Embroidery Library - Embroidery Design Tips and Tricks

From Yvonne: I have discovered a great way of tightening up the screws on your embroidery hoops. Get one of those rubber thimblettes, the ones that are used to help count paper, notes, etc. Turn it inside out so that the ribbed surface is inside and place it over the hoop tightener. It provides a great grip without making your fingers tired and sore.

From Debra: No matter how tempting it is to leave your embroidery machine "working" while you retire at night, let it take a break too! Bad things can happen when your employee (machine) is unsupervised! This I know!

From Karen: Be sure to plug your machine(s) into a battery back-up with surge protection. It will give you a few minutes of battery power and surge protection if there is a power outage. Also unplug your baby when not in use.

From Jan: I've learned to change just one thing at a time when trouble shooting. It actually saves time and I don't end up throwing away good bobbins, good thread, or perfectly fine needles.

From Brenda: I have a table that is strictly used for my sewing machines. I drilled a hole in the center, so the plugs can come up and enter the machines. Also, on the plugs, I nicely painted fingernail polish on the top side, so I can tell which side goes up when I plug it into the machines.

From Ruth: Using a bent needle, or one with a burr can damage your machine. To test your needle, sew a strait stitch on your machine without guiding the fabric, if the fabric pulls to the right or left, throw out the needle and replace it with a new needle.

From Glenna: If you live in an area of high humidity, you may have trouble with your water-soluble stabilizer. Go to your local pharmacy and ask them for the paper or plastic desiccant packages (they use them to keep moisture out of medication bottles and just throw them away). Then store your water-soluble stabilizer in a Ziploc bag with a few of these desiccant packages thrown in, it will keep your stabilizer "Fresh".

From Beverly: Always be sure to stop your machine when you are cutting jump stitches. You can damage your machine and injure yourself, if your machine is running. It only takes a moment to be safe.

From Avis: I love using technology, especially with graphics, embroidery and sewing. But, I'm also committed to keeping our household as green as possible. My sewing room includes: two embroidery machines, a heavy duty sewing machine, a laptop, a desktop computer, monitor, and printer. In order to ensure that everything gets turned off at the end of the day, I use a "smart" power strip that cuts the power to all devices when the desktop computer is powered down. In addition, this special power strip protects against surges and prevents "always on" devices like the monitor and printer from pulling idle current.

From Anita: When thinking about buying a new sewing/embroidery/serger machine, check around locally to see if there is a repair shop, and what makes and models they fix. No need to purchase a machine you have to drive hours or pay for shipping for when it needs repairs.

From Marcia: Recently I had to send my machine to be repaired. Although I cleaned my machine and changed needles often, it needed some good maintenance done on it. I learned from my repair man, to not only clean and change needles, but to take a can of compressed air and clean the springs too!

From Anita: If you plan to remove part of the machine case to remove lint for cleaning/oiling, take pictures of each section you remove for reference on how to reassemble. Remember, never use canned air or to blow lint out of your machine as it can force the lint to penetrate further into the machine.

From Pam P.: Having a hard time threading that needle on your machine? Hold up a piece of white paper behind the needle. The eye of the needle appears and it is now much easier to thread.

From Maggie: If you're having trouble threading your sewing machine needle, remove the needle from the machine and thread it. Be sure to pass the thread through the eye of the needle in the right direction and then put the needle back into the machine.

From Jeniffer: My embroidery machine manual recommends replacing needles after eight hours of use. How do you asses when the machine has actually sewn for eight hours? I fill eight bobbins and when they're all used up, I am reasonably sure that my machine has run for at least eight hours. (This only works on long projects using one color bobbin, but the theory still works if you keep an eye on your bobbin usage.)

From Deb: To keep my cat from using my foot pedal when I leave the machine unattended, I have learned to unplug the pedal and secure it on table for easy reaching when I return. The cat has not learned to push start button as of yet.

From Mary: If your machine bounces as you sew or embroider, buy a piece of poster board, cut it in half and place under the machine. It works wonders to stabilize your machine.

