Free Embroidery Designs

My fiance and I run a screen printing business and came across a non-working BAS-416 machine. We have fixed it! Now we want to learn how to digitize images. Any insight and/or links to resources would be greatly appreciated!

I was going to give my usual answer in that you need a software program for creating your own designs and that it takes quite a bit of time to learn to digitize a professional quality product.

However, after viewing the manual for this model, I am beginning to think the machine is as equality difficult to learn. I cannot tell what machine embroidery format it requires.

http://www.brothercom.ro/docs/2-Partsbook%20-%20carti%20piese%20de%20schimb/Masini%20de%20brodat%20BROTHER/BES-1210BC%20BAS-401,412A,416A/BES-1210-BAS-416A%20Instruction%20Manual.pdf

Most owners of professional embroidery machines, have a company rep help them set-up and learn to use the machine.

The format appears to be .dst (Tajima). Finding a software program is not difficult. Most, if not all will save in the format of all embroidery machines.

Machine embroidery software requires a Windows OS.

If you do a search of free machine embroidery software or free machine embroidery trials you will get a sampling how to create your own designs.

Good luck in your adventures into machine embroidery.

I am looking to buy a embroidery and sewing machine and i am not sure which one to get as there are many out there. I have never worked on a sewing machine and really don’t do that much sewing however i would like to be able to make a quilt also. I do the hand embroidery and cross stitches and while i love it i would like to be able to do different patterns of like my pictures and things like that without it takeing me two years to finish a project. Does anyone have any suggestions?

This is akin to asking for a car, when you really want is a Bat-mobile that can travel on the air, road and water. Nevertheless, there are a few things you could look for to make your dream come true.

There are many reviews and buying guides on the web:
Embroidery machines: http://www.galttech.com/research/household-DIY-tools/best-embroidery-machine.php
Sewing Machines and Patterns Review: http://sewing.patternreview.com/news

Whichever machine you select, get the machine’s manual. There is a common assumption that machines are all the same, but it’s not true. Used machines can be wonderful, if they’ve been well cared for. But it does you no good to assume all machines need oil (not true), or to miss out on the machine full creative ability.
Sewing Machine Manuals: http://www.mastersewusa.com/

You can make Couture-level garments on a straight-sew machine, but most modern sewing machines offer more than one stitch. It’s creative use of these that make them powerful. I’m speaking of ordinary sewing machines that adjust stitch length, have a Zigzag or other cover stitches, plus whatever geometric or floral designs. For truly giving these options a workout on ordinary sewing machines, I suggest the public library. Seek out books on Decorative Machine Stitching
Fine Machine Stitching http://www.amazon.com/Fine-Machine-Sewing-Revised-Embellishing/dp/1561585866/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257164512&sr=8-2

And consider Bobbin Work. Many an artist has used a simple machine to create amazing works. If the thread, fiber, or ribbon is too thick to go through the needle, why not run it through the bobbin?
Bobbin work: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/5025/bobbin-work-when-threads-are-too-thick-for-the-needle

On any machine you’re considering, ask if the Feed Dogs can be lowered. Fabric is advanced under the sewing machine’s foot by way of a moving metal assembly that pulls the fabric through in one direction only. If you can lower the feed dogs, you can move in any direction opening an entire world of creativity. Seek out web articles and books on Free-Motion Embroidery or Free-Motion Quilting it’s a world of hoops and stabilizers – but the work can be done on ordinary sewing machines that have the option of lowering the feed dogs.
Anatomy of a sewing machine: http://www.a1sewingmachine.com/image/basic%20sewing%20machine%20parts.jpg
Watch a video on free motion technique: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3833/video-manuels-free-motion-embroidery-technique
Be advised: Manuel is working on an extraordinarily FAST manual machine. But it you note the hoop, the rotation of it, the turning of the work, it will make other Free Motion Embroidery directions make sense.
How to do free-motion embroidery http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/C-213.pdf

Machine quilting can be done on any straight sew machine. Some are just better at it than others because they have greater torque, or a larger arm. And these are great when you want to throw money at it. But artists can get a lot out of simple machinery if you learn the concepts of what you want to do. You do not need thousands of dollars to start.

