5 Common Mistakes Embroiderers Make (Even us!)

As seasoned embroiderers, we've seen our fair share of mistakes - both by beginners and experienced crafters. But fear not! we're here to share the top 5 mistakes made by embroiderers and provide you with tips on how to avoid them. So grab your embroidery hoop and let's dive in!

Not Knowing Your Fabric Limitations
Understanding the limitations of your fabric is crucial for successful embroidery. Thin and stretchy fabrics require lighter, less dense designs to avoid puckering. Conversely, heavier fabrics can handle denser designs but may require additional stabilizers for support. Always match your fabric with the appropriate backing - cutaway for stretchy knits, tearaway for heavier woven fabrics, and using topping for items that you don't want your stitches to get lost in the nap. Need help deciding which backing you need? Check out our blog post: "Decoding the Stitch: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Embroidery Stabilizer" and get your embroidery stabilizer by CLICKING HERE.

Not Checking Your Tension Settings
Poorly set tension can result in unsightly thread loops, breaks, and overall messy embroidery. Take the time to adjust your tension settings based on your thread type, fabric, and machine. Run tension test designs to find the optimal tension for your specific setup. Don't forget to regularly check and adjust your bobbin tension as well.

Not Changing Your Embroidery Needles
Embroidery needles have a lifespan, and using worn needles can lead to thread breaks and skipped stitches. Replace your needle every 8 hours of stitching to ensure clean and precise embroidery. Remember to use the appropriate needle size and type for your fabric and thread, whether it's a ballpoint needle for knits or a sharp needle for dense fabrics. CLICK HERE to see our selection of needles.

Not Being Careful with Embroidery Design Placement
Proper design placement is key to achieving professional-looking embroidery. Take the time to measure and mark your garment before hooping to ensure accurate placement. Consider using online placement charts as a helpful reference or using our marking pens? We have you covered. CLICK HERE to see our purple and white invisible marking pens.

Not Prioritizing Machine Maintenance
Your embroidery machine is a valuable tool that requires regular maintenance to perform at its best. Keep your machine clean and lubricated to prevent issues like thread jams and skipped stitches. Take the time to clean the bobbin area, replace needles, and check the thread path regularly. Investing in proper maintenance will extend the life of your machine and ensure consistent embroidery quality. We carry the white machine oil in a few varieties to keep your machine(s) running smooth. CLICK HERE to check out our selection.

Bonus Tip: Avoid walking away from your embroidery machine. One common mistake that often leads to disaster is walking away from your embroidery machine while it's stitching. Always stay nearby to monitor the stitching process and intervene if any issues arise. Multi-tasking is fine, but never leave your machine unattended to prevent potential mishaps.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following these tips, you'll be well on your way to achieving beautiful and professional embroidery results every time.

Happy stitching!