If you’re new to embroidery, learning key machine embroidery terms will save you a lot of time and frustration. These terms are the foundation of everything you do, from setting up your machine to stitching beautiful designs. Understanding them will help you avoid mistakes and use your machine to its full potential.
Let’s break down these essential terms so you can start creating with confidence and ease!
Machine Embroidery Terms Every Embroiderer Must Learn
Basic Machine Embroidery Terms
Embroidery involves a variety of specialized terms that are essential for operating an embroidery machine efficiently.
Understanding these terms helps manage the machine and enhances the quality of the embroidery projects.
- Embroidery Machine
- Embroidery Hoop
- Bobbin and Bobbin Case
- Stabilizer
- Embroidery Thread
- Needle
Embroidery Machine
It is a device specifically designed to create patterns on fabric using thread. These machines can range from simple, single-needle machines for home use to complex, multi-needle systems for industrial applications.
Embroidery Hoop
It is a tool used to keep fabric stretched and stable during the embroidery process. The hoop consists of two concentric circular or rectangular frames; the fabric is placed between them and tightened to provide a smooth surface for accurate stitching.
Bobbin and Bobbin Case
A Bobbin is a small spool that holds the lower thread in the machine. The Bobbin Case holds the bobbin and provides tension to the bobbin thread, ensuring even stitching and proper formation of the stitch on the underside of the fabric.
Stabilizer
It is a material used behind or beneath the fabric to provide support and structure during the embroidery process, preventing puckering and distortion.
Stabilizers come in various types, such as tear-away, cut-away, wash-away, or heat-away, depending on the fabric and the complexity of the design.
Embroidery Thread
This is specially designed for machine embroidery. It is usually made from polyester or rayon, offering a high sheen and smooth finish that enhances the appearance of the finished embroidery. It comes in a wide range of colors to match different design requirements.
Needle
It is specifically designed to minimize fabric damage. These needles come in various sizes and types to accommodate different weights of fabric and types of embroidery thread.
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Looking for embroidery digitizing and vector art services that are affordable and reliable? We offer fast turnaround time, guaranteed quality, and the option to preview your design before payment, we make sure you get exactly what you need. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re dedicated to delivering the best results. Don’t wait—try ZDigitizing today and see the difference in quality and service!
Basic Stitch Types Terms
In the realm of machine embroidery terms, understanding different stitch types is crucial for creating diverse and intricate designs. Each stitch type has its specific use, contributing to the texture, depth, and aesthetics of the final embroidery.
- Running Stitch: A basic and straightforward stitch used in machine embroidery for outlining a design or adding fine details. It involves a series of simple stitches made in a straight line.
- Satin Stitch: This stitch is used to create smooth, dense, and shiny areas of thread that resemble satin. It is perfect for creating letters, borders, and filling smaller areas that require a luxurious appearance.
- Fill Stitch: Also known as a tatami stitch, it covers large areas within an embroidery design. It uses tightly spaced running stitches to fill shapes, adding color and texture.
- Zigzag Stitch: A stitch that moves back and forth to form a zigzag line. It is often used for bordering and adding decorative patterns to the edges of fabrics.
- Cross Stitch: A popular stitch that forms an ‘X’ shape on the fabric. It is commonly used in hand embroidery but can be adapted for machine use to create intricate, grid-based designs.
- Back Stitch: This stitch goes backward to the direction of the sewing, used for outlining and defining sharp details in a design.
- Chain Stitch: Comprising loops that resemble a chain link, this stitch is ideal for creating textured and decorative lines and shapes.
- Triple Run Stitch: It retraces the stitching path two additional times, providing a bolder, more pronounced line. It’s great for outlining or adding emphasis to parts of a design.
- E-Stitch or Blanket Stitch: Traditionally used for edging blankets and fabric layers, this stitch creates a border with a series of interlocking stitches that protect the edges from fraying.