Embroidery machines are quite amazing and you’ll be deciding between a bunch of Disney or the ability to digitize your own designs. Give some thought about the size of your work, what parts you need done for you, what magic you expect of the machine – and I greatly encourage researching what other artists have done with machine embroidery. You might just find they use a less expensive model (than what the dealer is telling you) to achieve their work.

The Art isn’t just in the machine, it’s in you.

I want to learn how to monogram. What kind of machine do I need? I have heard you can just get a software to hook up with your sewing machine. Is that true? I don’t have a huge budget so a low cost solution would be great.

If you already have a sewing machine you can learn to do this, but it takes time to learn as most will be free motion (you guide the fabric as the needle goes up and down).

http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Machine+Embroidery/Howtos/Free-Motion+Embroidery+Basics.htm

Otherwise, you will need to spend at least $600 just to get started.

There are combo (sewing & embroidery) machines that can give you more for the money or you can buy an embroidery only machine.

The embroidery machines have a limited amount of designs, letters, numbers and punctuation already built in.

To add more you can download from the Internet. Some designs are free and some you have to pay for.

You add the designs by sending them to a folder on the hard drive of the computer, a cd or flash drive.

You then select the design you want to send to the embroidery machine and send it via a direct cable hook-up that comes with the embroidery machine.

If the machine does not have this option, you have to purchase a reader/writer unit specifically for an embroidery machine and a rewritable memory card for the specific format of the embroidery machines. These start at about $100 for Brother PED brand (on line) and go up.

The Brother sold at Walmart, plus the software you would be spending around $600 and then you have to have machine embroidery thread, bobbin thread and stabilizer for another $50 or so. The machine will come with extra needles and bobbin spools…which can be resupplied where sewing notions are sold.

This one is a good price – http://www.sewvacdirect.com/brother-se350-combo.html
It includes the reader software and the shipping is free.

Check with local sewing machine dealers. They may have a good price on an embroidery machine that the owner traded in on a more expensive model.

I have a Janome 6600P can someone please help as to how I download the designs.
Thank you.,
Sorry everyone I should have said that I have a Janome 350E embroidery machine as well as 6600P.
I shall just put it down as a "Senior Moment"
Thanks
Marie

I cannot find any information on the 6600P being an embroidery machine.

A computer’s operating system does not recognize embroidery machine formats.

You can save the download to a folder, but cannot open it without machine embroidery software.

If you want to see the design, you can download this free software http://www.pulsemicro.com/ambassadordownload

It is not what you need, but at least you can view the design.

Embroidery machines use (1) a direct cable hook-up to the computer, that comes with the machine, or (2) a flash drive, or (3) a memory card, or (4) a cd.

Which of the above methods does your machine use?

Only # 3 requires additional software – a machine embroidery reader/writer unit and card compatible with your machine.

All I want to do is embroider my granddaughters names on sweatshirts etc. When I read the specs on these machines they all have programmed disks. Can I choose letters and create their names with the Brother SE-270D? Is there a better machine? I know very little about embroidery but I do sew. I need a new machine but I’m confused as to what these embroidery machines do or don’t do. How exactly would I achieve what I want to do – what are the steps to create the name Elizabeth for instance?

The Brother SE-270D uses a cartridge system which is very annoying, doesn’t work all of the time and if anything is just a little out of whack you can’t thread the needle. It is only a 3/4 machine (very small) and it does have a big embroidery field. For a beginner I would Highly reccomend either the Janome 9500. The Janome 9500 is a wonderful machine that both sews and embroiders wonderfully. The Janome 9500 has 3 built-in alphabet fonts so you can embroider the name Elizabeth with ease. Elizabeth could be done in one step with the 9500. All you have to do is choose the letters you want and it will group them together to make the word. Then you just have to set it to where you want, thread you needle and press the go button. Nice and easy. Embroidery machines allow to embroider full size designs like say you wanted a dog on your shirt, the machine can embroider it (provided the design is digitized, in a format where the stitches are layed out so the machine knows what to do). It is a wonderful sewing machine too. It has also has a full touchscreen which is nice and fun to use. But trust me the SE-270D is a joke. The best deal for the Janome 9500 is from Mr. Vac and Mrs. Sew. They have it for only $1599 with free shipping and no tax (if you are outside New Tork State)and it comes with so many extras. It comes with:

