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Posts Tagged ‘embroider’

What sewing/embroidery machine would suit my needs?

January 14th, 2013 2 comments

Ok so ive been watching youtube videos and i came across some that teach you how to make handmade totes, wallets, and coin purses. Im really starting to enjoy it. My husband is in the military and selling ACU bags is a huge hit here on base… I kinda wanna start doing that. Ive never used a sewing machine in my life non the less an embroider so my question is… What would be best for me? I dont want a professional machine since ive never used one and i dont even know if my "business" will even become successful, i just need if possible a machine that will do both sew and embroided because the ACU bags come with last names and would need to embroid that on them. Any suggestions would help! Thanks

Why not start with the Brother SE400. It is a combo, so if one craft does not suit you the other might. A combo can be used as a sewing machine or as an embroidery machine.

Brother is an excellant brand and the leader in home embroidery machines. This model sells for under $400. A professional model will cost several thousands.

Find out if someone will help you learn to sew. Embroidery is a little easier as you hoop the item and then the machine does it’s thing.

Embroidery Library has several machine embroidery tutorials to help you learn.

Most embroidery machines will have a few designs and fonts built-in, but are usually not what you will want. But good for practice and learning. There are many Internet sources for downloads and some are free. You have to be sure the design will fit within the hoop size of the EM and in the correct format for the EM. Brother is .pes format.

You will need a basic machine embroidery software program for at least viewing your design files. Embird is the least expensive.

Do not download designs from foreign countries are they are forgeries of licensed designs and against the law in the US.

Follow the manual that comes with the machine very closely. Manual in hand in front of the machine with thread and fabric. Read and apply and you will soon have the basics mastered.

Are there any sites where I can print a decent variety of monogram designs/fonts to hand embroider?

December 11th, 2012 2 comments

Are there any sites where I can print a decent variety of monogram designs/fonts to hand embroider? Obviously this is for the purpose of making a pattern. I am looking for free of course if possible but all info is appreciated.

Yes there are. If you click up in the search bar at the top of the page and type in "monogram embroidery patterns free" you’ll find a bunch. And you can do that just as easily as I can.

I’m would like to start sewing but I need to know a decent & affordable sewing machine to buy. Any suggestions?

December 3rd, 2012 3 comments

I want to learn how to sew. i want do be able to make dresses for my two little girls and start selling some I make but first I need a sewing machine. I saw a Singer Futura CE-150 Sewing and Embroidery Machine at walmart because I would also like to embroider but costs $539 and I cannot afford that. Does anyone have any suggestions on a good sewing machine.

For embroidery, consider learning to do free motion embroidery on a sewing machine… any sewing machine will do. Here’s a pro working — though his setup is a little easier, it’s the same idea:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3833/video-manuels-free-motion-embroidery-technique
And something less fancy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8hFRab26BE

As far as a sewing machine, I’d definitely suggest you want to get a model with a blindhem stitch… otherwise my basic suggestions are below. Please note that using a home sewing machine for business voids the warranty (they’re not meant for the duty cycle of sewing for a business), and that as soon as you learn the basic machine operation, I’m going to strongly suggest that you want to borrow Carol Ahles’ book, Fine Machine Sewing, from the library and at least learn her methods of machine blindhemming — it’ll save you lots and lots of time.

If you truly are going to use home machines to make stuff to sell, I’d buy a basic sewing machine (see below) and a decent 4 thread serger ASAP. Add computerized embroidery to that if you wish later.

My basic beginner sewing machine rant:
Take a look at Kate Dicey’s essay on choosing sewing machines at
http://www.katedicey.co.uk (and take a look around at her site…
there are a lot of nice little tutorials there!). The FAQ she
refers to is at http://preview.tinyurl.com/l5rzu6 now.

What I want for beginners in sewing:

– a machine that doesn’t scare you

– a machine that isn’t balky (cheap new machines are often very
balky or need adjustments often and are rarely repairable — just
too frustrating to learn on!)

