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Posts Tagged ‘Computerized Embroidery’

Where can I get a sewing machine that I can do custom embroidery…?

January 28th, 2013 2 comments

I’m new to sewing and don’t know too much about it & the machines, but I’m looking for something that will let me do different fonts and adjust the size of the stitching. Hoping for something that’s no more than $400.. Would Amazon or perhaps Walmart sell ones like this? Thanks

There are two major methods of machine embroidery — free motion, where you guide the hooped fabric, and can be done on any sewing machine, and computerized, which requires a special machine. I do some free motion embroidery — here’s sort of the great grandfather of textbooks of machine embroidery. free motion on a treadle machine: http://archive.org/details/singerinstructio00sing and the best modern book I know of: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Machine-Embroidery-Creative/dp/0801976480/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1 done just before embroidery machines became commonly available to home sewing.

The other method is computerized embroidery, and there are several types of machines there: combination sewing/embroidery machines like http://www.bernina.com/en-US/Products-us/BERNINA-products-us/BERNINA-Sewing-and-Embroidery-Machines-us/BERNINA-8-Series-us/BERNINA-en (this one was a mere $12.5K when it was first released) or more reasonably, http://www.amazon.com/Brother-SE400-Combination-Computerized-Embroidery/dp/B003AVMZA4/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1359239253&sr=1-1 and embroidery only machines like: http://www.amazon.com/Brother-PE770-Embroidery-Memory-Stick-Compatibility/dp/B002MQI2NM/ref=sr_1_2?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1359239253&sr=1-2 or a multihead (many needles at a time) machine like: http://in.bernina.com/product_detail-n3-i258-sIN.html which sews many colors at the same time, and is typically used by an embroidery business.

Most of the people I know who do computerized machine embroidery have started with a 4×4" hoop combination machine, then discovered that 1) they wanted a bigger hoop and 2) if they didn’t have another machine, they couldn’t sew while the machine was laboriously stitching out a design. The folks I know who bought embroidery only machines plus a sewing machine didn’t pay much more (if any) than the ones who bought a single combination machine, and most of them seem happier with their initial purpose.

On top of the machine, you usually wind up buying several types and weights of embroidery stabilizer, perhaps a digitizing program so you can make your own designs, another program to help convert predigitized designs into a format your machine can use, and thread. Lots and lots of threads. So the machine is only the tip of the iceberg.

If you can, see if you can find a basic machine embroidery class where they supply the machines. There’s a fairly steep learning curve at first, I understand, and see if it’s something you really want to invest in. Me? I’m happier doing embroidery by hand.

what do you think of this sewing machine : artista 200e?

January 16th, 2013 1 comment

i liked it So much , and i want to learn how to sew stuff so i could be a designer in the futur . But what do you think ?

The Bernina Artista series are all good machines — and Bernina partisans will tell you there is nothing better than a Bernina. I’d disagree because they just don’t feel quite right to me, but they are indeed mechanically sound machines, though they tend to be quite pricey for features compared to some other good brands. I’m also not into computerized embroidery. (If I want to embroider I do free motion or hand embroidery).

Some things you might want to consider:
1) if you have a combination sewing/embroidery machine, you can’t sew while the machine is stitching out a design. Quite a few friends who do computerized embroidery have an embroidery machine and a sewing machine. In some cases, two machines are less expensive than a combo machine.

2) If you’re going to be spending that much on a first machine, you might also want to look at some of the offerings from some of the other good home machine makers like Elna, Janome, Pfaff and Viking (in alphabetical order). That way, you can know you’ve made the right decision for you, no matter what brand or model you wind up choosing.

It’s generally not the machine, it’s the brain and the hands operating the machine, that really control the quality of the sewn product. See if your library can get you a copy of an old, old book called "Singer Instructions for Art Embroidery", done in several editions. Every stitch in the book (and there’s some magnificent work) was done on a straight stitch treadle sewing machine.

While there’s no point handicapping yourself by buying a crummy, balky, hunk o’ junk sewing machine, if you’re working on a budget, you might want to consider putting some of that sewing machine money towards lessons and going with a machine with fewer bells and whistles. In the long run, it may be more beneficial to learn to use a simpler machine well, particularly if you intend to go to design school.

You might also want to start reading at http://www.fashion-incubator.com — lots of things there for new designers.