Stabilizer – This stabilizer is great for it’s uniqueness in that after you wash your item the stabilizer totally washes away – (Retail Value – $50.00)

Magic Box Plus Elite – Gives you the freedom to put up to 30 designs on your blank embroidery card from CD’s, other manufacturers cards and even the internet. – (Retail Value – $399.00)

Polystar Thread – Superior Strength, Shine, and Vibrant colors – (Retail Value – $305.00)

Polystar Prewound Bobbins – Get thread, thread and more bobbin thread, with the same quality and strength expected from the Polystar name – (Retail Value – $100.00)

Embroidery Magic II Embroidery Software – A Full lettering, editing, and digitizing embroidery software – (Retail Value – $399.00)

Pantostock – Filled with over 3900 Beautiful Quality Professionally Digitized Embroidery Machine Designs – (Retail Value – $100.00)

Cap Hoop – Allows you the unique ability to embroider on the uncommon medium of a typical baseball style cap – (Retail Value – $50.00)

Sock Hoop – Easy and simple sock embroidery – (Retail Value – $50.00)

With all of the stuff you get you are completely set to embroider whatever you want. The Magic Box allows you to transfer designs you like from the internet to your machine. The Thread is beautiful and shiny and it comes in a box of 61 colors with 1000 meters on each spool. It also has 144 prewound bobbins for embroidery (you only need white thread in the bobbin when embroidering) which I reuse for sewing because they are true plastic strong bobbins. It comes with 3900 extra designs all of which are incredible. A big roll of stabilizer (you need this for everytime you embroider it stabilizes your shirts etc.). Software that allows you to edit designs and make your own designs and do lettering as well. Also a cap hoop and sock hoop so you can embroider on caps and socks. I purchase all my things from Mr. Vac and Mrs. Sew they are such a nice company to deal with. They are kind and always make my shopping experience a pleasant one. Here is a link to the product and their number (you can order it on the phone or through the internet).

1-800-640-8227

http://www.mrvacandmrssew.com/go/product/id/717

I think ordering over the phone is better though because they will answer any further questions you have.

Tell Lisa and Joe Kevin told you about it:)

I would like to invest in an embroidery machine because I have really good ideas on what to use it for. However, I have never used one. In fact I barely know how to use a sewing machine.
I am clueless on how an embroidery machine even works. I want to use it to do different fonts, number designs, polka dots, and things of that nature. Can anyone maybe give me the basics I need to know? Perhaps direct me to a website? Thanks.

An embroidery machine is very easy to use. Easier than learning to use a sewing machine.

You can teach yourself to do this buy reading and testing the different designs. I did and it is quick and easy to learn.

This was my first book – http://books.google.com/books?id=j6e847_n3MUC&dq=embroidery+machine+essentials&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=gH4ESu2GD5WstgfxluCKBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4#PPP1,M1

Embroidery machines have built-in fonts and a few designs.

To expand on what comes already built-in you will need to be able to transfer machine embroidery designs from your PC to the machine. Most designs are downloaded from the Internet – you can find many that are free.

The less expensive machines require additional software (reader box and rewritable card for machine embroidery). This software is around $200.

The Brother sold at Walmart would be a good machine to start with and you can get the additional software (mentioned above) for $119, here – http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp01060-0165.html

Several years ago, I bought my first embroidery machine at Walmart and the reader/card software at Allbrands.

You will also need machine embroidery thread, machine embroidery bobbin thread and stabilizer – all sold in fabric stores. Watch for sales and stock up on staple/favorite colors of thread. There will be extra needles & bobbins with the machine.

I get a lot of my machine embroidery supplies here – http://www.shoppersrule.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=sr

my mother have a embroidery machine and i want to find the software for her. please help me.

Here is a completely free software program that is new:

http://www.sophiesew.com/SSDLP/Gallery.php

This is completely free font building software:

http://www.embroiderydesigns.com/productdetails/Internet+Stitch/Softwares/1/EFP.aspx

Here are some sites for free trials:

http://www.embird.com/

http://www.embroiderytw.com/downloadeng.htm

http://www.buzztools.com/demo_menu.asp

In my opinion, BuzzTools and Embird are the easiest and not too expensive. Your mother could try it out before she bought it to see if it’s something she really wanted to do.

