What brand machine embroidery thread is the best to use?
Q. I just got a Janome 300E embroidery machine, but I need thread so I can try it out! Any machine embroidery experts out there who can give me advice on the buying thread? I'd especially like advice on what kind works best, where I can get it the cheapest, should I buy it in sets or on a per-project basis... Thanks!
Asked by SJhale1970 - Sat Feb 27 19:36:08 2010 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Maderia or Robison-Anton would be the best, next Sulky and then C & C. You can purchase ARC thread here - I have never used it. Most will be offered in Rayon, but Poly gives the same results and can handle bleach. Try Allstich and Allthreads for prices. Start with the basic colors and test the machine's built-in designs. When buying kits and collections you may end up with colors you will not use. You may find you will have to choose "close" when it comes to buying specific colors. When choosing designs to download from the Internet, they usually indicate the brand of thread used by the designer as will as a thread chart and possibly a color conversion chart. Embroidery Library is one company that provides this information.
Answered by pattiann42 - Sun Feb 28 12:24:35 2010

How do you get embroidery transfers out of polyester fabric?
Q. I just realized I transfered a very ornate embroidery pattern onto a polyester fabric and I know it won't wash out. I need HELP! This is to be a Christmas present for my daughter.
Asked by cindylucy57 - Mon Dec 4 22:26:00 2006 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. try to remove it by covvering it with cotton material and "ironing it off" but be careful because the ployester will melt if you get it too hot check the setting on your iron for the polyester setting. or if you want to put another one over it you could peel off the embroidery and cover the glue with another iron on
Answered by vbbryan1 - Mon Dec 4 22:32:52 2006

What is the best embroidery machine with sewing machine on it?
Q. I am looking for a good sewing machine and embroidery. Can anyone help me? Any brands that are reliable and not expensive at all?
Asked by cutypa2te - Tue Sep 2 08:49:12 2008 - - 12 Answers - 0 Comments

A. "Reliable and Not Expensive" embroidery machines are not easy to find. Fortunately this is an excellent time for people to be able to do some embroidery/sewing machine shopping and finding great values. The major sewing machine manufacturers have all introduced new Top-of-the-Line machines within the last year. Brother, Viking, Pfaff, Bernina...it is quite an opportunity for people to purchase the "out-dated" but still fabulous machines at a far greater discount then ever...new or used. Check your local dealers for Brother 4500 or 2500 that were used as trade ins for the new one. Or check to see if the pricing has been reduced. The new Brother has just hit the market so the Brother trade-ins should start taking off soon. (Espec [cont.]
Answered by Bobaloo - Tue Sep 2 10:23:46 2008

What is the best machine for quilting and embroidery? freemotion work?
Q. would like to know what machine would allow me to do free motion work: a quilting machine or embroidery machine? and what make model and year is the easiest to use with the most space also sews different directions besides forward and reverse. i see that a singer 15-91 can be used for freemotion work? has anyone used this machine for that or embroidery? is there a machine that will do both ?
Asked by lisa - Tue Apr 29 15:03:48 2008 - - 9 Answers - 0 Comments

A. A Bernina 730E ... Sews in 16 different directions. Includes the BSR (stitch regulator) for even stitches (straight or zig zag) when doing free motion. Beautiful embroidery and applique. Huge variety of built-in stitches, up to 9mm wide. Truly, a Dream Machine! Wish I could afford one ... I have a 440 QEE model, it has the BSR but only straight stitch. I also have the embroidery unit (optional) but have to use it attached to my laptop. The 630, 640 and 730 have the embriodery software built in to the machine. The 440 is still wonderful to sew and quilt on. Nothing sews like a Bernina! (The only premium European brand still made in Switzerland by the original family-owned company. Viking and Pfaff are now owned by Singer and made in Asia. [cont.]
Answered by Skyangel - Tue Apr 29 19:48:57 2008

How do you make shoelaces with embroidery thread?
Q. I have embroidery thread and I want to make shoe laces. I do not want to have braided shoelace. I want shoelaces like a friendship bracelet type.
Asked by Bff - Sun Feb 21 18:10:31 2010 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Hmm You should get some paint and like write Your name and your friends and Then BFF! :) cute to me
Answered by SpiderLuver - Sun Feb 21 18:12:40 2010

