My First Time | Machine Embroidery Patches

When looking at machines one of the things I expected to learn how to sell was patches. That was of course before knowing anything about patches and the process honestly seemed pretty intimidating. Plus there are not many tutorials out there for creating machine embroidery patches. There are the patches that you have the border for and ones that free float. Due to the complexity of a bordered patch I decided it would be more useful to try a free float. What I mean by free float is simply that the patch is made on an alternate material that will be trimmed to size. For this type of patch I used felt since it is a webbed fiber meaning it will not fray when it is cut. Perhaps in the future I will try my hand at creating a bordered patch that is not 100% file form created to test further, but for now I hope you enjoy this first time video and find it helpful for your own projects.

Embroidery Machine Bobbin Tension | PE550D

Yet another thing I wish I knew prior to starting embroidery is that ability to adjust the machine’s tension. Embroidery machines have two different tensions to set and each one will vary from machine to machine. For instance, just because I have my tensions set to a certain number does not mean it will have the same effect for another machine. My biggest piece of advice when it comes to adjusting the tension is to take a deep breath, grab a relaxing tea or cocoa, take out a notebook and realize that it will take awhile. 

Beginner Machine Embroidery Tutorials & Tips

A little over a year ago I unboxed my first embroidery machine and have been sharing my frustrations ever since. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my embroidery machine. I am simply stating that now I finally feel that I have somewhat mastered the machine. The first few times I used the machine I was nervous to do basically anything but now it’s more of an after thought / fun to create. 

My First Time | Minky Fabric

Texture is one of the first things that can make or break a design. The weight and stretch ability can create a comfy textile all while creating a sewing nightmare. It was not until recently when I sewed minky fabric for the first time that I realized we would have a love hate relationship. If you have ever touched pinky it is a luxurious plush with either a dot texture, a cute design or solid. Basically it is a cuddler’s dream and quite popular in the baby industry. 

My First Time: Appliqué Edition Brother PE550d

Back with another requested video on how to create an appliqué on the Brother PE550d machine. For this tutorial I did not practice or do a prior attempt, this is in fact footage of my first time trying to create an appliqué. The hardest part of creating an appliqué in my opinion is finding a file with the correct format. In order to create a “proper” appliqué the file needs to have three layers.

How to: Wind an Embroidery Bobbin Brother PE550d

This tutorial was requested awhile ago however I have been procrastinating making it. In the tutorial you will see the raw footage of me winding my first bobbin on the PE550d. While I had created bobbins on my sewing machine I never really thought of it being any different, but it is a little. What I mean by that is there is a vital part that differentiates the average embroidery machine from a sewing machine, the foot pedal.  That being said it is relatively easy to do as the machine prompts you through the entire process, so do not let it intimidate you. 

Thread Wars: Sulky vs New Brothread

Starting a new hobby always adds up fast and embroidery is definitely not an exception which is why when I first ordered my machine I sought out a cheaper thread alternative. Popular thread brands add up way too fast but is it really something to skimp out on? Well today I finally decided it was time to do a THREAD WAR and purchase one of the most popular craft store threads for embroidery, Sulky, and see if it is worth the hefty price tag. 

Fix Bobbin Errors on Brother PE550d

Throughout my embroidery journey there has been many struggles, some I have shared others I have not, simply due to if I have found a solution or not. No, this is not a post ranting about the machine however, I must state that the customer service for Brother has not made a good impression thus far. When I first started having issues with my bobbin thread showing up on the top side I read the manual for quick fixes and then reached out to their service department with a photo and description of the issue. All I was given was links to their FAQ section. After three attempts to get a real solution I was then directed to find a service department to take the machine in to be properly looked at. FRUSTRATING.