– very good straight stitch

– good zigzag (4-5 mm is fine, more than that is gravy)

– a method of making buttonholes that makes sense to you

– adjustable presser foot pressure (which helps some fabric
handling issues)

– accessory presser feet that don’t cost an arm and a leg
(machines that use a "short shank foot" typically handle generic
presser feet pretty well. Some brands of machines use proprietary
or very expensive presser feet)

If the budget stretches far enough:

– blindhem and stretch blindhem stitches

– triple zigzag (nice for elastic applications)

– a couple of decorative stitches (you won’t use them nearly as
much as you think)

– electronic machine because of the needle position control and
because the stepper motors give you full "punching force" at
slow sewing speeds — mechanical machines often will stall at
slow speeds.

Please go to the best sewing machine dealers around and ask them
to show you some machines in your price range, *especially* used
machines you can afford. You’ll get a far better machine at a
specific price buying used than new and a good dealer is worth
their weight in sewing machine needles when you get a machine
problem — often they can talk you through the problem over the
phone. While you’re trying things out, try a couple of machines
(sewing only, not combo sewing-embroidery) over your price limit,
just so you can see what the difference in stitch quality and
ease of use might be. You may find you want to go for the used
Cadillac. Or you might want the new basic Chevy. Might as well
try both out.

Suggested reading: John Giordano’s The Sewing Machine Book
(especially for used machines), Carol Ahles’ Fine Machine Sewing
(especially the first and last few chapters) and Gale Grigg
Hazen’s Owner’s Guide to Sewing Machines, Sergers and Knitting
Machines. All of these are likely to be available at your public
library.

Used brands I’d particularly look for: Elna, Bernina,
Viking/Husqvarna, Pfaff, Singer (pre 1970), Juki, Toyota

New "bargain brand" I’d probably pick, if new, decent and budget
was my choice: Janome (who also does Kenmore).

What is the best embroidery machine?

November 25th, 2012 5 comments

So, I have been interested in purchasing an embroidery machine and I just wanted to know if anyone could recommend the best machine for a beginner but also a sturdy enough to last long. I am interested in the cool ones that can connect up to the computer but i am not sure if those are good or even worth buying. If anyone could help me and tell me the best places (in Chicago or online) or brand and model and a reasonable price for a quality machine this would help me lots.

Thank you so much to whoever saves me from this dilemma 🙂

I bought my first from Walmart several years ago and it served me well. This was the Brother PE150.

Because it did not have USB connectivity and a limited 4 x 4 stitching area, I upgraded to a Babylock that does have both Port A and Port B connectivity as well as accepting memory cards and a larger stitching area.

When I bought the first machine, dealers did not know one end from the other and with the help of books and the Internet, I taught myself how to stabilize, hoop and embroider. http://www.amazon.com/Embroidery-Machine-Essentials-Stabilize-Decorative/dp/0873419995/ref=pd_sim_k_3

Embroidery machines have some built-in designs and fonts, but for access to millions of designs (many are free), you need to download from the Internet (it is also the least expensive method).

Port A USB accepts a flash drive/stick/memory drive/thumb drive – they go by many names and I have several brands – all accepted by the Babylock.

Port B USB is a cable that comes with the embroidery machine. You need to have the PC (MAC is not compatible without purchasing additional hardware/software so it can read Windows) within approx 4′ of the embroidery machine to send designs from the PC to the embroidery machine. The cable does not have to be left connected once the designs are transferred.

Brother is the leader in embroidery machines and Babylock is of the same family, only a little more expensive.

The Brother PE 770 would be ideal – larger hoop and flash stick. http://www.google.com/products/catalog?rlz=1T4TSHB_enUS260US260&q=brother+embroidery+machines&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=10345458999759000893&ei=npU4TNP3GoP9nAfSvMWFBA&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDoQ8wIwAg#

If you also want to do sewing as well as embroidery, shop for a combo. They are a little more expensive than an embroidery only machine.

I think the one you are referring to as being connected to a PC is one of the Singer models. Some love this and some have a lot of issues with the software and updates.

I am not sure the the Singer model that came with digitizing software is any longer available or supported by Singer.

Visit sewing machine dealers and ask for demos. Take notes. And then review those notes at home. Purchase where you were the most comfortable with the staff, or take a plunge and buy online or at Walmart.