How do I burn pes format embroidery patterns downloaded to my desktop to a CD?
Q. I have burned music, but can not find what I need to do to burn pes embroidery patterns - is there a specific program I need to first download? Thanks.
Asked by txteddied - Sun Mar 2 17:48:21 2008 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Create by using data files. Just use your bruning software and drop and drag. Have Fun!!!
Answered by hollybear - Sun Mar 2 17:52:54 2008

Does anyone know the color codes for embroidery thread?
Q. I'm making a baby blanket for a relative. The kit I have is cross-stich with the pattern stamped on. I have made these many times, but this one is a bit different. The thread that came with this kit is loose, and there are no codes to identify the thread to the color, so it is making it very difficult to go to the store and buy extra thread. Do any of you know the color codes for embroidery thread? It's hard to match it up just by looks alone, since some of the colors look very similar. Thanks!
Asked by OnyxHades - Mon Mar 5 00:00:01 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. It depends on the brand of floss. The two most common are Bates and DMC. The color charts will be on their web pages.
Answered by DishclothDiaries - Mon Mar 5 11:37:52 2007

How to use downloadable embroidery designs on a brother se-350? Blank Embroidery Card?
Q. I am new to embroidery and I have the brother se-350. I want to download patterns from a site i found but dont know if it is possible. My sewing/embroidery machine doesn't have a usb port. Is it possible to buy blank embroidery cards? if so how do I get the patterns onto the card from my computer?
Asked by Katrina D - Sun Feb 21 08:18:17 2010 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Purchase the PED Basic with a rewritable memory card and you will be all set. Embroidery Essentials also listed here - is very helpful. It was my first purchase and there are more by the same publisher. Note the PC systems requirements for this software. If you have Vista, take note. On your PC, set up a folder on the hard drive and name it Embroidery so you can easily locate it. When you search for designs on the Internet, be sure the will fit within the embroidery area of your machine. If this is 4 x 4 , then that is the limitation without additional software for splitting designs. You should also download pes formatted designs. Select the design of choice and click on download. You will be prompted to save or open - Save and… [cont.]
Answered by pattiann42 - Sun Feb 21 11:56:43 2010

Where can I find a Lakers embroidery design to download to buy?
Q. Of course I would prefer a free download but I don't mind buying one either. And to clairfy I am looking for an embroidery design that I can download to use with my Brother embroidery machine. Preferably the lakers logo. Thanks!
Asked by Brooke - Sat Feb 13 12:33:18 2010 - - 3 Answers - 0 Comments

A. This is a copyright and is not for sale.
Answered by pattiann42 - Sat Feb 13 13:13:50 2010

How would I start a small business in Embroidery?
Q. I am wanting to start a small business out of my house . A embroidery business. I figure i need about 10k to start but where would i get the money ? A small business loan ?
Asked by whoohoo2 - Wed Jan 3 14:47:20 2007 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Before borrowing the money, make a business plan so you can calculate your breakeven point and make pro-forma balance sheet and Profit and Loss Statements (Financial plan), know where your customers are going to come from and how you will advertise to them (Marketing plan), if you will incorporate or take on a partner and who owns what (Business plan proper), and then submit to a banker or someone who will loan you the money. I suggest going to or a similar site for comprehensive free advice. Since more women start Embroidery businesses, you may have an edge in getting a loan. If you're a minority, it may even be better. Good luck.
Answered by Donny - Wed Jan 3 15:01:34 2007

How can I establish myself when I am selling embroidery floss bracelets and accessories?
Q. I make embroidery floss bracelets/ accessories in several designs. How can I tell people that I am selling these for a cheap price? And also, knowing myself, being a passive person.. how can I let people know that they are strictly for sale, not for free, due to profit? Please give me your advice. Thanks, Sky.
Asked by skysuperficialx - Sun Nov 8 21:18:20 2009 - - 1 Answers - 0 Comments