Embroidery Machine Components and Functions
Understanding the various machine embroidery tools and components and functions of an embroidery machine is crucial for optimizing its performance and extending its service life. Here are some key parts:
- Throat Plate
- Presser Foot
- Machine Arm
- Feed Dogs
- Bobbin Winder
- Thread Tension Dial
- Needle Bar
- Needle Clamp
- Spool Pin
- Control Panel
- Embroidery Frame Holder (Arm)
- Automatic Thread Cutter
- Jump Stitch Trimmer
- Color Change Mechanism
Throat Plate
It is a metal or plastic plate situated below the needle. It features holes through which the needle and feed dogs operate, guiding the fabric smoothly during the embroidery process.
Presser Foot
This holds the fabric steady against the feed dogs and throat plate, allowing precise needle movement for accurate stitching.
Machine Arm
It is the framework that supports and moves the needle and presser foot to facilitate the embroidery stitching.
Feed Dogs
They are metal bars with teeth that move back and forth in a cyclical pattern, gripping and advancing the fabric through the machine during the stitching process.
Bobbin Winder
It is used to wind thread onto the bobbin quickly and evenly, ensuring consistent thread tension during stitching.
Thread Tension Dial
It allows the embroiderer to adjust the tension on the thread, which helps prevent puckering or loose stitches.
Needle Bar
This is the component that holds the needle and moves it up and down during the stitching process.
Needle Clamp
It secures the needle in place on the needle bar, ensuring it does not move during embroidery.
Spool Pin
This holds the thread spool in place, allowing the thread to unwind smoothly as it is fed through the machine.
Control Panel
It may include buttons or a touchscreen, enabling the user to select stitch patterns, adjust settings, and start or stop the embroidery process.
Embroidery Frame Holder (Arm)
This arm holds the embroidery hoop and moves it according to the design coordinates, facilitating precise design placement.
Automatic Thread Cutter
It trims the thread between color changes or at the end of stitching, simplifying finishing tasks.
Jump Stitch Trimmer
This cuts excess thread automatically after a jump stitch, keeping the back of the embroidery clean and tidy.
Color Change Mechanism
The color change mechanism on multi-needle machines allows for automatic switching between thread colors according to the design file, enhancing efficiency and design fidelity.
Digitizing and Machine Languages Terms
When exploring machine embroidery terms, it’s crucial to grasp the concepts of digitizing and machine languages. These terms are foundational for converting artwork into a format that embroidery machines can understand and accurately stitch.
- Digitizing Software
- Auto-Digitizing
- Manual Digitizing
- Embroidery File Formats
- Push and Pull Compensation
- Underlay Stitches
- Pathing
- Density
Digitizing Software
This is a type of computer program used to create embroidery designs. It helps turn pictures or drawings into a pattern that an embroidery machine can stitch onto fabric.
Auto-Digitizing
It is a feature in some digitizing software that automatically converts a graphic image into an design. It makes the process faster, but sometimes the details might not be as precise as doing it by hand.
Manual Digitizing
It involves creating designs by hand using digitizing software. This method gives the designer complete control over every stitch and is used for detailed and complex designs.
Embroidery File Formats
Format | Associated Machines/Software |
DST | Universal |
PES | Brother, Babylock |
JEF | Janome |
EXP | Melco, Bernina |
HUS | Husqvarna Viking |
VP3 | Pfaff, Viking |
XXX | Singer |
SEW | Janome, Elna, Kenmore |
ART | Bernina Artista |
EMB | Wilcom |
PCS | Pfaff |
CND | Melco Condensed |
Push and Pull Compensation
It is a setting in digitizing software that adjusts the stitch pattern to account for the shifting of fabric during the embroidery process. It helps to keep the stitches in the right place and look neat.
Underlay Stitches
They are the first stitches laid down in an embroidery design. They are not usually seen in the finished product but are crucial for stabilizing the fabric and supporting the top stitches, making the design more durable.
Pathing
This refers to the sequence of stitches in an embroidery design. Proper pathing ensures that the machine runs efficiently and the design looks clean and well-ordered.
Density
It is the amount of stitches in a given area of an embroidery design. Adjusting the density can affect the thickness and texture of the embroidered design. Too much density can make the fabric stiff, and too little can make it look sparse.
Machine Embroidery Techniques Terms Used During Embroidery
Understanding different machine embroidery techniques is crucial for effectively working with various embroidery materials and achieving the desired effects in your projects. Here are some basic techniques:
- Applique
- Filling
- Thread Painting
- Free-Motion Embroidery
- In-the-Hoop (ITH)
- Lettering
- 3D Embroidery
Applique
It is a technique where pieces of fabric are sewn onto a larger piece to create designs. It’s a creative way to add different textures and colors to your embroidery project.
