Sewing Machine Embroidery

The sewing machine has come a long way since its invention in the 19th century- nowadays modern automatic, electronic and computerized machines provide a wealth of ready- made embroidery stitches and patterns.

Serwing is no longer just for old ladies popping out to the haberdashery shop to get a few buttons. As with many other things it has moved with the times and embraced technology.

The sewing machine can also, of course, be used as a replacement for hand stitching for techniques such as appliqué, quilting, cutwork, etc. In addition, creative and inventive freestyle machine embroidery can be produced with an ordinary sewing machine, provided it has a drop-feed and zigzag facility. It is essential to get to know the finer points of your sewing machine and master the ordinary stitching techniques — once you have done this you can embark on creative work with confidence.

Some techniques may require adjustment of the tension. For normal stitching the top and bottom threads should be equally tensioned, producing an even stitch with the top and bottom threads linked precisely, but this is not always necessary for embroidery stitches.

Fabrics

For machine embroidery with the foot on, most types of fabric are suitable, although those which stretch easily need careful handling. For free machining, firm fabrics such as calico or poplin are easiest for the beginner.

Stitching through an additional backing fabric, which acts as a support, will prevent puckering, particul arly for light fabrics.

Threads

Most types of sewing cotton can be used, but machine embroidery threads now include shaded and metallics, which greatly increase the possibilities. For additional texture, various types of cord, as well as knitting, crochet and hand embroidery threads, can be couched by machine.

Needles

Machine needles come in sizes from 120 (heavy) to 70 (very fine). The average sizes, 90 and 100, are best for embroidery. Also available are twin and triple needles for parallel lines, and hem stitch and double hem stitch needles.

Designs

The thin line which straight machine stitching produces gives a delicate spidery effect which can result in rather weak designs. However, the stitching can be built up, overlapped and massed to form close textures, which can produce exciting effects.

Some embroiderers like to work freehand without marking the design on the fabric. However, a few lightly marked guidelines will give you confidence to make a start. If you prefer a more precise approach, the reversed design, drawn on thin tracing or greaseproof paper can be tacked to the back of the fabric and the main outlines stitched through the paper which is then torn away.

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