10 Machine Embroidery Tips From Our Product Development Team

Kimberbell's Product Development Team works hard every day to bring you the projects and instructions you love. Part of this process is thoroughly testing every Kimberbell design!

Our testers are at their machines all day every day, so they know a thing or two about what gets the best results. 😊

I ran up to the Product Development Lab a week or two ago to pick the brains of the experts. Here are their top 10 machine embroidery tips! 

#1: Read the Instructions

The first tip is to read the instructions before starting your project (especially the highlighted parts). Acquaint yourself with the project before you get started!

Read about how Kimberbell instructions are written HERE!

#2: Start Projects With a New Needle

Tip #2 is to start new projects with a brand-new needle. At Kimberbell, we change our needle after every 8 hours of embroidery. A new needle makes ALL the difference!

#3: Use a Fray Preventative

They also say to use a fray preventative product around applique tack-down lines before you trim. Do this for decorative stitches, satin stitches, AND raw-edge applique! 

#4: Slow Machine Down

If you're struggling at all, slow your machine down--especially with anything that's delicate or difficult in any way. Slowing down is often an easy fix! 

#5: Thread Machine Correctly

Another tip is to always make sure that your machine is threaded correctly, both the bobbin and the top thread. The thread should flow smoothly!

#6: Float Extra Stabilizer

If you're having puckering or other issues, you can always float a piece of Medium or Heavy Tear-Away under your hoop while you're stitching. (Just slide it right under!)

#7: Keep Scissors Sharp

Sharp scissors can make all the difference, so keep those babies in good shape! A good seam ripper is also a must. They're cheap, so just buy a new one when the old one is dull.

#8: Clean Machine Regularly

Your machine collects A LOT of lint, which needs to be cleaned out at least once a week. Take off the needle plate, remove the bobbin casing, and clean the area with a cotton swab!

#9: Keep an Eye on Tension

If you start having tension problems, go back to the basics as outlined below! If your tension is off, a trick is to match your bobbin thread to your top thread. 

#10: Watch Out For Fingers

Talk to any of the testers in Kimberbell's Product Development Lab and they'll tell you (often from painful experience) to watch your fingers. Moving needles and fingers don't mix well. 

Was any of this new to you? Or do you have any helpful hints to share? I hope these tiny tips from our Product Development Team help you in a big way!

For more information on how to best care for your embroidery machine, click HERE!

Happy stitching!