Beginning Embroidery
Embroidery has become a popular way to personalize your clothes and can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Brother sewing machines have a great selection of built-in embroidery stitches for the aspiring embroiderer, and the process is simple and enjoyable. Before starting your embroidery projects, there are a few basics you should know about sourcing materials and preparing your fabric for success.
Materials
The first step of any embroidery project is sourcing materials. Stabilizers are an essential material both underneath and on top of your fabric to provide a smooth, non-slip base and hold your fabric tight. If a fabric is too slippery, the embroidery stitches can be pulled and distorted and give you a less than satisfactory finished product. Make sure to choose a high-quality stabilizer and bobbins to ensure your embroidery will look as perfect as you hoped!
Transferring Designs
How you transfer designs depends on the type of sewing machine. Some Brother sewing machines come with a USB port that only requires you to plug in the USB stick with your design and select the stitch. No tracing is necessary! Other Brother machines accept designs transferred via a card reader, for which you will need to use software to trace the designs and create .pes files that your machine can read. For the most versatile machines, Brother offers ongoing support with installation and file conversion from their website or customer service line.
Using the Hoop
The hoop is an essential element of successful embroidery and helps keep your fabric tight during the stitching process. Attach the hoop to your sewing machine and place it underneath your layer of stabilizer, ensuring the stabalizer is taut. Then, place the fabric (stabalizer side up) on top of the hoop and wrap it around the frame. Make sure it is pulled tight, but not too much as to distort the design– it should fit snugly in the frame. Finally, attach the hoop to the embroidery arm and you are ready to begin stitching.
Threading
It is important to use appropriate thread for embroidery projects. Using a polyester thread can help prevent the designs from becoming distorted during the stitching process, as polyester polyester is much more durable than other materials. Make sure to use enough thread to complete the entire project as you do not want to run out of thread in the middle of your project. When you want to change color, thread a new spool by placing it in the thread holder and threading it through the guides. Finally, thread the needle and tension discs.
Stitching
Choose the stitches you want to use to complete your project. The Brother sewing machine will guide you through the program, but be sure to read up on the machine’s capabilities to ensure you get the best results! Learn the stitch settings and practice experimenting with the stitch size and alignment to craft beautiful embroidery.
Maintenance Tips for Prolonging Your Sewing Machine
It is important to take care of your sewing machine to ensure it runs smoothly and lasts for years to come. Regularly replace worn out parts or bobbins so you can be assured that your stitching is accurate each time. The Brother website provides a list of maintenance tips for prolonging the life of your machine, including the scheduled oiling and maintenance of the shuttle, needle, tutorial wheel and door. Additionally, always make sure to unplug the machine when it is not in use and store it in a place where it will not become damaged.
Storing Thread and Bobbins
Storing your thread and bobbins correctly is a great way to stay organized and ensure you can easily access your materials when you’re ready to start another project. To prevent your threads from becoming tangled, keep them in their original spools and store them in a place that is away from direct sunlight and dust. Bobbins should also be stored in their spools and placed in a special bobbin case each time they are replaced.
Troubleshooting Tips
Brother sewing machines are typically reliable and easy to troubleshoot. However, there may be times when you encounter an issue and need help. The manual that came with your machine is a great resource for troubleshooting tips. Additionally, the Brother website has a comprehensive list of FAQs and customer service representatives available to answer questions. If you need more detailed help, Brother authorized service centers and authorized repair personnel will be able to help you out.
Safety Tips
The most important part of embroidery is to always stay safe. Make sure to read up on your machine’s instructions so you can remain aware of any potential hazards. Always keep your fingers far away from the needle and presser foot, and make sure to wear safety glasses and insulated gloves. Avoid using your machine if the power cord is frayed, the thread is tangled, or the needle is damaged.
Organizing Your Projects
Embroidery is an enjoyable way to bring color and eyes to your clothing, towels, and other fabrics. But with each project comes a unique design, color combination, and sequence of stitches. Staying organized with each project is key to ensuring you get the best possible results. Make sure to keep track of any special techniques and written notes of sample embroidery. Additionally, keep bobbins of the same color together in a storage box along with your patterns and threads.
Final Touches and Customization
The fun of embroidery is that it is customizable to your heart’s content. An added button or ribbon to your design can go a long way in sprucing it up. For example, you could use your Brother sewing machine to sew a row of decorative stitches around the perimeter of your design to give it a framed look or you could add trimmings such as sequins, buttons, and beads to add even more color and texture.
Finishing Your Projects
After you have successfully created an embroidered design, you’ll need to do a few post-processes to get that truly finished look. First, remove any threads or scraps from the back of your project and turn it to the front. Detach the hoop from the embroidery arm and from the stabilizer. Carefully clip any stray threads and carefully iron on the back of your design with steam. Finally, gently hand wash and lay flat to dry to ensure that it doesn’t change shape or shrink.
Choosing the Right Stitches
You can create beautiful designs with a variety of different stitches on your Brother sewing machine. But which stitches to choose? Different types of stitches provide different looks and texture so choose the ones that will best enhance your design. Experiment with satin, running, and back stitches to see what suits your project best. You can also combine stitches in different ways to create a unique and eye-catching look.
Taking Care of Your Sewing Machine
It is important to take good care of your sewing machine to keep it in top shape. When not in use, make sure to always unplug the machine and store it away in its original box or in a dust-free space. Additionally, never leave the machine with thread or bobbins on it, as this could cause it to malfunction. Make sure to regularly clean the machine and oil it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the best performance.
Conclusion
Brother sewing machines are a great resource for practicing embroidery projects. Learning the basics, from sourcing materials to threading, is an essential step for successful projects. Always take safety precautions, keep your machine well maintained, and practice with different types of stitches to get the best possible results. With these tips in mind, embroidery projects with a Brother sewing machine can bring hours of enjoyable and rewarding creativity.