From Beverly: When you remove the face plate, or anything from your machine that requires you to remove screws, be sure to put the screws in a small container with a lid, so nothing gets spilled or lost.

From Charlotte: To cover my machine, I opened one seam on a pillowcase and hemmed the raw edges. It lays nicely over my machine, and I can embellish it with embroidery.

From Tanuja: I had a lot of thread breakage after I had got it serviced. I took it back and they could not find what was wrong. Then I tried this, took a long piece of un-waxed dental floss dipped it in machine oil and threaded it like I would normally thread my machine. I pulled it through from the needle end, did this several times and the machine works fine now.

From Anna: No slide foot control on carpet - I just glued the hook side of hook and loop tape to my foot control. Works like a charm!!!

From Emily: With all the projects to make for the holidays, it easy to forget about machine maintenance. Remember to clean the bobbin area at least once a week and try to keep your sewing area clean. No one wants their machine to break down at this time of year.

From Beatrice: I was told that my thread and needle breakage might be due to trash in my thread tension discs. To fix this, take a long piece of unwaxed dental floss and thread it like you would normally thread your machine. Then, pull it through from the needle end of the floss. Do it several times. My needle and thread breakage stopped! And the bobbin thread stopped pulling to the top!

From Nadyne: Since my machine is sometimes idle for days, I have decided to keep a "log book" next to it. I record the time I start embroidering and "log out" when I finish. I also record the current design, stitch count, and any problems that may occur with thread, tension, etc. This way, I know how long a needle has been used, and the size, if I have had any problems with a design and how I have resolved it (or not!). Sometimes I include a fabric swatch and stabilizer. I have found that I am referring to this little book time and again.

From Breck: Make it a habit to clean out your bobbin case on the 1st of each month. Or, if you sew more frequently, try the 1st and the 15th or even every Monday morning. Machines work better when they are clean.

From Diane: I have found a soft, clean, long-handled paint brush invaluable to clean both my serger and embroidery machines.

From Debbie: To tilt your machine forward instead of straining your neck, insert two door stops under your machine. Works like a charm.

Tip from Carla: I make a habit of thoroughly cleaning both my sewing machines and the sewing room at the completion of every project. I am then ready to start the next project with everything clean, organized, and easy to get to.

Tip from Joyce: I was having trouble getting my hoop to disconnect from the arm on the back of my machine. I put a drop of machine oil on a Q-tip and rubbed the metal connection points on my hoop and on the machine and no more problem!

Tip from Sharon: When changing thread colors, cut the thread near the spool and then pull through the needle to remove. I learned this many years ago in a class. this keeps the lint out of the tension areas.

Tip from Karenalice: When sewing dense or very large designs, it's a good idea to check the screws attaching the embroidery foot and needle, when you change thread or spools. These often work themselves loose and need to be tightened.

Tip from Julya: After trying everything to prevent puckers, I called my daughter-in-law who said "lower your tension". Wow, what a difference! No more puckers, thread breaks, or frustration!

From Maureen: I write the type of needle and size (e.g. universal 90/14, embroidery 75/11) on blue painter's tape and attach it to the machine head. When I return to the machine, I know what needle is in it.

From Grace: When changing my machine needle, I cover the feed dog area with fabric or paper. This prevents the needle from dropping into the machine if it slips while being inserted. I learned this the hard way.

From Terri: Instead of taping labels on my black machine cords, chargers, etc., I discovered silver Sharpie markers. I just write directly on the cord or charger what its use is.

From NiftySewer: When stitching out a dense design or a very large one, I sometimes have a problem with the thread and/or needle breaking. If you have a machine that allows you to adjust the motor speed, this can be a life saver. I slowed mine down by 40% and had amazing results.

From Nancy: I LOVE the gripper style shelf liner (look for it at your local dollar store) and always keep a fresh roll in my sewing room. Put a double thickness under your machine to keep it from 'walking' away. Put a chunk under your presser foot so it will stay put! Put a sheet between your cutting mat and your Quilter's Cut 'N Press board to keep it from scooting around the table. Put some between your chair and your chair cushion to keep the cushion in place when moving from sewing machine to iron to cutting board. Keep a small sheet next to your machine and place your tools on it, helps keep them from ending up on the floor. Use a sheet between your cutting mat and the table to keep the cutting mat from sliding and causing problems.

