Embroidery is a special kind of art on clothing that needs a sewing machine to be done professionally. But many sewers ask, can all sewing machines do embroidery?
Because it has become a myth that all sewing machines cannot do it, but the fact is that you can do embroidery with all sewing machines to some extent.
This article will teach you how to embroider with a regular sewing machine and how far you can embroider.
Note These Points Before Starting Practical Work
- Know your skills.
- Select the simplest design.
- Practice is the key.
- Mistakes will happen, so don’t worry.
- Believe in yourself.
- Use high-quality threads.
- Use a right-sized embroidery hoop.
- Select an appropriate embroidery needle.
- Choose the right fabrics.
- Stay confident.
Can all sewing machines do embroidery? Let’s do it with a regular sewing machine
Step 1: Supplies You Will Need
You must have the following items:
a) Sewing machine
Any domestic sewing machine from any brand can do the trick.
b) Piece of Fabrics
Select the fabrics on which to embroider patterns. Make sure you choose cotton, wool, linen, or silk for the best results.
c) Different Threads
While there are different types of sewing threads, for embroidery purposes, contrast thread is recommended so that the embroidery images appear on the fabric.
For example, if you have a white fabric, you should choose black or red threads.
d) Different Needles
Needle selection is essential, but it’s a no-brainer. Among other types of needles, I prefer the Crewel or Embroidery needle since it has a sharp point with a narrow eye so that it can penetrate fabrics more quickly.
e) Sewing scissors
You won’t need all types of sewing scissors except for the standard ones and sewing clippers.
f) Embroidery Hoop
This is a must-have accessory for embroidery crafts. It is a rounded ring with a metal screw to hold it in place so that embroidery backing and fabrics create no wrinkles.
g) Presser’s foot
According to my experience, free motion or embroidery feet are the best. However, if you want to use the standard presser foot, you should stick with simple designs.
h) Embroidery backing or stabilizer
A hooped and embroidered sheet of material. This supports the fabric. If you want to eliminate the stabilizer, I recommend the Water Soluble Stabilizer, which will disperse with water.
I) Darning plate
You only need it if your sewing machine cannot lower the feed dog.
j) Pressing Iron
The pressing iron does not directly impact embroidery designs, but you will need it to make the fabric flat, so there are no curves left.
k) Markers
You will need a marker or chalk to mark fabrics, embroidery hoop position, design placement, etc.
Note: All the supplies explained above are essential and can simplify work for you, but ensure that you have them and know how to operate them.
Step 2: Now Select The Design
As I will teach you how to embroider with a simple sewing machine, you should select the simplest designs with limited curves.
For the best experience, go for designs like roses, flowers, simple cartoons, map drawings, etc., especially for beginners. To give you some inspiration, search Line Arts Designs on Google, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, etc., but make sure you look for thousands of design ideas and pick a simple one.
Before finalising any design, make sure it can best fit an embroidery hoop; otherwise, change the design or hoop.
Also, if you are doing this process for the first time, I recommend you go for a one-colour embroidery style since using multiple thread colours can be a bit overwhelming.
Step 3: Prepare Your Fabrics
The next step is choosing the right type of fabrics where the embroidery is possible. Cut the fabric’s edges and all details accurately, and iron it thoroughly so there are no wrinkles.
Next…
- After these steps, trace your design exactly on the side of the fabrics you want to embroider with chalk or temporary marker to make cleaning easier after washing.
- If you are a good artist, you can create designs with pencils.
- Otherwise, I suggest iron-on transfer paper that will transfer your design to fabrics with precise details.
- As you are done with these things, place the embroidery backing precisely on the design and then glue it on or iron it on if you have iron-on backing.
Step 4: Preparing the Embroidery Hoop
Now comes an essential step: putting the fabric in the embroidery hoop. Ensure that the material is pulled taut within the ring and that the design is placed inside it before tightening it so that loosened or skipped stitches will not result.
Here are some points to keep in mind;
- Put the fabric inside the hoop, so the right side rests on the lowest part.
- When the right side of the material is facing up, the hoop edges should be raised above it.
- Avoid extending the fabric over the top like a drum top.
Moreover, the hoop size should match the design to allow the presser foot and needle to move comfortably.
5. Preparing the sewing machine
Prepare embroidery hoops, then place fabrics within tight so tight that there are no wrinkles.
Here are some points to keep in mind;
- Put the fabric inside the hoop, so the right side rests on the lowest part.
- When the right side of the material is facing up, the hoop edges should be raised above it.
- Avoid extending the fabric over the top like a drum top.
- Moreover, the hoop size should match the design to allow the presser foot and needle to move comfortably.
Step 6: Now Start embroidering
Put your designs in a hoop under the presser foot, then lower it using the lever. Make a few straight stitches for practice, then adjust stitch length and width as your heartbeat drops.
Zigzag stitches are the best.
Keep these few points in mind before starting embroidering;
- Place the embroidery hoop accurately under the needle so that the needle is above the design.
- The right side of the fabrics where you have made the embroidery design should face up.
- If necessary, install a darning plate to make feeding fabrics easier.
- Make sure the material rests flat on the sewing machine surface.
Motivation: if it’s your first time, you’ll probably make plenty of mistakes. However, failure is an essential part of success. Make a note of your errors, then try again without repeating them.
Step 7: Giving A Final Touch
Once you’ve embroidered and sewed every detail of the design, the final step is to give it a finishing touch.
In the end…
- Save wear and tear by cutting the thread precisely.
- It is time to remove the hoop and the completed task.
- Trim all the unwanted threads and fibres with sewing clippers to give fabrics a final polish.
It is all done.
Comment below and let me know if you can embroider it as I described it. I look forward to hearing back from you…
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I do unstructured embroidery on a domestic sewing machine?
I did not explain the process for freehand embroidery in this article since it is more complex. Freehand embroidery is possible, but the results will be poor, and the designs will be sluggish. I recommend you create simple embroidery designs with a regular sewing machine.
2. How clear will embroidery designs made with regular sewing machines be?
It depends on the design layout and your skill level. A skilled sewer’s design will be professional, but a sewing machine’s capabilities are also necessary. Therefore, designs won’t look as attractive, realistic, and crisp as they would on embroidery sewing machines.
3. What type of sewing machine should I use as an experienced embroiderer?
Here are two things you should know if you are an experienced sewer.
Number 1, if you are doing embroidery for pleasure but have a regular sewing machine, you should be fine.
Number 2, if embroidery is your source of income and passion, you should buy the best embryoid machine to make your creations look amazing.