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Machine Embroidery: A Marriage of Fabric and Design

comments (1) November 1st, 2008 in tools & supplies, embroidery

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Threads Magazine, editor

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Small designs scattered over a garment can maximize the embroidered effect. These shapes are from the Dot Font design card by Cactus Punch.

Small designs scattered over a garment can maximize the embroidered effect. These shapes are from the Dot Font design card by Cactus Punch.

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Needles, threads, and tension

Start with a new needle that's the right type and size for your fabric and thread. A needle that's wrong or damaged can cause excessive thread shredding or fabric damage.

If you vary the thread from 40-weight embroidery thread, test the design before stitching it out on your garment.

Remember, too, that thread breaks may be caused by old thread (store in a dust-free container away from strong light and heat sources) or overly tight tension, which may still appear balanced.

Stitches that are too tight can stretch the thread and distort the fabric and design. Know your machine's tension settings: Some machines control needle tension automatically; others require a dial setting.

Poor fabric coverage

Poor fabric coverage may be the result of the fabric color or texture, thread choice, enlarging the design, or even personal preference. For example, a stock design with creamy yellow daffodils composed of longer satin stitches will probably not work well on plush forest-green terry-cloth toweling unless it is specifically digitized for terry cloth. If this is the case, the design would have a grid of underlay stitches to mat down the terry loops and maybe some zigzag underlay to keep the top satin stitches lofty and prevent the terry cloth's color from peeking through and the stitches from being lost in the pile.

To counteract poor coverage, consider using a topping like CoverUp, which comes in colors. The correct color can neutralize the effects of colored or printed fabrics and hold the pile of a fabric in check all at once.