderers with their projects.
The first “big” additional item is software. Many customers who consider purchasing an embroidery machine often want more designs than are included with the machine or want to make their own designs. There are two main types of software that we recommend: lettering software or digitizing software.
Lettering software does just what the name says: it offers the embroiderer a large array of fonts and sizes to combine for initials or names. Depending on the brand of software, available fonts can range from 55 or so to several hundred. The software is loaded on a computer or laptop; the lettering is arranged within the program and then transferred to the embroidery machine by either cable hookup or USB drive. When considering the purchase of lettering software, be sure to check compatibility with both your computer AND embroidery machine. Some programs will only work on a PC, so if you have a Mac you may need an additional computer purchase.
Digitizing software has the same capabilities as the lettering software but also allows you to design, or digitize, you own designs. This software is the most expensive of the two and may require some lessons on all the features and workings of the program. Expect to spend between $1,500 and $3,000 on digitizing software. Most machine companies make software for their particular machine but there are several others available that work with all machine brands. When considering a software package, ask about updates. Some companies will charge for each upgrade, some may offer free upgrades as the software changes. (Also note: Many older embroidery machines have slots in them for a card which held additional designs. Machine companies no longer make these as most designs today are downloaded directly from websites.)
Clipping threads and removing “design errors” are a part of the embroidery experience. It’s important to have the right type of clips to use. We use the Squeeze n Snip clips, applique scissors and tweezers on our embroidery. If you are like us, we need several of each as they seem to disappear when we need them the most! Many of these small clips/scissors cannot be sharpened, so if you find one you like, consider investing in spare pair or two.
Additional hoops may be needed for your machine as well. Check your machine model to see if your machine can use additional sizes of hoops. The most useful hoop sizes are the 4” x 4” hoop and the 5” x 7” hoop. Some customers will purchase an extra hoop of the same size so they can prepare an additional garment as the first one is stitching. Note: We are often asked about cap hoops for the home machine. Cap hoops are available ONLY on the large multi-needle embroidery machines.
Accurately placing your embroidery design on a garment takes some time. One tool that can help is the Embroidery’s Buddy. This guide is marked to help place designs on both men and women’s garments. It’s especially helpful for placing logos/names on shirts. Also with the Buddy, placement tape can be helpful as well as marking pens. Marking pens are available in water-soluble and air-soluble selections. Chalk pens are useful as well. Proper marking is essential for your design to be correctly placed. Kimberbell also makes rulers that are helpful in squaring up embroidered blocks used for quilting or other projects. The ruler makes it easy to center your designs in the block.
Good storage for embroidery threads and bobbins is also helpful in keeping your area organized. Thread boxes that hold the thread spools are a good way to keep your threads neat and help extend their life. If you use your threads on a regular basis, hanging racks are also a good way to store and organize your thread.
Using these accessories can make your embroidery stitching easier and more professional looking. If you purchase a machine or software at The Sewing & Vacuum Center, we provide free owner lessons that will help you get the maximum use of your machine. Happy sewing!
-submitted by The Sewing & Vacuum Center
