Machine embroidery design is fast, efficient and time saving. This means that you can embroider any fabric in no time at all with quality results. It also means that you can work with a variety of fabrics and produce top notch embroidery designs. Free machine embroidery design is done by using an ordinary zigzag sewing machine and fabric with an ordinary embroidery hoop.
This process of creating embroidery is known as 'free machine embroidery' because the embroidery hoop here is completely controlled by a person's hand rather then being fixed to a machine as it is normally done. This kind of machine embroidery design is fun and easy to do, and does not require the purchase of an expensive computerized sewing machine. However to produce good quality free machine embroidery designs, it is vital that you practice a lot so that you are able to freely move the embroidery hoop according to specific design you would like to embroider.
What you need
To create free machine embroidery designs you will need the following:
A zigzag sewing machine with a drop feed control. This means that your sewing machine should be able to lower its dogs teeth, so that they do not feed the fabric. Plus, it also lets you vary the width of your zigzag stitches.
An embroidery foot or a needle with an embroidery spring. An embroidery foot helps to hold down the fabric against the throat plate, letting you see what you are doing. On the other hand you can use a needle that has a kind of embroidery spring built into it. This spring holds the fabric in place and is easier to use. However they also tend to be a bit more expensive and if it is broken you have to replace it entirely. If you use an embroidery needle with a spring also keep in mind that you do not need to use a presser foot.
An embroidery hoop. An embroidery hoop is essential to create free machine embroidery designs. Currently there are two main kinds of embroidery hoops in the market. One is an old-fashioned variety made from wood that has an outer ring and inner ring. You can use this hoop by loosening the outer ring, and placing your fabric over the inner ring and then tightening the ring on the outside again. With the more modern hoop, you squeeze a pair of handles on the inner ring to take it out. You then place your fabric over the over the outer ring, put the inner ring back into its place. Though the modern hoop is easier to use, the old hoop provides better tension.
A Stabilizer. Stabilizers prevent puckering and slipping while you embroider your design. There are a variety of stabilizers available in the market today. It is important that you only use a stabilizer on the backside of your embroidery, as it is otherwise very difficult to get off.
Fabric. It is important that your fabric fits your embroidery hoop well and it is not too small, otherwise you will not be able to create the correct tension to sew on your embroidery design. Make sure you measure the fabric you want to embroider on so that it fits properly in the hoop.
Thread. Choosing the correct thread is very important when you are considering using free machine embroidery designs. You can either use everyday polyester all-purpose thread or you can use 100% rayon embroidery thread. Remember if you are using polyester thread it can weaken the fabric you are embroidering on.
Bobbin thread. As you cannot see this thread in your embroidery design you can use any thread you feel like. However, some people think it best to use a softer 100% cotton thread to ensure that the bobbin thread does not break the embroidery thread.
To create a free machine embroidery design it is important that you stretch your fabric as tight as possible over your hoop so that you create enough tension. The tighter your fabric is in the hoop the better your chances of creating an excellent embroidery design. After you place the hoop on the table the fabric surface should rest facing up. Put the embroidery on to hold the fabric in place and then place the embroidery hoop on the sewing area. Now you are ready to fashion a free machine embroidery design. Remember to trace your pattern onto your fabric before you put it on the hoop, and make sure that you have had plenty of practice using a zigzag sewing machine.
