Can Sewing Machines Do Embroidery?

Embroidery is the best way to add a personal touch to your sewing project. With the right knowledge and skills, you can definitely get the best result possible for your embroidery project. You don’t want to spend a particular amount on another machine as a sewer. So, you may think, ‘can sewing machines do embroidery?’

Yes, you can do embroidery with a sewing machine as long as you can turn off the feed dogs. It is also advisable that your machine can adjust the thread tension. You can simply trace a design onto a stabilizer and trace it along with needles. Create simple to complicated embroidery designs as you want!

In this article, you will learn all about using a regular sewing machine for your embroidery projects. Aside from that, I will also discuss the different materials that you would need to embroider your projects on a regular machine successfully. Lastly, I will mention some tips you should keep in mind when using your regular machine for embroidery.

Embroidering Using a Regular Sewing Machine

There are special embroidery machines out there that can get the job done more quickly and efficiently. However, it is possible to create any embroidery patterns on different fabrics on your regular sewing machine. It’s not really mandatory that you go out and buy special embroidery machines.

All you have to do is make sure that you properly prep your sewing machine. You can use bother embroidery and regular threads. Make sure that you choose whatever works for you. Also, you must ensure that the spool is filled so that you will have access to threads during your sewing project.

Making sure that your spool is filled would come in handy when you would use multi-colored embroidery. If you also choose to do a zigzag stitch, you would need a full spool to provide for your project sufficiently.

What’s the Most Ideal to Use for Embroidery?

It’s ideal to use a dedicated embroidery machine. You can choose from a wide range of machines, from beginner to more advanced models. Aside from the dedicated embroidery machines, you can also purchase both embroidery and sewing machine. Doing this, you will get the best of both worlds.

Choosing a machine with a dual purpose can save you money since you don’t have to buy different machines as they can be expensive.

Now, if you are not up to buying combo machines or a dedicated embroidery machine, any regular sewing machine will work. As long as you have the option to turn off the feed dogs on the machine and adjust the thread tension, then you are good to go.

What You Need to Start Embroidering with Regular Sewing Machine

You can start off by using any type of regular sewing machine. You won’t need to have a complicated one as there is a more standard machine to get started on the market. A basic sewing machine will work as it would have a couple of stitching options that can be used for embroidery.

You would, however, need to have extra items in handy such as the right needles. These needles would depend on the thickness of the fabric that you plan to use. Aside from that, it would be best if you also had the following tools handy:

• Thread
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Medium-weight tearaway stabilizers

There are also optional materials that you can use, such as embroidery thread. Using this will provide more decorative work on your project. Also, you can add a free-motion foot to help you with your embroidery project.

It lifts and lowers along with the needles and won’t press down on the fabric while the needle moves. An embroidery hoop will also keep the fabric from spreading out. Aside from that, it will also prevent bunching or shifting during the sewing process.

Obtain an Embroidery Template You Prefer

When doing an embroidery project, it is best that you have a guiding model. You can print a template that you got online or make customized sketches. You can also draw directly on the fabric you are working with.

Make sure you pick a method that suits you and makes you comfortable. Doing this will help you achieve the best result possible for your embroidery project.

Preparing Your Machine for the Embroidery Process

Once you’ve gathered all the materials that you need, it’s time to prepare your sewing machine. Choose whatever thread you are comfortable with, and make sure that the spool is full. If you want to work with multi-color threads, make sure they are accessible.

Take out the presser foot that you have on the machine since using a free-motion foot will ensure that the fabric is secured in place. If you can’t make this happen, just leave it empty. Once you’ve done this, lower the feed dogs, so there is no need for them to run and pull the fabric during the process.

Lastly, make sure that you decide which stitch you will be doing. A zigzag stitch is a more popular choice among sewers. This is because it provides more decorative options and is available on basic sewing machines.

A single stitch is best to use for edges. It will create a nice border around letters that you might do. It works the same way with pictures added to the fabric. If you have a model like Brother XR7550PRW, it has 165 stitches option that you can choose from.

When you’ve set your mind on the type of stitch you’ll make, set the proper settings on your sewing machine.

Tips to Keep In Mind When Using Regular Sewing Machine for Embroidery

Lower Feed Dogs

As mentioned above, lowering the feed dogs on your machine is advisable. If you are unfamiliar with how to do this, it is best to check your user’s manual. There are some machines that have special darning plate where it covers the feed dogs. With this, there’s no need to lower them.

Covering or lowering the feed dogs can provide free movement while embroidering. It will help you guide the fabric by hand instead of the machine pulling it or moving the fabric for you.

Using Embroidery Thread

It is best to use rayon embroidery thread if you want to have the best result possible. It can provide strength to the garment. You can also use other thread materials, such as cotton or polyester, but they won’t be as strong as rayon.

Full Bobbin for Embroidery

Any thread that you will use should fit the bobbin. If it does, you have to make sure that it is full. If the bobbin isn’t used for anything else, make sure that you use up the thread in colors. Using up the thread will ensure that it will be fully wound the bobbin thread.

You don’t want to find yourself running out of thread in the middle of your embroidery project.

Using Stabilizer and Embroidery Hoop

There are different styles that you can use when it comes to embroidery. A tearaway is found around the embroidery area, where it would dissolve when washed with water. These can also be trimmed around the embroidery area that you have done.

Stabilizers can be useful, especially when using slippery or thin fabrics. These types of fabrics tend to pucker up whenever embroidery is done on them.

An embroidery hoop will also come in handy when you manually pull and move fabric side to side or along curves. It will not have the same effect when you don’t use an embroidery hoop. It will keep the fabric smooth, and the hoops will make it easier to move the fabric around during the sewing process.

Other Things You Can Embroider With Your Machine

As an embroiderer, you can do different designs on a particular fabric. It would be up to you how you can make your designs unique and fun. Add different designs that you like, such as names, flowers, nature, animals, shapes, or logos.

There are plenty of patterns and designs that you can choose from, as it is endless. As long as you have a creative touch, you can come up with any design possible to add to the fabric you are working with.

You draw them first freehand or even use any art-related software. You can also save these designs for future use. Creating designs can also be a fun activity to have with your kids. It will allow them to come up with their own designs.

Once your little ones have finished their designs, you can embroider them on your sewing projects. They can show it off to friends and family proudly.

Final Thoughts

Using a regular sewing machine is possible when it comes to doing embroidery. It is still recommended that you purchase a machine that can both sew and embroider or even a machine that is meant for embroidery when you are doing a big project. However, if it’s a hobby that you do, using your regular sewing machine is the best way to go. All you have to do is ensure your machine is set for your embroidery project.