A. hello there! i am also trying to get into the jewelry business as well. I have some success with selling earrings, bracelets and even cell phone charms! I actualy even fix jewelry as well. Never allow yourself to downgrade or cheapen your product -so dont say you are selling ur stuff for a cheap price. be careful with your words because they count since they are your marketing tools. Use affordable or economical. depending on your going about selling ur items, I would inform the person that flat out you are selling x item for this amount. don't be shy it is your product and u have a right to be paid for your materials and design time and labor. you could a special deal if the person purchase 2 items. look at etsy.com and in their… [cont.]
Answered by lareinaii - Sun Nov 8 21:36:37 2009

How does one stabilize a large piece of hand embroidery?
Q. I would like to hand embroider a large design on a tee shirt. The design will also have some beading and small metal pieces in it. I think the weight of the embroidery and embellishments will be too much for tee shirt material. Perhaps some kind of iron-on interfacing on the underside of the shirtwould work. Does anyone have experience with doing this kind of work?
Asked by Sharron B - Sun Mar 30 20:03:46 2008 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Yes, my mom through making costumes for the theatre. She had to make a skull shape out of metal studs so it was heavy. this was her advice: Use interfacing, the iron on is best, using two layers if you think it needs it. Remember though, once it's ironed on, the part with the interfacing WON'T stretch. Take into consideration how often the piece will have to be cleaned as some dry-cleaning solutions wreck the solvent glue in the interfacing
Answered by merciasounds - Sun Mar 30 20:44:57 2008

what is the best and most affordable brand of embroidery thread?
Q. I am just wondering what type of embroidery thread is the strongest, with good colors, and is not too expensive! Thanks for any help!
Asked by glassstitches - Tue Jun 19 14:11:13 2007 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I think Polystar Thread is the best. You get 61 spools with a 1000 meters on each spool for only $99.99 (Retail $300). The most amazing thing about this thread is it's resistance to breakage, never again will you experience a breakage in thread in the middle of embroidering. They are also super shiny I have never had a problem with the polystar thread. Its high quality well-made thread. Here is a link:
Answered by terminator2760 - Wed Jun 20 07:12:41 2007

How do I do embroidery with a sewing machine? Is it possible?
Q. I have a ton of excess denim from making a purse out of my friends never woren jeans she got rid of. Now I decided to make a bracelet with embroidery... how do I do it with a sewing machine? Also, have any other ideas on what to do with the scraps?
Asked by Mandy ExPress YourSelf - Thu Feb 7 02:22:32 2008 - - 7 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Sure, you can do free-motion embroidery with any machine. You need to drop the feed dogs or cover them in order to do it, but that's easily accomplished. Best beginning book I know of is Robbie and Tony Fanning's Complete Book of Machine Embroidery -- you'll probably have to get it from your library, as I believe it's now out of print. Want to knock your socks off? Check to see if your library has a copy of Singer Instructions for Art Embroidery -- everything in the book was done on a straight stitch treadle machine, and it's gorgeous. Here's a professional free-motion embroiderer at work:
Answered by kay - Fri Feb 8 21:15:51 2008

If you do machine embroidery could you suggest what brand is the best to accept other discs?
Q. I want to use some of Clotilde's embroidery patterns, and Jo-Anns is having a decent sale on Singer. But what about Brother? Help?
Asked by Pam H - Tue Apr 28 10:44:30 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. I prefer Brother or Babylock and I would suggest buying from a dealer if you have never used a sewing machine - the embroidery machine has some similarities. If you do not buy from a sewing machine dealer, try the Singer - it should connect via cable to your PC and this is where you will store designs and then send to the embroidery machine. You choose designs by the format of the embroidery machine and the the hoop size. Watch this when downloading. An embroidery machine that has a maximum embroidery area of 4 x 4 will not stitch a design that is larger. The least expensive method to obtain designs is downloading from the Internet to the computer, then send to the embroidery machine as you want to stitch out a design. Methods for… [cont.]
Answered by pattiann42 - Thu Apr 30 14:57:45 2009

