Machine embroidery: the complete guide to start and improve

Machine embroidery: a creative, precise, and accessible technique that is attracting more and more sewing enthusiasts. Whether you are a curious beginner or an experienced sewer, the embroidery machine opens the doors to textile customization, with a variety of machine embroidery designs, intuitive software, and professional results, even at home.

Thanks to a dedicated embroidery machine or a combined machine, it is now possible to create complex embroideries on clothing, accessories, household linen, or creative projects without any particular manual experience. All you need is good equipment, an embroidery file, and a bit of method to transform simple fabric into a unique creation.

In this article, we will guide you through all the essential steps: choosing equipment, types of embroidery threads, use of stabilizers, selection of embroidery designs, and tips for a perfect finish. You will know exactly how to start, progress, and avoid the most common mistakes.

What is machine embroidery?

Machine embroidery is a computer-assisted textile decoration method that allows automatic reproduction of embroidered patterns on a wide range of fabrics. Unlike hand embroidery, it does not require drawing or fine sewing skills: an embroidery machine makes the stitches from a digital file loaded via USB or software.

Difference with hand embroidery

Hand embroidery relies on manual gestures, slowness, and artisanal expression. It is ideal for artistic or unique projects.
Machine embroidery allows you to repeat a perfectly identical pattern in record time, with neat and durable finishes. It is therefore better suited for mass customizations, creating embroidered gifts, or selling textile items.

Why choose machine embroidery?

Here are the main advantages of machine embroidery:

• Significant time saving
• Professional result
• Textile versatility
• Ease of use
• Unlimited creativity

What equipment to do machine embroidery?

To start well in machine embroidery, you need good equipment. Besides the machine, some essential accessories ensure a clean and precise result.

Embroidery machine or combined machine?

• Embroidery-only machine: specialized, like the Janome 550E or MB-7, ideal for frequent embroidery.
• Combined sewing/embroidery machine: like the Skyline S9 or the Continental M17, perfect for doing everything on the same machine.

These models are available at Verotex.

Threads, needles, and stabilizers: how to choose well?

Basic equipment:

• Polyester embroidery thread (durable, shiny)
• Special machine embroidery needles (Schmetz 75/11 or 90/14)
• Stabilizers (tear-away, water-soluble, iron-on…)
• Suitable embroidery hoop
• Precision scissors

How to create or use embroidery patterns?

Embroidery patterns are at the heart of creation. You can use those built into the machine or import your own.

Built-in patterns vs external files

• Built-in designs: ready to use
• External files: to import via USB or Wi-Fi
• Formats: JEF (Janome), PES (Brother), DST (industrial)

Machine embroidery software to know

To create or modify designs:

• Janome Artistic Digitizer
• Embrilliance
• Ink/Stitch (free)

The steps for successful machine embroidery

Here are the key steps for neat embroidery:

1. Prepare the fabric and stabilizer
2. Secure everything in the hoop, stretched tight
3. Choose the design, load it onto the machine
4. Install the correct thread and needle
5. Start the embroidery, monitoring the first few minutes
6. Finish: cut the threads, remove the stabilizer

Bonus: our tips for flawless machine embroidery

Stretch the fabric and stabilizer well

Essential to avoid wrinkles and misalignments.

Match the needle to the fabric

• 75/11 : light to medium fabric
• 90/14: thick fabric
  Change as soon as it dulls!

Cleaning and maintaining your machine

Clean the bobbin case, feed dogs, and dust regularly.

Conclusion

Machine embroidery allows you to turn any textile into a unique piece. By choosing a suitable machine, good thread, a quality design, and an effective stabilizer, you will quickly achieve professional results.

👉 Explore the selection of Janome embroidery machines and all accessories on Verotex.

Machine embroidery FAQ

What is the best machine to start with?

The Janome 550E for its simplicity, embroidery area, and built-in designs.

Do you need paid embroidery software?

No. Free options like Ink/Stitch are enough to start.

Can you embroider on all fabrics?

Yes, with the needle and stabilizer suited to each material.

What is the difference between JEF, PES, DST?

These are design file formats depending on your machine brand (JEF = Janome, PES = Brother, DST = pro).

Does machine embroidery damage fabrics?

Not if you use a new needle, a suitable thread, and the fabric is well stabilized