From Sharon: I use dental tooth picks that have "feathers" on one end to help pull threads through the needle. The feathers easily catch the thread so you don't have to have your fingers around the needle. I've bloodied several projects attempting to pull threads through a needle.

From Joyce: I was having endless trouble with my thread looping, fraying and birds-nesting. I even had the machine serviced but everything only provided temporary relief. I finally tried cleaning the bobbins using rubbing alcohol and a scrap of fabric which has solved the problem. I do a lot of biker patches and projects using temporary spray adhesive and was, no doubt, getting the sticky adhesive onto the bobbins which was causing feed and tension problems. I'm now cleaning my bobbins (and my fingers) regularly and my jobs are running neatly and smoothly.

From Donna: To make it easier to turn the tightening screw on my hoop I took the rubber grippers that you slide onto a pencil, cut in half and they fit perfectly over the tightening screw making it easier to grip.

From Cindy: When I start a project or a gift item, I check the bobbin thread in the machine. It is a big disappointment when you start to sew and you see little white loops popping up all over the place.

From Christine: Sewing rooms tend to get very dusty and so do my machines. I make use out of my old bath towels using them as dust covers. I first measure my machine from front over the top (highest point) down the back side. Add 6 inches to this measurement. I serge the cut edges then sew the short sides together. The cover fits over the machine like a tent. These wash and wear well and are practical.

From Pattie: I bought some extra light fixtures to put light right where I needed it, under the last shelf above my embroidery machine. You just attach them with screws and clips and plug them in. They have a touch on and off switch and work great. They have cool fluorescent bulbs and come in different sizes. They are very inexpensive and I did it myself.

From HC: Rather than use my fingers on my screen to select designs, I use a rounded eraser at the end of a pencil. You can have a sharpened pencil to make notes, or if you have a tendency to poke yourself like I have done, you can keep the pencil completely unsharpened. Works great!

From Elisabeth: I have more than one embroidery machine, so in order to keep the various cables (power, USB, etc.) organized when not in use, or when I go to class, I fold them accordion style and put one in a repurposed cardboard (toilet paper) tube. Then, I write the name of the machine and the type of cable. Keeps them neat and labeled at home and when traveling.

From Chickee: I use the computer vacuum attachment to clean my sewing machine. Dust and fibers get sucked out, rather than blown into my machine.

From EllenMay: When cleaning the fuzz out of your machine, take a flexible drinking straw and hold one end in between your ring and pinkie fingers. Hold on to the end of your vacuum hose with the rest of your fingers and use the straw to suck up all of the lint. You will find that you can reach areas with the flexible straw that weren't accessible before. Avoid using canned air, it just pushes lint farther into your machine and ends up causing costly repairs.

From Teresa: I have labeled all of my plugs using masking tape. So, If I want to unplug my laptop and not my machine, I know which plug to pull.

From Meredith: Use a plastic table cover to protect your embroidery machine and computer screens. You can find this product at almost any department store.

Tip from Sherry: Even though I try to keep my machine clean, I know how important it is to have it professionally serviced regularly. Your dealer can recommend what is best for you and your machine, but for me, I have it done every year around my birthday. Always easy to remember.

Tip from Patricia L.: Even though I try to keep my machine clean, I know how important it is to have it professionally serviced regularly. Your dealer can recommend what is best for you and your machine, but for me, I have it done every year around my birthday. Always easy to remember.

Tip from Connie: When changing your machine needle, always cover the throat plate in case the needle falls out during the process. It will save a big repair bill to retrieve it!

Tip from Steph: I have noticed that when I use large spools of thread on my embroidery machine, the thread loops up and out of the thread guide and ends up causing the thread to break. To keep this from happening, I just run a small piece of scotch tape across the top guide to the body of the machine after I have threaded it, and it works perfectly.

