Free Machine Embroidery Patterns

People who are lucky enough to own embroidery machines should try to get as much use out of them as possible, which is where free machine embroidery patterns can come into play. These patterns usually come in the format of digital files that can be uploaded onto the machine. Then, all a crafter has to do is add the appropriate fabric and thread and set the machine to work.

Sewing on an embroidery machine

The first place a person should look for free machine embroidery patterns is the booklet that came with the embroidery machine. Often, there is information enclosed about how to get free patterns by downloading them from the manufacturer’s website. The beauty of getting patterns from the manufacturer is that the settings are sure to work with the machine perfectly.

The second place a person can find free patterns is at private websites. Before downloading patterns, however, it’s important to note that they can be quite large. Often, a person must have software in place that can open and read zipped files.

People that are not familiar with unzipping files will be comforted to know that the process is relatively easy. The following steps will do the trick:

1. Right click on the desktop and select "New" and then "Folder."
2. Name this folder something like "Embroidery Designs."
3. Click on the "Download" button under the design of choice.
4. Once the pattern downloads, go to the "Start" menu to search.
5. Find the new folder just created.
6. Click on the "Unzip" button, which should appear and the file will save to the new folder.
7. Drag and drop the folder anywhere on the machine.

• Embroidery Designs offers one free pattern per month, usually corresponding to the current season.
• Amazing Designs, a maker of embroidery software, introduces two free designs every month to familiarize interested persons with its software. It does not pull of its previously released designs, so there are currently over 50 available.
• Sherio has 24 free patterns available for download. Most are of animals, flowers or fruit. Two standouts are an intricate pattern depicting a man and a woman walking in the rain and a turtle pattern that appears to be inspired by Native American lore.
• Secrets of Embroidery has hundreds of free patterns. The only catch is that to see them a person must subscribe to the email newsletter. Note that there are also designs available for purchase.
• Thredworks is another company that makes embroidery pattern software. It has a variety of designs available for free, including some that are in packages, such as a set of seven figure skater patterns.
• Knitting—and has free patterns designed to work with the Brother line of machines. This does not mean that they will not work with other models. These include cat designs and cartoon inspired children’s patterns.

Another way to get free embroidery patterns is to exchange them with other crafters. Many are willing to part with one or more of their patterns if they are getting patterns back in return. If sharing patterns in this manner, people have to be careful to follow copyright law, however.

Note that a machine pattern is drastically different from a pattern a person would use to create embroidery by hand. While a hand embroidery pattern is often simply a picture which a person can transfer onto a piece of canvas, a machine pattern is a series of commands that the embroidery follows to produce a particular piece. This being said, it’s important to download the pattern in a format that the machine understands. Otherwise, it becomes useless. People unsure of which format they need to use should consult the manufacturer of their embroidery machine.

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