Embroidery Supplies

Machine Embroidering

If you have always hand-embroidered and have now switched to using a machine, you will need to get some new supplies, including digital patterns, computer software and notions.

Design Files

Your embroidery machine may come with a few basic files or patterns to use. However, the Internet is full of patterns that will allow you to create the most unique designs. Some can even be altered to add your own personal touch. Remember that not all patterns work on each machine, so have your model name and number available.

Your best bet would be to download digital patterns. Some Web sites offer patterns for free, while others sell them for $5 and higher, depending on the size and intricacy of the pattern. These files come in various formats depending on what type of embroidery machine you use.

Some machines and their extension are:

• Brother, Babylock, Deco --PES, PEM, PEL or PEC extensions
• Bernina Artista -- ART
• Viking Designer 1 -- SHV
• Janome 1000 -- JEF
• Singer XL1000 -- XXX
• Wilcom -- EMB
• Pfaff Mac -- PCM

A full list of embroidery machine formats can be found at Buzz Tools. Be sure to read the Web sites' terms and conditions before purchasing.

Editing Software

Once you have your design file, you can edit it to make it your own. Embroidery software lets you choose from the following editing programs:

• Digitizing
  • Stitch types
  • Line types
  • Border frame styles
  • Texture Styles
• Lettering
  • Lettering styles including fonts
  • Underlay types
• Other features
  • On-screen rulers
  • Design locator
  • Database to store your designs
  • Display hoop
  • Lock stitches and trims
  • Undo button

Again, it is important to remember not all software works on every computer or with each digitizing file. Some of the more popular embroidery software editing programs, which start at about $100, are:

• Embroidery Magic 2
• Fancyworks Studio
• Monogram SP Software
• Embroidery Type Library Software
• DesignShop Embroidery Software

Thread and Needles

Some less expensive embroidery supplies needed to create that perfect project include thread and needles. Special thread is sold that is suitable for machine embroidery. It comes in different sizes--40-weight being the most common--and different fibers from synthetic to natural. Various threads include:

• Rayon
• Polyester
• Cotton
• Silk
• Metallic
• Mylar
• Special-effects, such as fuzzy acrylic thread

Hand Embroidering

The art of hand embroidering goes back centuries, and while some of the embroidery supplies have changed, the craft itself hasn't.

Thread

In general, there are two types of cotton thread or floss used for hand embroidering. They can be found at craft or fabric stores.

• Stranded cotton -- Six mercerized cotton thread strands are twisted loosely together. The strands, which are sold by the skein, can be separated for very fine work.
• Soft cotton -- These are not mercerized and are suitable for bold hand embroidery and tapestry work. Also sold by the skein.

Needles

Embroidery needles or crewels come in sizes up to 10. They are sharp, medium-length hand needles used primarily for embroidering. The long eye allows several strands of embroidery cotton to be threaded at one time.

Patterns

Various stores carry embroidery designs, and many can also be found online:

• Yesterday's Charm offers patterns for quilts, towels pillowcases and more.
• Victorian Cottage Treasures has everything for embroidering including beginner starter kits.
• Mother Hen's Quilt Embroideries has many quilt patterns.

Miscellaneous Embroidery Supplies

Other embroidery supplies, similar to what is used in sewing, can be used either for hand-stitching or on a machine. They include:

• Scissors
• Hoops
• Appliques
• Bobbins
• Fabric
• Fabric stabilizers (such as interfacing)