First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on your first embroidery machine! It's such a fun and exciting purchase. You have what you need to make personalized gifts, embroider for your family and maybe even start a business!

We get asked a lot of questions, so we thought a page dedicated to new users would be a handy tool. We've included basic information below to help with selecting the right stabilizer [bakcing], solvy [topping] thread, needles, and embroidery designs. Plus, how to applique and so, so much more!

The very basics without any details...

• Stabilizer is KEY ~ if your item isn't stable, the quality of the stitch-out will suffer.
• Stabilizer - Poly Mesh & cutaway are best for t-shirts and polos. Tearaway will probably be your "go-to" stabilizer for nearly everything else. Note: add a sheet or 2 if needed to make your item more stable.
  
• Thread - 40 weight polyester thread is the standard thread.
  
• Needles - 80/12 sharp & 80/12 ball point will be the most used needles.
  
• Embroidery designs - pay attention to the details ~ especially size. Don't buy a bunch of designs that you can't use because you don't have the right size hoop.

Basics that our customers wish they had known when they were newbies ~ great tips!

• Thread Color Changes ~ Click HERE
• Thread Tension ~ Click HERE
• Pull Compensation ~ Click HERE
  
• Density ~ Click HERE

The basics with links to more information than you probably have time to read :)

• How to Download Embroidery Designs ~ Click HERE to View/Print/Save a step-by-step guide.
• Embroidery Stabilizer -
  
  • Tips & Tricks Document ~ Click HERE
  • AKD Embroidery Supply Catalog 2011 ~ Click HERE
  • Working with Circle & Dots ~ Click HERE
    
• Embroidery Thread
  • Types of Machine Embroidery Thread ~ Click HERE
  • Tips & Tricks Document ~ Click HERE
  • AKD Embroidery Supply Catalog 2011 ~ Click HERE
  • Design Thread Colors ~ Click HERE
  • Thread Storage ~ Click HERE
    
• Embroidery Needles
• Embroidery Designs
  • Choosing Font Sizes ~ Click HERE
  • Resizing Designs ~ Click HERE
  • Resizing or Modifying Designs with Wide Satin Column Stitches ~ Click HERE
    
• How to applique
  • Applique Instructions - Tutorial ~ Click HERE
  • Applique Tip ~ Click HERE

Happy Stitching!

~ Angie