What Is Machine Embroidery

Machine Embroidery is the practice of using a sewing machine to create stitch patterns, and so to embroider motifs or personal designs on to cloth such as on sweatshirts with stitched motifs. This is done by lifting the top tension foot of the machine, although sewing machines can come equipped with specific embroidery feet. It is also possible to purchase specific embroidery machines which can follow computerized design patterns, and re-create them on the backing cloth.

In order to get a quality finish on machine embroidery project the fabric must be held in tension in the same way that hand embroidery is. The simplest method is to use a hoop to hold the fabric in tension and some machines even come with hoops provided. In order to allow the free movement of the fabric over the dog teeth (the teeth that move the fabric back as you are carrying out normal straight stitching), the dog teeth must be disengaged. This allows the embroiderer to make tiny circular movements and stops the machine forcing you to make linear stitches.

Machine embroidery can be used in a myriad of ways and altering the tension of the thread as it runs through the machine can have a variety of effects, as can altering the weight of one or other of the threads. It is often better to uses a heavier thread in the bobbin, as the needle tends to designate how thick the top thread can be. There are no rules in machine embroidery and thus anything can be put through the machine providing it won't break the machine!!

Machine embroidery can be used in a variety of ways. Individual artwork can be created, and the machine stitches manipulated to form a variety of styles, or it can simply be used to take the place of traditional handcrafted monogram.

To become a skilled machine embroiderer takes practice and time.