Embroidery is a hobby that can make you lose track of time. As you delve into the world of threads and motifs, you won’t know how deep you are in until you find yourself tangled in one of the flosses. Free motion machine embroidery is an art that can be perfected with practice easily.
Free Motion Machine Embroidery Designs:
The designs of the embroidery depend on you entirely. These styles can be anything that you desire to have embroidered on the fabric. Ranging from floral designs to scenic views, it also encapsulates geometric arrangements. However, Best Embroidery Machines For Custom Design will help you to give an artistic touch to your clothes.
The use of various color and texture patterns can add depth to an otherwise simple cloth. You can birth a pleasing display with the help of versatile pattern books available. A sophisticated, formal or fun-loving look can be achieved merely by letting your imagination run wild.
Put your mark on anything that you desire to make. We will provide the basics that are necessary for you to know below!
Materials to Select:
One of the most essential parts of free-motion embroidery for beginners is the careful selection of the right materials. Check what you need to get from the list as follows:
- Thread
- Fabric
- Needle
- Hoops
- Scissors
- Backing Paper
Thread:
The thread varies on the kind of work you will be doing. Machine embroidery suggests a different floss. People often recommend cotton thread. However, any thread can be used effectively if adjusted properly in the machine.
Fabric:
Tightly woven or firm fabric is the most suggested cloth. It gives the best results considering the fabric does not crumble easily while you are working on it. The cloth should not pucker up when it is being stitched upon. Heavyweight knits are more difficult to embroider than lightweight knits.
Needle:
The essential part is to keep in mind the size of the thread while choosing the right needle. The needle of size 75/11 is mostly recommended. The sharpness of it reflects through the neatness of the stitch.
Use a ballpoint needle to avoid tearing at the fabric threads when machine embroidering on knit.
Hoops:
Hoops are another vital element to make free-motion machine embroidery designs. Be sure to get one with adjustable screws. Machine embroidery hoops are specifically designed to eliminate the risk of scratches on the machine with an extension on one piece. However, if you don’t find the hoop of the right size then read How to Embroider Without a Hoop.
Scissors:
Your scissors should be sharp to ensure a secure and precise cut. Avoid the use of large scissors so you do not end up cutting more than intended.
Backing Paper:
The use of backing paper is only fruitful if it is crisp enough to make a difference. A newsprint or typing paper is a good choice.
Free Motion Machines:
One of the most important steps, before you start your embroidery machine, is to read its manual carefully.
The beauty of a free-motion embroidery machine is that you can freely move around the fabric to capture the essence of the design you have selected. You need a machine that can stitch a straight line and allows you to lower the feed dogs.
Feed dogs are the little teeth visible underneath the needle. Upon disengaging them, you will be able to move your cloth in any direction you like.
On your journey to find a new machine, any mid-range Janome sewing machine would do the work. Look for one with ample moving space to not restrict the fabric’s movement. The machines designed for quilting can also be used because of their larger throat space.
Machine Setup:
Your machine should be oiled and cleaned before you start sewing. A running free-motion machine in good condition can do wonders for the project at hand.
The thread tension can interfere with the embroidery. The bottom tension needs to be lighter than the top usually. Keep the underside of the need perfectly even with the top thread to guarantee a correctly adjusted setup.
The next step is to remove the presser foot. Lower the feed dogs and set the machine stitch length and width accordingly.
Free Motion Machine Embroidery Foot:
An essential component of machine embroidery is its foot. The right kind can make a huge difference. One that is spring-loaded makes it easy to bounce and glides over the fabric creating a smooth design. You should use a closed darning foot to stitch over varying thicknesses of the patchwork.
In order to create a masterpiece without foot, the fabric needs to be hooked up tightly. The process is quicker and you should be ready to stitch fast. Free motion machine embroidery without a foot is also an option but is not suggested for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Do I need a special free-motion foot to do machine embroidery?
The right free-motion machine embroidery foot is essential. You can use a basic open-toe free-motion hopping foot for your projects. The foot model best suiting your embroidery machine can be found through the machine distributer website.
Is an embroidery hoop essential to do free machine embroidery?
Free machine embroidery does not always require a hoop. Although it is recommended, the decision depends upon you. If a hoop is not used, you will need some other stabilizer to prevent the fabric from losing its shape as you stitch.
Can a domestic sewing machine be used for free machine embroidery?
Yes, you can use a domestic sewing machine instead of a free machine to embroider designs on your cloth in most cases. You need to lower or cover the feed dogs and attach a free machine foot in order to get the desired result.
Conclusion:
Free motion machine embroidery has grounded its roots allowing people to freely express themselves in their attire. The only thing left for you to do is to go through the listed instructions and practice. Happy sewing!
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