History of Machine Embroidery

Machine embroidery is thought of as a modern design procedure. However, it has come a long way since its invention, making embroidery faster and easier to produce. Manufacturers have taken advantage of machine embroidery as a design element and many embroidered garments can be found, in stores, at every quality and price level. Machine embroidery features have also been added to home sewing machines, allowing individuals the same access to machine embroidery as large manufacturers.

Early Machine Embroidery

The first embroidery machines were "punching" machines. A design was constructed on paper and the mechanical apparatus punched through the paper and into the fabric with thread.

First Computer Embroidery

There is some dissention as to whom created the first computer embroidery system. Some say it was Melco Industries, in 1972, while others say it was Wilcom in 1980.

Digitized Design

Melco patented the first digitized design in 1980 where the user created the pattern in the computer, printing a paper pattern that was run on the embroidery machine. Wilcom enhanced this process, with his patent in 1982, which allowed more than one person to work on segments of the embroidery process at the same time.

Sewing Heads

Both, Brother and Tajima (from Japan) created sewing heads for embroidery machines that allowed for the use of more than one thread at a time.

Home Machine Embroidery

As prices dropped, with availability, machine embroidery became affordable to the home sewer. Currently, machine embroidery is available on upscale sewing machines with patterns available through independent pattern manufacturers, as well as through machine manufacturers.

Resources

• Free Machine Embroidery Patterns