Category: Tutorial

Computerized Machine Embroidery

➜ If you are unfamiliar with machine sewing, please check out the machine sewing tutorials for help operating a standard sewing machine (setup, threading machine, filling and loading bobbin, replacing needle, etc.).

➜ The embroidery machines is for embroidery only and should not be used for regular sewing.

➜ If you have never sewn using an electric sewing machine, it is highly recommended to that you start with the standard machine before moving on to operating the embroidery machine. See our tutorials on machine sewing

DO NOT LEAVE THE MACHINE UNATTENDED WHEN STITCHING! The needle may break and, if not caught by the machine’s software, could damage both the machine and your fabric. If you need to step away while in the middle of a project, press the START/STOP key on the front of the machine to PAUSE the job.

DO NOT LEAVE UNFINISHED PROJECTS IN THE MACHINE! If a project is left in the machine and someone else has booked time, your project will be removed from the machine and its hoop.

Tandon MakerSpace: Embroidery Machine

Students are welcome to use the Tandon MakerSpace’s Brother SE400 embroidery machine. Training is required to use.

👉 More Info on the Tandon MakerSpace website

👉 Training Sign-up

Supplies

Check out from shop staff

When you are ready to stitch your design, you will need to check out the following from the shop staff:

  • PC Laptop with power cord and USB cable
  • Embroidery Hoop (Large or Small)
  • Embroidery Thread

Purchase your own

It is recommended that you provide your own embroidery needles as those can break and are difficult to find on short notice. You may also need to provide the specific embroidery thread you desire plus any specific stabilizers that are required for the project.

  • Sheets of tearaway paper stabilizers are available in the blue bins. These will fit the small embroidery hoop.
  • See the Supply List for additional information and links to specific items.

Tutorials

Getting Started

To get started with machine embroidery, it is recommended to start with the following:

👉 Hello World: Machine embroidery

Once comfortable with operating the embroidery machine, the following will support you as you move forward with Machine Embroidery.

General

🟢 Embroidery Work Flow – A typical workflow for machine embroidery.

🟢 FAQ and Trouble Shooting

Embroidery Design

🟠 Ink/Stitch Beginner Tutorials – Learn to create your own designs with Ink/Stitch(Inkscape)

🟠 Import and Open Singer Hoop Templates – Download and import Inkscape templates to use when designing your own embroidery files.

Machine Operation

🟣 Threading the machine – Learn to thread the bobbing and top threads

🟣 Embroidery Machine Controls – Learn how to step back and go forward using the machine’s button.

Materials and Fabric Setup

🔵 Securing Fabric and Loading Hoop (Fabric, Stabilizer and Hoop) – Learn to prepare the fabric, secure it in the hoop then load the hoop into the machine.

🔵 Multi-hoop Designs – Learn how to stitch designs that are larger than the large hoop.

🔵 Needles, Thread and Stabilizers – Learn about stabilizers as well as view chart for matching the appropriate materials.

Additional notes

Unfinished Work

Please do not leave unfinished work in the machine. If you need to, please purchase another hoop if you plan to continue working.

Putting Machine Back

The embroidery machine goes back on one of the two bottom shelves as it is heavy. Please grab the machine with the handle and your other hand supporting the body of the machine when doing so.

Navigating Machine

On the front of the machine, just above the “Start” button (red/green light) is the “Return Arrow” button. In embroidery mode, this will back up stitches while depressed.

The “Needle Down” button (sewing mode) will forward a stitch at a time when depressed.

Needle Breakage

Be sure to eliminate large jumps as much as possible. These jumps can pull on the needle which will cause it to hit the metal casing when it goes to run the stitch, breaking the needle. Having extra needles will be a great help.

Overlock/Serger

👉 Juki MP-644D Manual

Juki MO-644D – Serger Instructional Videos

1

Overview

2

Preparing the Machine

3

Threading

4

Trial Sewing

5

Adjusting to Proper Stitch
(Tension, Width, etc.)

6

Securing Seams

7

Changing the Thread

8

3-Thread Overlocking

9

Roll Hemming

10

Maintenance

Serger Training Video Series

👉 Serging with Sue Green-Baker

Embroidery Work Flow

Typical Workflow

  1. Create or download image.
    1. Hand drawn and all non-vector images will need to be turned into vector files.
  2. Convert non-vector images into editable vector files.
  3. Import into design software.
    1. Inkstitch (Inkscape) is the shop’s preferred software for digitizing images.
    2. If you have an image that has already been digitized for stitching, you may proceed to the importing the file into the Singer Futura software.
  4. Edit image for embroidery by removing fine details and reducing the number of colors.
    1. Considering the size of the final embroidery as well as the time allotted to complete the project, this will determine just how much is eliminated.
    2. Try to eliminate large jumps in the stitch paths as this will help prevent needle breakage.
  5. Convert to embroidery objects.
  6. Run preview/stitch path simulation to identify any problems.
  7. Adjust and troubleshoot any problems that are identified.
  8. Convert to embroidery file.
  9. Transfer file into Singer Futura software for final adjustments.
  10. Prepare Machine
    1. Load thread and bobbin
    2. Place fabric with stabilizers in hoop
  11. Stitch the Design
  12. Evaluate how stitches turned out the adjust file and restitch.