Tip from Molly: I always make sure to stop my machine before cutting jump stitches. It may take a little longer but the damage caused to a embroidery/sewing machine can be very expensive if the needle were to hit the scissors.

Tip from Lisa: I always unplug and cover my embroidery machine when it's not in use. I have made several machine covers and experimented with colors and fun embroidery designs! Covers are great to protect the machine from dust build-up.

Tip from Charlene: Use a new sponge-tipped eye shadow applicator to keep your bobbin case clean and lint-free. It does a great job of picking up the 'fuzz' and tiny threads left after all those creative projects.

Tip from Jan: I bought a sticky back pen holder at the office supplies store and stuck it to the side of my sewing machine. It is a handy place to keep the machine's screwdriver, so I don't waste time looking for it when changing needles.

Tip from Lacey: When using an embroidery machine, keep a dryer sheet nearby and touch it from time to time to eliminate static electricity.

Tip from Maria: When cleaning your bobbin area and removing the plate, use a quarter or nickel coin. It is a lot easier than using a screwdriver.

Tip from Cindy: My 2 cats love anything on a string, including my stylus for my machine. So I used the Teddy Bear Cupid In-the-Hoop Lollipop Holder to hold my stylus. It�s big enough to hold and soft too. No more strings!

Tip from Charlene: Instead of buying an expensive adjustable table, I bought a set of �bed risers� from a home improvement store to heighten my sewing room table to a comfortable height for cutting, hooping, etc. They come in different sizes ranging from 3 � 6 inches and can also be found at Target and some furniture stores.

Tip from Gloria Jean: I have been using backup batteries for my computers for years, so when I got my new computerized machine, I purchased another backup battery and plugged in the sewing machine and serger. It protects against power surges, and if the power does go out, it gives you a few extra minutes to stop your design at a convenient place so you can resume sewing and not loose your work.

Tip from Jean: To keep your foot control from slipping on vinyl floors, not wood, cut a piece of shelf & drawer liner. I get mine at a dollar store. Works great!

Tip from Ruth C.: I have my sewing and embroidery machines all on a power surge bar. As added protection, when I am going away, or if there is a storm, I simply unplug the bar. I don't have to worry about any power or weather-related problems. And when I want to sew, I simply plug in the bar.

Tip from Jane: One of the best ways to clean your hoops from all the sticky stuff is to soak them in hot water and use an enzyme cleaner such as Biz. This will eat off all the gooey stuff and it comes off so easy.

Tip from Lysa: Be careful when using canned air to clean the parts of your machine. I have been told by repair experts that canned air introduces moisture to the area you are spraying and over time, the metal parts will rust. So, use your canned air sparingly!

Tip from Frecia K.: My embroidery machine vibrates the entire house when it is running at top speed. My husband says "How did you get my bulldozer upstairs?". I put two back seat floor mats (stacked) under the machine. You can still hear it on the first floor, but now it doesn't rattle the dishes.

Tip from Janet B.: I keep a small strip of very fine 400 grit sandpaper (which is black in color) in my sewing kit for sanding off friction burrs on the needle plate and needle tips.

Tip from Carole: I keep my embroidery field clean by taking a piece of masking tape and dabbing up the thread ends as I cut the thread skips.

Tip from Pat H.: I put a section of rubber shelf liner under my sewing and serger machines. It prevents the machines from sliding on the surface.

Tip from Dawn: When cleaning the hook race and feed dog, I use a small clean paintbrush (not used for anything else) and swirl it around to collect the lint. It works wonders.

Tip from Susan G.: My Baby Lock embroidery machine's take-up arm (the round elbow for it) occasionally picks up thread and wraps around the thing, stopping it. While the problem is tough, I usually can, with tweezers or small scissors get it out. However, stuff occasionally remains. Someone in the business told me about dental floss. Amazing! Wrap it around the round piece of metal and floss gently and VOILA -- gets rid of thread and cleans the joint.

Tip from Charlene G.: Use a new sponge-tipped eye shadow applicator to keep your bobbin case clean and lint-free. Does a great job of picking up the "fuzz" and tiny threads left after all those creative projects.

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