If she just needs to change thread colors and convert formats, this is a good free program for that:

http://www.eos3.com/index.php?en

I am looking at getting a lower end embroidery machine, and this Viking seems to be winning, but I can’t find anywhere that says what is the preferred file type for the designs, I think it can read a few, I know some must be better than others, and I don’t know which it does and does not read.

I don’t think I would want an embroidery machine that has to be connected to a PC. http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us/18210_18224.htm

The format for Viking is usually.hus. But since this model looks like the Singer Futura, it may also use .sew format. See this discussion – http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php?topic=8992.0

The dealer can give you this information.

You can convert any machine embroidery design (except Bernina’s .art format) to the format required by using conversion software,

Pulse Ambassador is a free conversion download used by many, including me.

When selecting designs, be sure the size of the design is within the stitching (embroidery) limitations of the embroidery machine.

Most have the standard 4 x 4 stitching area and some embroidery machines have larger stitching areas for embroidery designs.

I would like to monogram more than anything else. Does one of these machines work better than another. I would like to stay under $1000. Do I need special software to get new fonts? It’s confusing as to what extra things you need to buy in order to get more designs. Can anyone help?

Here’s a lengthy reply to your question. It’s going to be long and detailed since I was doing the same research on machines myself a few months ago…here is what I’ve discovered….
I have a Brother PE-700 II, which is the same as the PE-700 except that it has a built in USB interface to download designs directly from the computer/internet. This little extra isn’t on the regular PE-700, but other than that I understand from Brother they are the same machine. I LOVE this machine & have been using mine almost daily for 3 months. Because the PE-700 II has the USB capability, I don’t have to buy additional hardware/software to add new designs such as monograms, and can now download (or buy) countless designs from the seemingly limitless supply available on the web. Even better, — it cost LESS with this nifty hsn-exclusive extra than the regular PE-700. It is a special configuration put together by Brother exclusively for HSN (hsn.com). I did a huge amount of research before purchase– even spoke to Brother on the phone a few times before purchasing it from HSN. The HSN cost is only 799.00, when they have it in stock — it’s usually offered with a flex pay option of 5x 159.00 monthly payments. Even better –this is less than the usual price for the regular PE-700 that doesn’t have the USB built in. It has a memory for downloading an additional 6 designs into it’s memory at a time, and designs can be stored in tne memory or on your computer for later use. Lastly — Brother’s customer service is very helpful and accessible so aside from HSN’s terrific 30-day no hassle return policy you have the Brother’s usual warranty coverage and customer support. The machine uses plastic class 15 bobbins –easily found, requires no oiling, keeps a record of stitches sewn for your "service count" before maintainance reminder for cleaning,accepts PES design cards, has ton’s of designs built in and 3 built in alphabets with some built in sizing capabilities (S.M.L) for the fonts, an additional larger monogram font built in, nice bright light, hard case, easy threading like a dream, adjustable tension, on-screen sizing/placement/design flip, rotate etc, design stitch totals, estimated stitching time for design,auto bobbin and upper thread cutting, adjustable thread color options, option of viewing measurements in inches or milimeters, helpful on-screen reminders, adjustable screen brightness, lanquage selection, thread tension setting, beeps for broken threads, built in on-screen animated help with directions, and the larger 5 (wide) x 7(high) stitching area. I use mine to monogram purses, and the availability of free and low priced fonts/designs on the internet is endless. It sews out my complex lace designs like a dream with perfect stitch tension…just remember to lower tension number & stitch speed when using metallic threads as you would do on any embroidery machine. I find most of my designs/monograms on the web (search under machine embroidery designs), and either download the many free samples or make a purchase. Save it into your computer’s "shared document" files with a folder name for east access, and then turn on the machine with the USB cable plugged into your computer’s usb port and copy or save the design to drive "k" which is the emb. machine’s active folder. The "k" drive only comes up on the computer when the embroidery machine’s usb cable is attached and machine is turned on.)The included directions that come with the machine are very, very simple. The machine will read the file and download it into it’s temp memory OR you can choose to save it for use