Ink/Stitch Beginner Tutorials

👉 Version 1.22.0 full tutorial playlist on YouTube

1

Introduction

2

Install (Windows)

3

Customize

Tutorial: Import and Open Singer Hoop Templates

Stitch Types

1

Fill

2

Satin Columns

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • Satin Path Object:
  • Satin Tools:
    • 03:38 Convert Line to Satin Column
    • 04:19 Cut Satin Column
    • 06:07 Flip Satin Column Rails
    • 07:02 Auto-Route Satin Columns
  • Params & Underlay:

3

Stroke Type Stitches

Lettering

Lettering

Visual Commands

  • 00:00 Introduction
  • 00:25 Install Add-Ons
  • Design Commands:
  • Layer Commands
  • Object Commands
    • 02:07 Fill: Starting- and Ending Position
    • 03:39 Auto-Route Satin: Starting- and Ending Position
    • 05:10 Split Satin Column
    • 05:54 Trim
    • 06:53 Stop
    • 07:26 Ignore

Visualize and Export

Workflow

Additional Tutorials

👉 https://inkstitch.org/tutorials/

👉 Project Anonymous Ink/Stitch Tutorials

👉 How to create Keyboard Shortcuts with Inkscape and Ink/Stitch

Ink/Stitch TroubleShooting

👉 FAQ

👉 Error Messages

Inkscape (Ink/stitch) Embroidery Templates

👉 Import and Open Singer Hoop Templates

Threading the machine

Note: When threading the machine, first fill the bobbin before threading the top thread.

1

Place a spool of thread on the spool pin, and secure it with the spool pin cap. Pull the thread out from the spool and place it through thread guides as shown in the illustration.

2

Put the end of the thread through the hole in the bobbin as shown. Place the bobbin onto the bobbin winder spindle as far as it can go.

3

Holding onto the end of the thread, push the bobbin winder latch against the bobbin until it clicks and the bobbin starts to rotate.

4

The bobbin will disengage automatically and the winding mechanism will stop when the bobbin is full. Remove the wound bobbin and cut the thread tail.

1

Raise the needle to its highest position by rotating the handwheel counterclockwise (toward you).

2

Remove the bobbin cover plate by pushing the release button to the right. Bobbin cover will pop up sufficiently to allow you to remove the cover.

3

Insert the bobbin making sure the bobbin rotates counter-clockwise when you pull the thread.

Note: This is a very important step. The bobbin must rotate counterclockwise when the thread is pulled.

4

Pull thread through the slot (A) and then to the left.

5

With a finger held gently on top of the bobbin, pull the thread until it stops in the slot (B). Then pull the thread along the groove on the needle plate until it is snipped with cutter on the top left.

Note: Sewing can be started without having to pull up the bobbin thread.

6

Replace the clear bobbin cover plate onto the needle plate.

1

Raise the presser foot lifter. Always be sure to raise the presser foot lifter before threading the top thread. (If the presser foot lifter is not raised, correct thread tension cannot be obtained.)

2

Turn the hand wheel counterclockwise (toward you) until the needle is in its highest position.

3

Thread the machine with your left hand while firmly gripping the thread with your right hand in the following order as illustrated.

  1. Guide the thread through thread guides (1 & 2), and then pull it down along the groove (3).
  2. Guide the thread into the thread guide (4).
  3. Pass the thread through the eye of the needle (5) from front to back.
Important

To verify that the machine is threaded properly in the tension discs, do this simple check:

  1. With the presser foot raised, pull the thread towards the back of the machine. You should detect only slight resistance and little or no deflection of the needle.
  2. Now lower the presser foot and again pull the thread towards the back of the machine. This time you should detect a considerable amount of resistance and much more deflection of the needle. If you do not detect the resistance you have miss-threaded the machine and need to re-thread it.

Securing Fabric and Loading Hoop (Fabric, Stabilizer and Hoop)

  1. Loosen hoop adjusting screw and place fabric between inner and outer frame. Pull fabric edges to remove slack.
  2. Slightly tighten the hoop, adjust the screw and pull fabric edges to remove slack. Fit the two frames together by pressing down on the inner frame.
  3. Tighten the hoop’s screw then remove the slack from the stabilizer.
  4. Continue tightening the hoop adjusting screw while removing the slack until the fabric is properly secured within the embroidery hoop.
  5. Once the fabric is taut, tighten the adjustment screw once the stabilizer is secured.

