Embroidery Machines Key Terms

Understand the basic key terms of embroidery machines

By Howard Robertson

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.

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