Filling
It refers to a technique used to cover large areas within an embroidery design with stitches. It fills spaces with color and texture, making the design look complete.
Free-Motion Embroidery
This allows you to move the fabric freely under the needle, creating custom, freehand embroidery designs. It’s much like drawing with your sewing machine.
In-the-Hoop (ITH)
ITH projects are made entirely in the embroidery hoop. This method is used to create complete items such as bags or toys directly on the embroidery machine, combining sewing and embroidery techniques.
Lettering
This involves stitching words or phrases onto fabric using special embroidery stitches designed for clarity and readability, perfect for personalizing any project.
3D Embroidery
It uses techniques that give your embroidery texture and elevation, making parts of the design pop out. Materials like foam are often placed under the stitches to achieve this three-dimensional effect.
Machine Embroidery Terms Used During Troubleshooting
When you encounter issues with your embroidery machine, knowing specific troubleshooting terms can help you identify and resolve problems more effectively. Here are the common terms used during the troubleshooting process:
- Thread Breaks
- Birdnesting
- Skipped Stitches
- Machine Jam
- Hoop Burn
- Needle Deflection
Thread Breaks
This occurs when the embroidery thread snaps during stitching. This can happen due to improper threading, incorrect tension, or using low-quality thread.
Birdnesting
It refers to a tangle of threads accumulating under the fabric, usually at the start of stitching. It often results from inadequate top thread tension or not holding the thread ends when starting a seam.
Skipped Stitches
This happens when the needle fails to catch the bobbin thread, resulting in gaps in the stitch line. This can be caused by a dull or bent needle, incorrect machine timing, or inappropriate needle size for the thread.
Machine Jam
It occurs when the embroidery machine stops functioning due to tangled threads or a blockage in the machine parts. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent most jams.
Hoop Burn
This appears as marks on the fabric caused by the embroidery hoop being too tight. This issue can often be remedied by adjusting the hoop tension or using a stabilizer to protect the fabric.
Needle Deflection
It happens when the needle bends or moves from its intended path during embroidery, usually due to hitting a hard part of the fabric or sewing at high speeds. Using the correct needle type and size can help minimize this issue.
Embroidery Digitizing & Vector Art Services
Looking for embroidery digitizing and vector art services that are affordable and reliable? We offer fast turnaround time, guaranteed quality, and the option to preview your design before payment, we make sure you get exactly what you need. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re dedicated to delivering the best results. Don’t wait—try ZDigitizing today and see the difference in quality and service!
Embroidery Digitizing & Vector Art Services
Looking for embroidery digitizing and vector art services that are affordable and reliable? We offer fast turnaround time, guaranteed quality, and the option to preview your design before payment, we make sure you get exactly what you need. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and we’re dedicated to delivering the best results. Don’t wait—try ZDigitizing today and see the difference in quality and service!
Bottom Line
As you learn more about machine embroidery terms, you’ll see how each one helps you do better embroidery projects. Understanding these terms means you can use your embroidery machine more effectively and make beautiful things with it.
If you’re ready to bring your embroidery designs to life, our digitizing services are here for you. We offer high-quality results quickly and at a price you can afford.
Our services are great for both beginners and experts, turning your designs into files ready for embroidery. And if you’re trying us for the first time, you get a 50% discount on your first order.
Try our services to make your embroidery look amazing every time!
FAQs
Commonly, there are two types of machine embroidery: free-motion and computerized.
The six fundamental embroidery stitches—the running stitch, backstitch, satin stitch, stem stitch, French knot, and lazy daisy—allow for a wide range of textural possibilities and visual effects.
In 2024, here are the best embroidery machines
- Brother SE600
- Brother SE1900
- Bernette b79
- Janome Memory Craft 14000
- Janome Memory Craft 9850
The bullion knot is often thought to be one of the hardest stitching stitches because it looks like a complicated coil and needs a lot of precision to make. It requires patience and the ability to wrap the thread around the needle several times before dragging it through the fabric.