I am learning embroidery, can any please suggest a list good embroidery software’s. thank you?

January 10th, 2013 1 comment

Well, Initially I would like to learn it on computer, I know hand embroidery, now I want to design new embroids and implement it practically on various cloths with differential patterns

are you looking for free patterns, instructions on various stitches, any particular stitch, ….
what do you mean by software – are you learning computerized embroidery or hand embroidery?
if you add some details, i can give you a specific answer. i have quite a few sites on hand & machine embroidery.
meanwhile, you can try google, youtube, expertvillage, about.com, ehow.com, etc.

will wait for you to update …
all the best

okay, here’s a list i’ve compiled for machine embroidery – most have free patterns, but if you browse through them, i’m sure you’ll find a lot more & further links too.
hope you find what you are looking for & more :-))

first, though :
www.embroiderytop.com/index.html — list of top embroidery sites !! and they update this regularly.

www.embroiderydesigns.com/freeembroiderydesigns.aspx
www.abc-free-machine-embroidery-designs.com/archive/
www.annthegran.com/FreeDesigns.aspx
www.s-embroidery.com/free-machine-embroidery-designs.html
www.swfeast.com/en/FREE_embroidery_Machine_Designs.asp
www.embroiderthis.com/downloads1.html
www.dekatzenembroidery.co.za
www.stitchpatch.co.za
www.hatchedinafrica.com
www.emblibrary.com
www.embroidery-free.com
www.embroidery-freebies.com
www.embroideryfree.us
www.embroideryhorizons.com/
www.oriental-embroidery.com/
http://www.bunnycup.com/
and if you want free designs, you can join to this group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/orientalto…

hope this helped

Question about the Brother SE400 Computerized Embroidery and Sewing Machine?

December 5th, 2012 2 comments

Does this embroidery machine work with HUS, PES, and DST formats?

PES.

If you already have designs in the other formats, they can be converted by using Pulse Ambassador (a free download).

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).

Does anyone have any experience with a Husqvarna Viking Designer 1 Sewing machine?

December 3rd, 2012 3 comments

I’m wanting to buy a husqvarna Viking Designer 1 and I’ve heard really good things and a few bad things. I was wondering if there was anyone that has one and could give me some honest feedback?

There have been a number of machines called "Designer 1", "Designer 1+", "Designer 1 USB", so you might want to clarify what machine you’re thinking about. The current model is the Designer 1 USB.

Many of the people I know who do computerized embroidery have wound up preferring to have a second machine for stitching, so they can keep sewing while the embroidery machine is stitching out a design. That might be something you want to think about. I don’t do computerized embroidery (just hand or freehand machine embroidery), so I can’t really advise you much on this, except to suggest you might want to hop over to http://www.patternreview.com and read some machine reviews for yourself. You may need to join to read older reviews, but the basic membership is free and they don’t spam you.

My main machine is a 12+ year old Viking electronic, 30 stitches. I make almost all my famiy’s clothing, and it has performed nearly flawlessly over the years — and those flaws were my fault, not the machine’s.

Recommend a sewing machine with alphabet?

November 11th, 2012 5 comments

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 just got a Brother Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine, SE-400?

January 9th, 2012 2 comments

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.

Does anyone recommend the SE-270DBSC Brother® Disney Computerized Sewing & Embroidery Machine?

November 14th, 2011 7 comments

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.

Information Regarding Free Embroidery Designs To Download

July 21st, 2011 No comments

Embroidery was first introduced as a hobby to decorate our ancestors’ fabric materials with the use of needle and thread. Today, it is still used to decorate garments and household materials. Embroidery evolves the use of computerized machines to digitize the embroidery patterns. With embroidery machines, there are lots of ways to express your creativity as you work uniquely on your designs. And remember the opportunity to have free embroidery designs to download from Internet!

Embroidery machines can be used for personal and commercial purposes. Hobbyist’ use them for sewing household linens, draperies, and decorative fabrics. They also use it to adorn bed linens, tablecloths, towels, and curtains. Commercially, it is used for product branding by putting logos and monograms on business shirts, jackets, gifts, and company apparels. It is also used for corporate advertising such as Christmas giveaways and anniversary souvenirs.

For more information on free embroidery designs to download click here