Free Embroidery Designs

I inherited my mom’s Brother NV4000D embroidery machine and want to learn to use it. The Brother dealer wants $50/hour and I can’t afford that. Mother used to go to weekly classes and I doubt she paid that much for them but she was in Colorado so I don’t know.

Your mother may not have paid that much, because the lessons where at the dealer from which she purchased the machine. Over the past years, prices have gone up for service and lessons.

When I purchase my first embroidery machine, there wasn’t anyone selling the machines who new very much about how to use the.

I learned at my own pace from Jeanine Twigg’s books.

The manual for the machine will show you how to operated the machine – read and follow the instructions carefully.

There are many sites where you can ask questions or view "conversations" among those who do machine and embroidery and they are always very helpful when it comes to a "newbie".

Try Machine Embroidery Essentials, How to Stabilize, Hoop and Stitch as well as a few visits to http://www.sewforum.com

One important caveat – never walk away from the embroidery machine while it is operating. A jam can throw off the timing and this is around a $90 fix.

Visit Ann The Gran for free designs to download as well as Sewforum and several other sites.

Ask about lessons in San Diego at Ann The Gran. There is at least one person on the forum in CA, but I am not sure of the city.

You might also ask the same at sewforum.

Additional information –

Your machine embroidery format is pes.

According to this ad, the 4000 has been discontinued, but it does have the USB port for easy transfer of downloaded designs from the PC to the embroidery machine, but a limited embroidery area of 8" x 4". Another plus – it is a combo (sewing as well as an embroidery machine).

http://www.mrvacmrssew.com/Shop/products/Brother/Embroidery-Machines/Brother-Innovis-4000D-Sewing-and-Embroidery-Machine/index.html

Hi, can anyone recommend a sewing machine including nice patterns, embroydery and alphabet? I am a complete beghinner qnd am willing to pay between 100 and 350 usd. must be easy to use.
Thanks a lot!!
Thanks a lot, but what about the Brother SE270D Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine, 350USD?

You really need to buy an embroidery machine from a dealer (sewing store) You will need lessons on the machine itself and for doing embroidery. This is not something to figure out yourself.
I know of two people who took back the Brother’s Disney embroidery machine to WalMart because they were so flustered with it.
Some dealers have older machine that were brought in when the owners traded up in models. Sewing stores are going to give you free lessons on your machine.
Once you have an embroidery machine you can buy 100’s of different fonts for it. Also there are many free designs on line. You just have to see if it is offered in your sewing machines "language" I have a Viking Huskavarna embroidery machine, I need designs in HUS.
Check out site below

I have just purchased a Brother sewing/embroidery machine, Disney SE-2700 series. I keep reading about digitizing. If I understand it right it is creating your own embroidery patterns. Where on the internet can I find what I need to know about digitizing, and can I digitize with my machine? I appreciate all the help I can get. Nana

Digitizing is the creation of design files to use on your embroidery machine. There are several digitizing programs available and most will create files in many formats. ART is the only format that is not as popular and which only comes with specific digitizing software. PES which you use on your Brother machine is very common and most digitizing programs create this format.

I personally use a couple of programs to digitize. The one I like the best is Embird. You can have the option of creating most of the design automatically and then reworking it until you like what you get, or creating the whole design from scratch (this is called manual punching). The Secrets of Embroidery website offers tutorials as well as a free 30-day trial download of Embird so you can try before you buy. There are also Yahoo Groups which are dedicated to each type of software program to digitize and the members help each other with their problems.

I have never used an embroidery machine and would like one. I have a very old Bernina sewing machine which I love, but would it make more sense to buy a combo machine?

Combos are usually a little more expensive, but it is always a good option to have a second sewing machine.

Brother is the leader and first to offer home embroidery machines.

I purchased a Brother embroidery only machine from Walmart and used it for several years and then upgraded to a Babylock (same family) that is a combo, has a larger embroidery field and USB connectivity.

The standard embroidery area (based on the largest size hoop that comes with the machine) is 4 x 4, which limits the size of the design that can be stitched without using editing software for machine embroidery to split the design into smaller segments (2 or more).

USB connectivity makes it easy to send designs to the embroidery machine from the PC (or flash drive) as this is where downloads will be stored.

Most of the new models have either a cable (USB Port B) that connects to the PC (after sending the designs to the embroidery machine, it no longer has to be connected to the embroidery machine and PC).

Or, flash drive (USB Port A ) which comes up on the PC screen as a removable drive. This product is good to have as storage as well as a method of providing designs for the embroidery machine once it is plugged into the machine.

Without USB connectivity you will need to purchase a reader/writer/memory card unit for machine embroidery that is compatible with the format of the embroidery machine.

Brother and Babylock use the pes format. Example roses.pes.

Bernina makes great machines, but they are too expensive and so are the accessories. The format is not that compatible for conversion (formats can be converted if you find a design you like in a format different than what is required by the machine).

Pulse Ambassador is a free software download for conversion. I have used it with success, with exception of the art format (as in roses.art) which is one used by Bernina.

With these basics in hand, shop the sewing machine dealers and see what is available.

Buy the machine you like the best from the dealer you like the best.

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 have some pictures for a sewing project and i need them embroidered i have a brother pe400 sewing/embroidery machine. I’m looking for some software to simply change pictures to stitches. would prefer free, but I am willing to pay for it. I have to computers, a windows and mac.

