For the proper tension, digitized designs are stitched with a lightweight bobbin thread.
Basic embroidery threads are usually polyester or rayon and come in a range of finishes from shiny to matte. Do invest in several colors of thread since buying a collection of colors is a simple way to start, and you can add other colors as you begin specific projects. Don't switch to another thread weight when you're starting out (unless the design you've chosen specifies it) the stitches will either appear too far apart or overlap unattractively. Most machine embroidery designs have been digitized to stitch correctly with 40-weight machine embroidery threads. Next, you'll need a selection of threads. (Combination machines also allow you to experiment with hand-guided embroidery.) The machine will come with an embroidery hoop or hoops that can be mounted on the machine. You can choose between embroidery-only machines and those that combine both sewing and embroidery functions. When it comes to embroidery basics, you’ll first need a machine that can read the embroidery designs and stitch them. What supplies do I need to get started with programmable machine embroidery? Some of the designs look so much like hand embroidery it's hard to tell the difference! Designs in a wide range of styles are available, as well as a variety of fonts for monograms and lettering. It's completely machine guided for consistent results. Programmable machine embroidery is a product of the industrial revolution, but only entered the home-sewing market during the last decades of the 20th century. It's very much like free-motion quilting and can either follow a sketched design or be worked completely freehand. Instead, the operator takes control of the fabric's movement and lays stitches on the fabric surface in any direction. There are no stitches to learn in hand-guided embroidery. Machine embroidery is divided into two types: hand-guided stitching, or needlepainting, and programmed machine embroidery.įor hand-guided machine embroidery for beginners, you'll need a sewing machine with feed dogs that can be disabled or covered.
Stranded cotton embroidery floss and smoothly woven fabric are beginner embroidery basics, along with an embroidery or crewel hand-sewing needle. There are hundreds of different stitches and techniques that can be used for hand embroidery. The only essential supplies are needle, thread, and fabric, although a hoop is often used to maintain tension on the fabric. Hand embroidery has been around since antiquity. What’s the difference between machine embroidery and hand embroidery?īoth machine and hand embroidery are enjoyable pastimes, but they utilize decidedly different equipment and skills.