➜ 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
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.
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.