Remember – a dealer may not be real happy to service a machine that is under warranty if it was not purchased from them.

How to Do Free Motion Embroidery on any sewing machine using the Octi-Hoops Dragonfly design.

June 2nd, 2012 11 comments

Free Motion Embroidery / Thread Painting on any sewing machine. Everyone at any skill level can embroider on ALL sewing machines because we only use a straight stitch and NO sewing machine Foot is needed so visibility is far superior to any other embroidery process. This kit includes 3 8 sided frames varying in size that have holes on all 8 sides where a handle drops into to make it so you don’t have to hold onto the frames. It is ergonomic and feels like you’re holding a crayon and coloring in a coloring book. So simple even beginners succeed! It’s fun and relaxing and is a fantastic stress reducer. Invented by Clare Rowley, inventor of the Creative Feet presser feet for sewing machines and are available for purchase from http://www.creativefeet.com/products/frames/octi-hoop

Duration : 0:8:46

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How to Make Monster Bookmarks: Free Embroidery Design

May 26th, 2012 2 comments

http://www.sewhere.com
Stitch these monster bookmarks for the readers in your life!

Get FREE Designs and subscribe here: http://www.sewhereblog.com/sewing-classes/monster-bookmarks/

http://www.sewhere.com
573-874-2500

Duration : 0:7:5

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How to Embroider an Applique Design by Sew With Lisa B

January 27th, 2012 8 comments

Demonstration – “How to Machine Embroider an Applique design” by Children’s Embroidery Designer Lisa B. from SewWithLisaB.com Applique embroidery uses a combination of fabric and fill embroidery. You will need an embroidery machine, the fabric you wish to applique upon secured in a hoop, the threads, a pair of scissors and the fabric for the applique design. Download the digitized applique design to the embroidery machine and attach the hoop. Stitch the outline of the design. Place the fabric over the applique design outline and stitch the tack down stitch. Next, remove the hoop from the embroidery machine and trim off my excess fabric. I recommend using a pair of curved scissors to allow you to trim close to the thread without cutting it. Remember, never remove the fabric from the hoop until you are done, as this will affect the alignment of the applique design. Next, stitch final tack down stitch. Finish the design by stitching the fill embroidery portion. Change fill colors and stitch out the eye of the pig. When the sewing of the design is complete, remove the fabric from the hoop and trim the excess threads. The applique design is complete. For more visit SewWithLisaB.com

Duration : 0:1:57

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Embroidery Library

November 23rd, 2011 No comments

Embroidery – free eBooks
www.embroiderylibrary-sara.blogspot.com

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How to Machine Embroider a Digitized Embroidery design by Sew With Lisa B

October 9th, 2011 1 comment

Demonstration – “How to Machine Embroider a Digitized Embroidery design” by Children’s Embroidery Designer Lisa B. from SewWithLisaB.com You will need an embroidery machine, the fabric you wish to embroider upon secured in a hoop, the threads and a pair of scissors. Download the digitized embroidery design to the embroidery machine and attach the hoop. Stitch out the first fill color. Next, the second thread color is for the frogs eyes. The third thread color is for the outline and the spots on the frog. The final thread color is for the frogs eyeballs. When the sewing of the design is complete, remove the fabric from the hoop and trim the excess threads. The embroidery design is complete. For more visit SewWithLisaB.com

Duration : 0:1:36

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19/21 BERNINA 830 sewing machine video instructions: WordArt feature

September 7th, 2011 1 comment

Sensational! Write full sentences on your BERNINA 830! Even using Japanese and Cyrillic characters. In the 19th part of your BERNINA 830 video instructions learn how to do this. Lend your garments and home dec projects a personal touch by stitching your name on or creating labels. Choose from a selection of 10 fonts. Some of them can be aligned vertically or horizontally. WordArt enables you to adjust the distance between individual characters and to determine the curve of the baseline. Watch this step-by-step instructions to learn how to use WordArt and how to change lettering. Check out the other parts of the online tutorial or visit us at http://www.bernina.com

Duration : 0:5:36

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