Machine Embroidery Basics  Embroidery is one of the most beautiful processes of decorating a piece of garment. This process can be done more skillfully by using a sewing machine. With the help of this machine, you can easily create patterns with lots of intricate details. This machine is used to a great extent in corporate advertising, uniform adornment and product branding. When embroidery designs are stitched with the help of this machine, the process is referred to as machine embroidery.

Embroidery

Here are the basics of stabilizing and hooping, which are integral parts of machine embroidery:
  • Embroidery Hoops – These hoops come in different sizes. You need to choose a hoop that fits your machine. Usually, the design that you are planning to embroider determines the size of the hoop. Make sure the size of the hoop is quite close to that of the design so that there is no kind of movement.
  • Stabilizing – This is a process to add rigidity to the fabric while you are stitching on it. Make sure the fabric is held properly so that each and every part of the design is placed in the correct position. If the fabric is not properly stabilized, the outline may not get aligned with the rest of the design.
  • Stabilizing Stable Fabric – It’s easier to machine embroider fabrics that are stable in nature. These fabrics don’t stretch to a great extent and also have rigidity. If needed, you can use more than one layer of stabilizer.
  • Stabilizing Unstable Fabric – Since this type of fabric is loosely woven, it’s a bit tough to embroider on it. The most effective way to hoop an unstable fabric is to hoop all the layers and cut away the stabilizer.
  • Hooping Alternative – When you are hooping a stretchy fabric, it may get stretched a little. In fact, the fabric may even get distorted, at times. This is why it’s advisable to hoop the stabilizer and then place the fabric into the stabilizer accordingly. Make sure the fabric on which the embroidery will be placed is completely smooth.
  • Placement – You can find a number of placement templates in the market. Most of the times, they come with machine embroidery hoops. You may also consider printing the design beforehand and then hooping the design. You will find placement marks in the inner ring of the hoop, which will help you place the hoop at the right place.
  • Top Stabilizer – While attempting embroidery on a fabric like loop terry cloth, you might need to use a stabilizer right on top of the fabric. For fabrics like these, consider using heat away stabilizer or water soluble stabilizer.
  • Experiment – If you are trying your hands at embroidery for the first time, consider using some scrap fabrics. You should also try doing embroidery on different types of fabrics like a pillow front or a quilt to get acquainted with the process.
  • Finishing – While cutting and tearing away the stabilizer, you have to be very careful. If not done with precision, you might end up cutting the fabric itself. This is why you should not hurry while doing this. Make sure you cut the traveling threads first and then the stabilizer.
These are the steps that you need to perform carefully while hooping and stabilizing for machine embroidery. You may also consider embroidery digitizing as an alternative option. When you choose digitizing for embroidery, the computerized process helps you to achieve optimum perfection and precision. Irrespective of whether it’s a design with small digits or letters, or one with lots of intricate details, you can do this skillfully with the help of embroidery digitizing.