Machine Embroidery help and Information

Wether you are new to the Machine Embroidery world or just starting out as a beginner, at some point you will need help with a problem. You can get free help Online....................................................................


A Machine Embroidery Blog with a difference

This blog has been running for some time now and in it's content i have tried to write articles that will be of use to both the beginner and the more advanced embroiderer. Such articles include the following topics

Embroidery Machine Maintenance Help

Thread Advice

Cleaning your Embroidery Machine

Projects

Stabilizer Tips

And Many More...........

Personal Help with online chat box

I get alot of emails requesting assistance to many embrodiery problems so i have now set up an online message box where you can write your question and get fast answers from other users. You will find the message box on the main blog page to the bottom right.

Most of you would of reached my blog searching the Internet for embroidery help. Instruction manuals and technical help from manufacturers can often be of no use when trying to resolve a problem.

The best way to get the help you need is from someone who has had the same issue. I have added a list of problems readers have been posting to the bottom of the blog. If you have had any of the same problems and would like to help a fellow embroiderer please add a response....your help would be greatly appreciated by these readers.

Whether you purchase your Threads online or in a high street shop one thing for sure is that you will be spoilt for choice. It is like visiting a sweet shop, so many colours and so many textures.

Does Embroidery Thread choice matter?
Yes most definitely, the brand and type you choose will determine the quality of your project. Some embroiders stick with cheap threads that are used for sewing however this will shorten your machine parts life span and result in an inferior finished product.

What Thread choices are there?

Rayon Would be the most popular choice due to its glossy sheen and durability, it is one of the most strongest threads you can buy. It hardly Frey's or breaks and is perfect for high speed machine embroidery.


Polyester Very similar to Rayon but it just has less sheen. It is the most economical choice. It protects against fraying and shrinking.

Cotton Is sometimes ignored when it comes to machine embroidery, there is a wide choice of colours and performs well on smiler designs but it can be weaker than Rayon and Polyester.

Silk
Although slightly more expensive silk thread would be the best option for beautiful projects, it combines both brilliant sheen and strength and has the flexibility to create a smooth finish.

Metallic Embroiders will either love or hate metallic thread. I personally think it can cause problems. Metallic thread has a foil that is combined with the thread, it can cause problems but a better product on the market is the metallic thread that is coated with rice paper, this will stop the foil coming away.

I hope the above look at embroidery threads will help you.

I have received a question from one of my readers. They are looking for help with their machine problem. If anyone can help them out please can you reply using the comment Link.

Here is the problem

I have a Ricoma 15 needle. I am having problems with it. I have only
had it about a month, but can't get anything to come out right. I have
tried everything. Here are my problems...

My needles keep coming unthreaded while doing a design, the thread
knots up under the design (above the bobbin) and tears a hole in the
project I am embroidering and the third problem is the bobbin thread
shows thru the darker colors. I think the machine is sewing TOO TIGHT.
It puckers whatever I am embroidering on.

Any suggestions????? I am getting very frustrated.

Thanks
Kristi

With a smaller single needle machine i would diagnose a under bobbin problem, its possible the thread from the top spool is catching and tugging on the under thread but as it is a more complex 15 needle machine i would suggest you start with eliminating the basic problems if you haven't already ie: checking under bobbins, making sure no lint or thread is jamming any of the parts. With any machine the solution is usually that simple we miss it looking for a bigger problem. Check all the basics.
For the thread showing through it sounds like the tension is set too tight.

I have posted this on the blog so hopefully someone with more experience of the larger machines will be along and leave a comment for you that will help.

In previous articles i have discussed how embroidery techniques can improve your projects and how by choosing the correct designs the and using the best supplies like embroidery stabilizer can enhance the appearance of your work.

Embroidery Machine Maintenance
Your machine is your main tool and you want to get the most from it. It is an amazing piece of equipment that if looked after will last a long time. I am going to show you a few maintenance tips that will keep your machine in tip top condition and performing at its best.

Clean your Embroidery Machine Regularly
Cleaning your machine often can prevent issues, as the saying goes prevention is better than cure and it is a whole lot cheaper to. Make sure you remove any lint or threads after each project, if parts of the machine get clogged this will strain them and eventually break them down. Use a folded cloth to clean parts, the folded bit will be gentle on them. Never use your breath to blow out dust as your breath contains moisture that will corrode your machine parts over time.

Use your cover when not in use
Your dust proof cover will prevent dust build up, always make sure you use it when you are not embroidering.

Use the correct oil and needles
Refer to your user manual for the type of oil you should be using, a regularly oiled machine will result in optimal performance, if you use the wrong oil though it could harm your parts. Using the correct needles will minimise strain on your machine