Embroidery Machine Supplies
Having the proper embroidery machine supplies means the difference between quality and substandard embroidery work. Using proper stabilizer, thread, and the correct needle size for the type of embroidery work you are doing will make your embroidery experience a happier one. It's also in good practice to always have on hand the embroidery supplies you use most often; doing so will help ensure your embroidery work goes smoothly.
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Embroidery Thread
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Embroidery thread is important to the quality of embroidery. Using incorrect thread weight or the wrong thread will cause your design to stitch out incorrectly or to not stitch out at all. The most popular embroidery thread according to Threads Magazine, a leading sewing magazine featuring highly qualified authors, is rayon or polyester 30 to 50 weight. The larger the weight the finer the thread; so 100 weight would be for heirloom embroidery, while 40 weight is appropriate for everyday embroidery tasks.
Stabilizer
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Stabilizer is like fabric, and acts as a stabilizer to hold the fabric and embroidery area stable. It comes in several forms such as tear-away, water-soluble, and cutaway. Stabilizer is an important part of the machine embroidery process. In order to properly stitch out a design, the fabric that will be embroidered must be properly stabilized. It is best to refer to your embroidery machine manual to determine the best way to use stabilizers with your machine.
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Needles
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Appropriately sized needles are a necessary embroidery tool. Choose standard size 12/80 sewing machine needles for regular embroidery. Use metallic needles whenever you embroidery using metallic, neon, or any embroidery thread that is too thick for a standard needle. Refer to your embroidery machine manuals for appropriate needle sizes for any other type of machine embroidery such as lace or cut-work.
Other Basic Tools
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Cotton, rayon or polyester bobbins are available for most high end embroidery machines such as Babylock, Bernina, Pfaff, and Janome. Embroidery snips are useful when you are embroidering large designs, and embroidery templates ensure perfect placement of embroidery designs each time. Spray adhesive is good to use when you have a difficult embroidery project; spray directly on the stabilizer, and hoop the fabric on top. Purchase white wash clothes or dish towels to practice your machine embroidery. They are cheaper than bolts of fabric, and easier to embroider on.
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