The software you need to be compatible with a sewing machine so specific should have been included when you purchased it. If you do not have the software already you can download it from the brother website. Hopefully this works for you!

Cheers!

What are the best sites to download free embroidery graphics from?

Congratulations!

First, create a folder on either the pc’s hard drive, disk or flash drive for storing your downloads or you will have problems trying to locate them as you want to use them. Within the folder, create sub folders as the collection grows for easy access, such as infant, hearts, sports, flowers, etc.

If you decide to store on the hard drive, be sure to back-up on a flash drive by saving each time you add or make changes to the folder. This can be a life saver should the pc crash or otherwise lose all your hard work.

Downloads are usually zipped to save download time. These files have to be opened/extracted/unzipped before they can be used as the embroidery machine will not recognize the format. This is a good time to rename the files for easy recognition. If there is a file extension (.pes) be sure to add it to the rename. Example: yxrose123.pes could be renamed yellowrose.pes

Be sure to download files with a pes format and that are within the size of the machine’s embroidery stitch area.

For example – if the embroidery machine is designed for a 4" x 4" hoop, no matter how much larger a hoop that you may use, the machine is limited to the 4 x 4 and will not stitch out a larger design without editing software to split the design into smaller segments and additional re-hooping and re-positioning of the item being embroidered.

There are many sites for downloading free designs – beware of the foreign sites, especially Russian as they offer designs that are illegal US licensed designs.

If you do a search of free machine embroidery designs you can then choose the sites as you wish – just watch out for the foreign sites offering Disney and other licensed designs.

I use Ann The Gran – some are free for everyone and others are free to members of Ann’s Club, which requires a small membership fee. Membership also includes discounts on supplies and merchandise. http://www.annthegran.com

Embroidery Library as a few freebies, but they have the best overall tips, techniques and tutorials online. http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/elprojects/holder.aspx?page=techniques

http://www.sewforum.com has free designs and a great forum for learning, asking questions and overall information.

Brother has designs that can be downloaded, will be in the correct format and within the 4 x 4 hoop size/stitching area – http://www.brother-usa.com/HomeSewing/GetCreative/free-designs.aspx

Once you have your collection, you will not be able to view the actual design unless you have a software program. The least expensive on that I have found is Embrilliance Thumbnailer, available here – http://www.dzgns.com/shopping_cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1293 this site also has free downloads.

Enjoy and please email me if you have any additional questions.

I just bought an embroidery and I figured out how to write a word with the 4 printed fonts but I cannot figure out how to center it onto my fabric? It says to use embroidery sheets. Do I need to use that and what is that?

Also, for the cursive feature on #45-70, is there a way to type in the word on the machine or do I have to eyeball that with each letter? Does the cursive section only have one size?

Lastly, if I’m trying to find a free ballet, hawaiian or a different letter font on the internet to download, do you have an easy way to find it?

i have a brother machine but it is a ult2002d so i can’t specifically answer your question. there are soooooo many yahoo groups dedicated to machine embroidery. i looked up a couple of the for you and there are 2 that are just for your machine. the people on these groups are wonderful and will walk you thru every step of the way. here are the links.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Brother_se-270d/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/brother_Disney_SE-270D_CLUB/

as far as downloading designs from the internet i’ll give you a few sites
http://www.astitchahalf.com/ has a sale every week where she sells 5 different fonts for only $3.00
www.annthegran.com has all kinds of free designs
and my favorite site is
http://www.designsbysick.com/amember/go.php?r=5647&i=l0">Designs by SiCK Embroidery Library
they give away 49 free designs a day and the membership to their site is very reasonable.

these are just a few to get you started. if you have any other questions just e-mail me, i will be more than happy to help.

have fun.

I’ve been sewing for 7 years but have never done embroidery. If someone has this machine, do you recommend it? Can I download free embroidery on a Macintosh and use it with this machine?

My wife and I bought this machine and found it relatively easy to learn. Neither one of us had ever embroidered or done much sewing before. The machine is, I feel, a really good starting point for someone wanting to get into the hobby or business. We had the machine for only a couple of months before we decided to upgrade. We are a small home-based start up embroidery business; thus the reason for upgrading. Having gone up a level and a half or so to a Brother Pacesetter 8200 there are some things we miss about the 270D and some things we don’t. The 270D makes threading needles simple. The 8200 requires a tad bit more work (I do mean only a tad) to thread and is not as easy as the 270D; where once you get the thread situated in the thread cartridge you just insert it into the machine. So from that stand point the 270 is easier. That being said, having upgraded, I can honestly say, if we had known the difference in quality of the embroidery produced, we would have gone with a "higher" end machine from the start. The 270 produces good embroidery, but the difference of quality it is capable of and that of the 8200 floored us (270 had some looping and gaps in the designs while the 8200 did not). Same design, same thread. 8200 won hands down. So what am I trying to say here? If you don’t want to shell out the dough, the 270 is perfect. If you can get your hands on an upgrade for a couple of hundred bucks more (varies), I’d go with a model a step or two above. My two cents. Hope it helps.

Reviews: http://sewingmachine-reviews.info
http://amzn.to/mLoyle

Duration : 0:1:25

Read more…