If you are running a custom embroidery business or have just purchased your first commercial embroidery machine to increase your business' output, besides offering a quality end product, what will benefit you most is some embroidery machines education and training. Embroidery machines can range from simple ones with a few preloaded designs to an industrial embroidery machine capable of high speed multi design output. The more complex the machine, the more is needed to know to work it properly.

With embroidered designs gaining popularity, the intricacies of them is also growing. Computerized embroidery machines are now able to create these complex designs in a matter of minutes. However, embroider machines do not solely run on autopilot. There is maintenance, troubleshooting and daily checks that the operator should be aware of.

1. Go to the embroidery machine manufacturer for information.

2. Find a classroom based embroidering machines training.

3. Use the Internet to find instruction for a sewing embroidery machine.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get training and manuals from the embroidery machine sellers

Sometimes, the best place to go for knowledge is the source. Embroidery machines typically come with some form of documentation, such as an owners manual or a short DVD to get you up and running. If the information you have received is not answering your questions or you need further instruction, consider going to the manufacturer of your embroidery machine for assistance.

I recommend: Brother International offers manuals, templates, documentation and even email support to help you get your questions answered. Pantograms Mfg can provide you with training on getting started with your embroidery machine, oiling machines, timing problems and also winding bobbins.

Locate classroom based training for embroidering machines

If you have a group of employees that need education on the workings of embroidering machines, you should consider classroom based training so that everyone can be on the same page at once. Classroom based training can benefit you because it is hands on and an instructor is present to help you answer questions or show you how to perform a certain task like threading a bobbin.

I recommend: The embroidery machine instructors at iCanHelpSew.com offer classroom based instruction on performing a variety of tasks, such as embroidering ribbons or using templates on computerized embroidery machines. TEXMAC provides classroom based training at any trade show or seminar they attend. The classes range from general machine use to specific embroidery tasks.

Utilize an online based embroidering machine instruction

If your schedule is erratic or your budget is tight, but you still want to take advantage of embroidery machines education and training, find an online class that you can take as time permits.

I recommend: Baby Lock offers a variety of classes that can be taken online and are also self-paced. The classes vary by experience level. The experienced instructors at Embroidery Academy.com offer a variable online class schedule that can fit both a novice or a more seasoned embroidery machine operator.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  After purchasing an embroidery sewing machine, be sure to register it with the company you purchased it from or the manufacturer. This ensures that you will stay up to date on any service bulletins, new documentation available or additional templates for your use.

Embroidery machines are hot in the sewing industry as they now come with the latest in design trends and capabilities. Whether you are putting company logos, images, or text on apparel, having a top of the line embroidering machine will help you whip out quantity and quality in no time flat.

Embroider machines come in various sizes, and ordering one can help the beginner, the growing business and the company expanding to high volume bring their services up to the next level.

To find a quality commercial embroidery machine:

1. Determine your need. Does your business need to produce embroidery on a small scale, or are you a full scale embroidery operation needing to output hundreds of garment items daily?

2. Consider training or workshops before you invest in a machine. They usually offer trials of equipment so that you can test before you buy.

3. Consult with others in the industry. Find out what brands they recommend and which they wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole (or needle).

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get started with embroider machines

Investing in professional equipment is a costly endeavor, so you if you are just beginning or are relatively new in the sewing embroidery machine industry, take advice from the experts.

I recommend: Melco USA, who sells the Amaya product, offers you a wide library of information for your new commercial embroidery business. SWF Embroidery Machines sell to all levels of business person, but offer the SWF MA-6 designed especially for new embroiderers. It is compact and user friendly, and you can use it for caps, shirts, and more.

Buy an embroidering machine made by a car manufacturer

What? A car manufacturer? Yes... that's right! Toyota offers computerized embroidery machines.

I recommend: Check out the Toyota Expert ESP9100 sold through Pantograms. It's portable enough to travel, and has unlimited business applications. Southwest Sewing Machine out of Houston also offers the ESP9100.

Find an affordable commercial embroidery machine

You may have an embroidery need that does not require a Cadillac of a embroidery sewing machine. For those situations, consider refurbished embroidering machines to help you start at a fraction of the price.

I recommend: Ken's Sewing and Vacuum Center and SWF America both offer refurbished embroidery machine models.

Check out the latest embroidering machine software

Having the machine itself doesn't give you an end product. Having the right software to provide you fonts and images does.

I recommend: Take a look at the latest listings from ICanHelpSew.com, Wings Modular and Barudan.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Discuss with your embroidery machine distributor a monthly payment plan if start up or cash flow is too tight to make a lump sum payment on your new embroidery sewing machine.
• •  Ask about warranties before you make your purchase.