New to Machine Embroidery? 5 Mistakes You Should Avoid

Machine embroidery can be a fun and rewarding craft, but it can also be tricky. Whether you’re a seasoned embroiderer or just starting, it’s easy to run into a few common embroidery mistakes. Don’t worry! 

We will walk you through five of the most common mistakes embroiderers make—and, more importantly, how to avoid them to achieve flawless results every time.

The Mistake:

One common mistake in machine embroidery is not using the right stabilizer for your fabric. I get it; many stabilizer options exist, and choosing which one can be confusing. But using the wrong type of stabilizer can cause puckering, uneven stitches, warped material, or broken threads.

How to Avoid It:

Always match the stabilizer to the fabric you are embroidering on. 

• Tear-away stabilizers are used for any woven fabric that doesn’t stretch.
  • Towels, leather, vinyl, etc.
• Wash-away stabilizer is used for sheer fabrics, like organza, that you wouldn’t want the stabilizer to shadow through since it dissolves entirely in water. 
  • Freestanding lace, 3D, cutwork designs, etc.
• Cut-away stabilizers are used for knitted or stretchy fabrics and any project that will be worn and washed regularly. They are the most stable and permanent stabilizers. 
  • Jersey material, sweat, stretch fleece, knit, etc.

Tip:

If unsure, try a test stitch-out on a scrap piece of fabric. It can save you tons of frustration by saving your embroidery fabric later on!

Want to learn more about embroidery stabilizers? We’ve assembled a helpful embroidery stabilizer guide to learn more about them, the different types, and when to use them.

The Mistake:

Stitching the design directly onto your final fabric is tempting. But this can lead to costly mistakes, especially when working on expensive or hard-to-replace items like garments or gifts.

How to Avoid It:

Before starting your main project, always test your design on a scrap piece of fabric similar to the one you’re using for your project. This will let you check for design issues like thread tension, alignment problems, or issues with your design. No one wants an unpleasant shock on their final project!

Tip:

Test stitch-outs don’t have to be perfect; they’re just for checking for potential problems without risking your actual project. If all goes well, you can also use this stitch-out for a future project, so you won’t waste any fabric, thread, or time. 

Another key to great results? Start with a high-quality design! Cheap or poorly digitized designs can cause stitching problems no matter how well you prep. Buy from a reputable embroidery design company to ensure smooth, professional results.

If you’re looking for top-quality designs, we’ve got you covered! Browse our collection of 30,000+ embroidery designs.

The Mistake:

We’ve all been there—you find a cheap pack of embroidery thread, which seems like a great deal. But then the thread keeps breaking, the colors bleed in the wash, or your stitches don’t look as crisp as they should. Low-quality thread can ruin an otherwise perfect embroidery project.

How to Avoid It:

Invest in high-quality embroidery thread from trusted brands. We’re not saying you need to spend a lot of money.

However, buying a good product will save you time, frustration later and avoid wasting materials. Good thread is designed to handle high-speed stitching without constant breaks and tangles, keeping colors vibrant wash after wash!

Tip:

If you’re unsure which thread to use, test a few brands and see what works best with your machine. You can also ask your fellow embroiderers, like in our Machine Embroidery & Digitizing Made Easy Facebook group! 

Buying high-quality thread is only half the battle—you must also store it correctly! Improper storage can cause thread to weaken, tangle, or even fade over time. Read our article on thread storage tips to keep your thread stash in great shape! 

The Error:

Let’s be honest: not many people enjoy hooping. However, if you hoop incorrectly, it can really affect your embroidery. This can lead to crooked or gapped designs, or even ruin your entire garment. 

How to Avoid It:

Smoothly stretch the fabric and evenly place it within the hoop – like a drum. It’s important not to over-tighten the hoop. Doing so can warp the fabric which may cause messed-up stitching or hoop burn on your fabric. The goal is to have the fabric just taut enough to keep it smooth without causing tension that could affect the stitch-out.

Tip:

A perfectly hooped garment saves so much stress later on. We’ve got you if you need help learning how to hoop correctly! You can watch our YouTube video about Hooping. John shows proper hooping techniques and gives his top tips to achieve amazing results! Remember to take your time!

Want to make hooping easier? Mighty Hoops take the frustration out of hooping! These magnetic hoops grip your fabric evenly without over-stretching. When paired with a hooping station, proper placement happens every time. Not to mention, they save your wrists!

The Mistake:

I get cleaning your machine isn’t the most exciting part of embroidery. But trust me, not performing regular maintenance is a definite way to end up with a dusty machine, a clogged bobbin area, or dried-out parts. Avoiding this can lead to thread breaks, skipped stitches, and even bigger repairs later.

How to Avoid It:

Make it a habit to regularly give your machine some TLC—dust out the bobbin case, remove the lint buildup, and oil the moving parts as recommended in your machine’s manual. Also, don’t forget to change your needles and check your tension settings occasionally to keep your stitches looking great.

Tip:

A well-maintained machine doesn’t just last longer—it embroiders better! If you’re not sure where to start, check your manual or look up a quick cleaning tutorial for your specific machine model. If you purchased from a dealer, you can always return to the store to ask for helpful tips. Your embroidery projects (and your sanity) will thank you. 

Want even more great tips? Check out our guide on the Best Kept Secrets for Maintaining an Embroidery Machine. You will learn some tricks to keep your machine running like new for years!

Embroidery is all about trial and error; we all make mistakes! Embroidery mistakes are a natural part of learning, but knowing what to look for and how to avoid these common pitfalls is important. Remember: take a breath, test things out, and don’t be afraid to make some minor adjustments. Happy stitching!