Source: Pg. 64 of Singer Futura XL-400 Manual:

Turn the handwheel counterclockwise (toward you) until the needle comes to its highest position.

Source: Pg. 70 of Singer Futura XL-400 Manual
  1. Raise presser foot and needle, and push up lever (A) of embroidery foot with your finger and pass embroidery hoop under it.
    • To remove, pull the hoop forward to slide it out from underneath the embroidery foot.
  2. Slide the hoop onto the embroidery unit from front to back until it clicks into place.
    • To remove, press the release lever and slide the hoop towards you.

Note: Before attaching the small hoop, turn on the power switch to move the carriage to embroidering standby position.

Source: Pg. 70 of Singer Futura XL-400 Manual

It is important to select the correct stabilizer(s), thread, and needle for the material being used. Singer has provided an excellent starting point (see below).

  • Cut 1 piece of non-woven fabric stabilizer (tear-away, self-adhesive, or cut-away) that is 1.5 to 2 inches bigger on all sides than the embroidery hoop.
  • Loosen hoop adjusting screw and place fabric between inner and outer frame. Pull fabric edges to remove slack.
  • Slightly tighten the hoop and adjust the screw and pull fabric edges to remove slack. Fit the two frames together by pressing down on the inner frame.
  • Tighten the hoop’s screw then remove the slack from the stabilizer.
  • Continue tightening the hoop adjusting screw while removing the slack until the fabric is properly secured within the embroidery hoop. The stabilizer should be pulled taut but not too much as it might tear.
  • Tighten the adjustment screw once the stabilizer is secured.

Some materials may be damaged when secured within the embroidery hoop (e.i. vinyl, leather, plastic, etc.). Those materials will need to be secured on top of the stabilizer which is secured within the hoop.

Example of why not to hoop these fabrics:

Cut 1 piece of non-woven fabric stabilizer (tear-away, self-adhesive, or cut-away) that is 1.5 to 2 inches bigger on all side than the embroidery hoop.
Clear vinyl with blue rectangular ornate frame embroidery taken out of the hoop. Crease and puckering mark where the embroidery hoop was placed.
  1. Cut 1 piece of non-woven fabric stabilizer (tear-away, self-adhesive, or cut-away) that is 1.5 to 2 inches bigger on all sides than the embroidery hoop.
  2. Loosen hoop adjusting screw and place fabric between inner and outer frame. Pull fabric edges to remove slack.
  3. Slightly tighten the hoop and adjust the screw and pull fabric edges to remove slack. Fit the two frames together by pressing down on the inner frame.
  4. Tighten the hoop’s screw then remove the slack from the stabilizer.
  5. Continue tightening the hoop adjusting screw while removing the slack until the fabric is properly secured within the embroidery hoop. The stabilizer should be pulled taut but not too much as it might tear.
  6. Tighten the adjustment screw once the stabilizer is secured.
  7. Spray the wrong (back) side of the fabric to be embroidered with a spray adhesive.
  8. Place material on the hooped stabilizer and smooth flat.
  9. Slide the embroidery hoop into the machine and begin stitching.

Juki HZL-F600

Note: Instructional DVD Available from Shop Staff

1

Machine Operation

2

Replacing the Needle

3

Bobbin Thread Preparation

4

Threading the Needle

Note: Make sure the presser foot life is up when threading the machine as this will allow for the thread to pass through the tension disks.

5

Straight Stitch

6

Automatic Lock Stitch & Thread Trimming

7

Overcasting Stitch

8

Buttonhole Stitches

9

Decorative Stitches

10

Letters

11

Darning

12

Save & Recall

13

Patchwork Quilt

Applique

Quilting

Straight Stitch (with Walking Foot)

Quilting

Free Motion

Quilting

Random Patterns

Other

Singer 4432 Heavy Duty

Overview of machine

Threading

1

Threading the needle

Note: Make sure the presser foot life is up when threading the machine as this will allow for the thread to pass through the tension disks.

2

How to Use the Machine Needle Threader

3

Loading Top Drop-in Bobbin

Needle

1

Changing the needle

2

Changing the needle position

Pressor feet

1

Presser Foot Tutorial (Changing presser foot)

2

Presser Foot Pressure

3

How to Use the Buttonhole Presser Foot

4

Darning and Freehand Embroidery Presser Foot Tutorial

Sewing Speed

Selecting from Available Stitches

Using the Machine Feed Dogs

Machine Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Other

How to Sew 8 Common Seams

For additional guides and images, please refer to the machine manuals below: