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.

Embroidery machines are specialized sewing machines that produce elegant embroidery on different types of fabrics or papers. These machines are useful for creating a design from a pre-made pattern. Most embroidery machines used by professionals and hobbyists are driven by computers that read digitized embroidery files created by special software.

While buying or renting an embroidery machine, you will come across various technical terms which indicate types or specifications of embroidery machines. This guide intends to familiarize you with key terms, such as sewing, embroidery software, SPI (Stitches Per Inch), SPM (Stitches Per Minute), pantograph, digitize and universal needle.

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Sewing

Sewing is the stitching of cloth, leather, fur, bark or other materials using a needle and thread. Sewing is used primarily to produce clothing and household furnishings, like curtains, bedclothes, upholstery and table linens.

I recommend: You can read through basic information about sewing at Sewing It All.

Embroidery software

Embroidery software facilitates the automation of the embroidery process. Embroidery software allows reducing, editing, viewing, converting and altering of embroidery designs.

I recommend: To learn more about embroidery software, read through information at Ken’s Corner (PDF).

SPI (Stitches Per Inch)

SPI is a system for measuring the density or amount of satin stitches in one inch of embroidery.

I recommend: Read through the glossary of technical terms at Embfan Inc., a provider of embroidery products.

SPM (Stitches Per Minute)

SPM refers to the running speed of an embroidery machine. Generally, the running speed of an embroidery machine varies between 500 to 1000 SPM.

I recommend: American & Efird, a reputable supplier of embroidery accessories, provides a glossary of embroidery terms, including SPM.

Pantograph

This structure is a bar, rack or holder, to which a frame or holding fixture is attached. A pantograph is controlled electronically or mechanically, depending upon the type of embroidery machine.

I recommend: You can read through the embroidery terms glossary at C.H. Holderby, a supplier of sewing machines.

Digitizing

Digitizing is the computerized method of converting artwork into a series of computer-readable commands. Digitizing has helped automate the process of embroidery by replacing the conventional punching operation.

I recommend: You can read through the glossary of embroidery terms at Stitches Creation, a reputable company in the embroidery design business.

Universal needle

A universal needle is a type of sewing machine needle with a point and eye suitable for multiple sewing and quilting applications.

I recommend: You can read through basic information on universal needles at wiseGEEK.

When your company decides to purchase an embroidering machine, there are numerous options and features you will have to consider. While some features come standard with the machine, there are some that will come with an additional price tag. For example, portable models are usually less expensive than stationary models.

When you are preparing your budget to absorb embroidery machines pricing and costs, consider the following points:

1. Save money by purchasing a portable embroidering machine for your business.

2. Upgrade to a stationary embroidery machine to take save time without sacrificing quality.

3. Remember that supplies for your embroidery machine are a recurring cost.

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

Consider portable embroidering machines

A portable embroidering machine is ideal for businesses that are limited on space and/or funds. Many of these machines offer the same features as stationary machines; however, the output of the machine is usually lower. You can expect to pay more money for a machine that is computerized than one that is fully hand operated.

I recommend: Mr. Vac and Mrs. Sew sells compact commercial embroidery machines starting at around $7,000. It also sells home models starting at around $800. You can find embroider machines at A1-4 Electronics. Prices start at around $800 for an embroidery sewing machine.

Invest in a stationary sewing embroidery machine

If your business needs a machine that offers a high output without sacrificing the quality of the stitching, a stationary embroidery machine is a good option. Stationary machines that have more spindles will usually cost more than those with fewer spindles.

I recommend: You can find used and reconditioned commercial embroidery machines for sale at International Machine Group. Prices vary depending on the condition of the machine; however, you can usually expect to pay from $8,000 to $25,000 per machine. Industrial Sewing Machine Man sells heavy duty embroidery machines. Prices start at around $8,000 for a commercial embroidery machine.

Factor in supplies for your embroidering machine

Supplies for your embroidery machine are a recurring cost. The amount you will spend on these depends upon the number of items you embroider as well as the type of embroidery you do. While it may be more expensive initially, ordering supplies in bulk or by the case will usually save you money in the long run.

I recommend: CTSUSA.com offers industrial embroidery thread priced at under $200 for 50 spools. Solar activated spools cost around $10 for a four piece set. The Embroidery Store sells various supplies to use with your industrial embroidery machine. Prices vary according to the supply. For example, 3-D foam starts at around $10 for a multi-pack, while water soluble topping costs around $40 per roll.