later. Most downloaded designs are also resizable to some extent on the Brother PE-700 without needing additional software. HSN sells out of these (PE-700 II) fairly quickly, but is due to have more in stock very soon according to there craft/sewing host. If you’ll check their website after midnite late THIS Wednesday evening (when it’s actually 12:00 am eastern time Thursday morning)..they are supposed to be offering some sort of embroidery machine as the Today’s Special with a terrific special price. It may or may not be the Brother PE-700II. Their program guide can be found on the website at hsn.com ….then go to Program Guide on the top bar to see when "sewing or crafts" will be airing on television and the internet. If you see the name Darelene Cayhill or the show "It’s SewEasy", or Brother or Singer listed…there’s a good chance a Brother embroidery machine will also be featured. It can also be watched online. (Check hsn tv.) I never was into any kind of home shopping until I got this machine…but my neighborhood authorized Brother dealer/repair tells me it’s a peach of a deal with the built-in usb port and was such a sweetheart in telling me I could get it from HSN. com at a better price than he could offer — especially since the regular PE-700 has no built in USB port…He said these machines use the same parts as the Babylock version — just a lower priced brand name by the same maker. Anyway, I LOVE mine! And best of all — I really loved the special price, the extra’s, & the easy low monthly payments using my check card. Now I have hundreds of designs at my fingertips stored on my computer and cd’s. So yes — the PE-700 rocks — but is even better if you can get the PE-700 II with built in USB rather than having to pay more for USB converter hardware/software like PE-Design Box. Good luck! (P.S. I don’t know for sure when hsn.com will have more of the machine in –but I am told more ARE due in very soon, so keep checking the website with a search for the Brother Embroidery machines. It’s likely to be featured all day this Thursday or until it sells out again.They usually have several brands & models–the Singer Futura embroidery machine has had less positive customer reviews on hsn’s website — some difficulties reported with Singer’s software compatibilty with the new Windows version and requiring too many updates before being able to use.(I use XP with my Brother—no problems at all. The Brother PE-700 II has had nothing but stellar feedback on on HSN feedback pages as well as other websites such as embroidery web–rings. Personally, I was advised to select the Brother brand over the Singer because Singer’s are said to be more prone to tension problem issues, require more "singer-only" parts such as bobbins, etc, need for software updates and patches, are said to change county-of-origin contracted manufacturing sources more frequently- hence less uniform control in the manifacturing process, more complicated software issues, higher priced Singer specific parts, and is a less consumer-popular name as Brother. Because Brother also uses the same quality parts in the embroidery machines as are used in the higher end Babyloc brand name machines — component quality is not an issue.) I’m not against Singer products, but this is what I’ve personally learned after reading many websites, customer reviews on both brands, talking to the manufacturers technical support people, taking sewing/embroidery classes and attending embroidery conferences (my last embroidery machine was a Brother too) and most importanty, talking to other user’s and visiting several local authorized Singer and Brother repair shops for input prior to each purchase.) Once again –good luck and happy stitchin!

I want to get an embroidery machine that I can just put in what I want to embroider onto something and then let it go. I do not want to free hand embroider. Can someone help me, because I am unsure on which one to buy?

Any brand. However, Brother is the most user and software friendly.

Putting "something in" depends on what you mean.

Embroidery machines can only read machine embroidery formats.

There are many machine embroidery designs you can download from the Internet – some you purchase and some are free.

There will be some designs already built-into the embroidery machine, including alpha/numerical fonts.

Downloads or CDs have to be loaded on the PC. Then transferred to the embroidery machine.

How you get the design to the embroidery machine will depend on the capabilities of the machine.

Some use a machine embroidery formatted memory card – this type of machine will require a reader/writer unit and rewritable memory card for the brand and format of the machine.

Some use UBS port B direct connect cable. The cable comes with the machine and has to be connected to the PC for sending the design to the machine.

The best models have USB port A. You transfer the design to a flash stick and then insert it into the embroidery machine.

If you want to embroider your own art or clip art, you will need machine embroidery digitizing software and this starts at about $700.

Expect to spend at least $800. Plus another $50 or so for thread and stabilizer.