- Computerized embroidery machines can save time and effort. They are relatively simple to operate and come in two varieties. Some come with their own software that can be programmed by the user, while other computerized embroidery machines connect directly to a personal computer. Most users will encounter the home variety which is a computer peripheral similar to a printer.
- The machines come with software or a unit that controls the operation, some needles and a hoop that has been designed to fit on the hoops. The cloth to be embroidered must be pulled as tightly as it is for hand embroidery and the hook must be placed on the machine before use.
- The computerized embroidery machines operated by a hobbyist may have much in common with a computer numerical control machine. (They are, in fact, CNC machines, that use needles and threads rather than the standard industrial tools.) The software or the controller places the needle where it needs to be and pulls the needle through the cloth.
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Many smaller computerized embroidery machines can only work with one color of thread at a time. This limitation is shared with the hand embroidery method. The software that powers in the device knows the limitations of the unit and will stop when it is time for the user to replace the thread or needle.
The operator must set up the hoop again and make sure the cloth is pulled tight. When the machine is ready, the program that controls the smaller machine starts the process over until another color is needed or the design has been completed.