Is there a way to use the embroidery hoop without out damaging the fabric?
Q. I am cross stitching on a 13"x17" piece of aida cloth, is it possible to use an embroidery hoop without damaging the cloth? Is there a way to get rid of the rings it makes in the cloth? Is there something I can use to hold the fabric besides the embroidery hoop? I have never heard of using a magnetic board. How does that work?
Asked by lipglossaddict07 - Tue Mar 2 03:18:19 2010 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Q-snaps! You can see what they are here, www.qsnap.com and buy them at needlework stores for sure, possibly at the chain craft stores. The q-snaps don't leave marks in your fabric and are available in a number of mix-and-match sizes, from 6x6 to 20x20. I like using the 8x8 and 11x11 sizes.
Answered by z3mom07470 - Tue Mar 2 10:10:47 2010

Does anyone own a Brother Embroidery machine? What is your opinion of the machine?
Q. I am thinking of buying an embroidery machine. Would like others opinion on the Brohter brand before I buy one. Not sure which model yet so please let me know the model you are talking about. I will mainley be using it for children's clothing, heirloom stitching & pillows.
Asked by Deborah S - Sat Feb 2 19:05:33 2008 - - 23 Answers - 1 Comments

A. I have a Brother 2500D and it works great. I must say that I use it mainly for embroidery but it sews so well too. I wish I could do both at the same time! I highly suggest that you get a 5 x 7 field. The 10 x 6 is also nice but not as essential as 5.x7. I would say 90% of what I do is 5 x 7 or less. The other thing I might consider if I had to do it again would be buying an embroidery only machine because I feel that so much of the extra sewing options are never used because I am always embroidering. I would probably buy a seperate sewing machine. The other thing to keep in mind is if you like Disney Characters you must buy a machine with a D as the last character. Brother machines are the only machines that can legally embroider… [cont.]
Answered by lainie - Sun Feb 3 13:52:46 2008

What should I do with a frumpy cardigan with cute embroidery?
Q. I have a really frumpy, old-lady button-up cardigan that has a super-cute design in embroidery on the front. It has long sleeves and is about 30" long. I am a pretty good seamstress; what could I do to make it cute? Or, how could I style it so it looks more cutesy and less frumpy?
Asked by Ms. Vintag E. - Tue Dec 22 13:23:32 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. you could wear it with a belt, shrink it in the wash, or wear skinny jeans with it to compliment your shape
Answered by MRS. JOHN MORRISON - Tue Dec 22 13:28:52 2009

Can anyone verify that Japanese Commercial embroidery machines are the best?
Q. I am looking to add embroidery to my dress making business, and I have been told by many embroidery shops that Japanese embroidery machines are the best. They all recommended Tajima, Toyota, Barudan, Happy, or Brother. Can anyone verify this?
Asked by Dressmaker - Mon Sep 3 13:59:02 2007 - - 4 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Hi I have been in commercial embroidery for 14 yrs. We have Amayas - made in Colorado - (melco amaya) and I think they are the best.. I have Toyota and several 'home machines' .. You should really ck on what you 'need' for your biz though. Commercial machines are very pricey and if you are going to be doing "logo" type work or small designs a good home machine like Viking Designer series might be enough to do what you need. Prob all you need is a 6x10 hoop size.. Before you invest in a commercial machine I would do a lot of research..Research research research! Decide what you are going to 'do'.. what is your niche or are you going to do 'logos' or hats or what? What size hoops do you think you will need and what comes 'with' and… [cont.]
Answered by Jill M - Wed Sep 5 17:49:04 2007

How do I buy embroidery floss from Dimensions kits?
Q. I bought an embroidery kit from Dimensions brand, but it appears that Dimensions does not sell embroidery floss (I ran out). Does anyone know if they just make the patterns and actually use floss made by another company such as DMC that does sell floss? Or does anyone know any websites to go to to purchase more Dimensions floss if they do make their own?
Asked by Erika - Sat Sep 19 16:56:55 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. The best thing to do would be to contact dimensions. They may send you the floss you run out of. Some companies do and without charge.
Answered by needleworker - Sat Sep 19 17:28:58 2009