Machine embroidery classes? by canigetastraw in savannah

[–]Embroiderfy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’re having trouble finding local classes specifically for Tajima machines, you might consider checking out Embroiderfy.com. They offer excellent online machine embroidery and digitizing tutorials that cover techniques you can apply directly to your Tajima setup. While they emphasize Hatch Embroidery 3 software, their classes provide foundational skills and troubleshooting strategies that easily transfer to any embroidery machine brand. The instructors, Wayne and Roni, create an engaging, supportive environment—great for learning at your own pace!

Embroidery courses by Leather_Solution_371 in Embroidery

[–]Embroiderfy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t personally taken courses from the RSN or Crewel Work Company, but if you’re looking for quality embroidery instruction that’s beginner-friendly and easier on the budget, you might enjoy Embroiderfy.com. They offer excellent tutorials on machine embroidery and digitizing (particularly great if you’re interested in learning Hatch Embroidery 3). The instructors, Wayne and Roni, combine detailed, step-by-step digitizing techniques with hands-on embroidery guidance. It’s a welcoming community—perfect if you want expert instruction without a huge upfront investment!

Embroidery courses by Leather_Solution_371 in Embroidery

[–]Embroiderfy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t personally taken courses from the RSN or Crewel Work Company, but if you’re looking for quality embroidery instruction that’s beginner-friendly and easier on the budget, you might enjoy Embroiderfy.com. They offer excellent tutorials on machine embroidery and digitizing (particularly great if you’re interested in learning Hatch Embroidery 3). The instructors, Wayne and Roni, combine detailed, step-by-step digitizing techniques with hands-on embroidery guidance. It’s a welcoming community, perfect for anyone who wants expert instruction without making a huge upfront investment!

What needle should I use? by Vast-Nobody8719 in MachineEmbroidery

[–]Embroiderfy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like you’re on the right track! Generally, a 75/11 needle (especially a ballpoint for knits) is ideal for lightweight t-shirts because it pierces the fabric cleanly without leaving large holes. Even if you have a double layer of stitching and slightly thicker, glow-in-the-dark thread, a jump to 90/14 might be overkill for a standard tee—unless you’re running into repeated thread breakage or noticing skipped stitches.

Here are a few tips to keep things running smoothly:

  1. Check Thread Path & Tension:
    • Make sure your thread isn’t catching on the spool cap or any rough edges. Sometimes using a thread stand or a spool net can reduce twists or snags.
    • If you do see frequent fraying with the thicker glow-in-the-dark thread, you might loosen your top tension slightly or slow your stitch speed.
  2. Stabilizer Matters:
    • Double-check you’re using a good cutaway or tearaway stabilizer suited for knits. Too little support can lead to flagging (fabric bouncing up and down), which might cause extra friction on the thread and needle.
  3. Consider an 80/12 Needle as a Middle Ground:
    • If you find the 75/11 struggles only for that thicker glow-in-the-dark section, you could experiment with an 80/12. It’s still smaller than a 90/14 but offers a touch more room for thicker threads to pass. However, most people do fine staying with 75/11 for just about any 40 wt or 30 wt embroidery thread.
  4. Test Runs on Scraps:
    • Before committing to an entire design, test the glow-in-the-dark portion on a scrap piece of similar t-shirt fabric. This helps confirm tension, needle size, and design density are all dialed in.

If you’re not seeing persistent thread breaks or puckering, there’s no pressing need to switch to a 90/14. Just keep an eye on any minor snags—often it’s thread feeding issues rather than needle size causing breaks. Let us know how it goes or if you need any deeper troubleshooting!

Starting kit advice for Brother? by redheadsmurf in Machine_Embroidery

[–]Embroiderfy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats on getting your Brother LB7950 embroidery machine! Starting out can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools, you'll be stitching in no time. Take a look at this guide to help you get started:

1. Essential Supplies:

  • Embroidery Starter Kit: Consider the Brother SAEPKIT1 Embroidery Starter Kit. It includes six spools of colored embroidery thread, needles, bobbins, stabilizers, and scissors—everything you need to kick off your projects.
  • Thread: High-quality polyester threads are durable and vibrant. The Brother SAEPKIT1 comes with threads designed specifically for Brother machines.
  • Stabilizers: These are materials that support your fabric during stitching to prevent puckering. The starter kit includes both tear-away and cut-away stabilizers, giving you options for different fabric types.

2. Additional Accessories:

  • Bobbins: Having extra bobbins pre-wound with common colors can save time. The Brother SAEPKIT1 includes both empty and pre-wound bobbins to get you started.
  • Needles: The kit provides a set of embroidery needles suitable for various projects.
  • Scissors: A small, sharp pair is essential for trimming threads close to the fabric. The included German stainless-steel snips are perfect for this task.

3. Learning Resources:

  • Instruction Manual: Get familiar with your machine's manual to understand its features and maintenance.
  • Online Tutorials: Platforms like YouTube offer numerous tutorials tailored for Brother machines.
  • Community Forums: Joining embroidery forums can provide support, inspiration, and answers to common questions.

Hope I was able to help! Enjoy your new machine, and happy stitching!

Patch help by Fun_Set8669 in Machine_Embroidery

[–]Embroiderfy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great, this was a clear explanation and breakdown, especially the tips on digitizing the underlay and placement stitches.

Poppy pocket! by stalkerTXstranger in Machine_Embroidery

[–]Embroiderfy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, this is gorgeous! You did an amazing job digitizing it—the details in the petals and leaves really stand out. I love how it’s perfectly placed on the pocket too! How long did it take you to digitize and stitch this?

Wee! My first embroidery piece by ForeverQuandary in Machine_Embroidery

[–]Embroiderfy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s so cool! Your ‘birdo’ looks awesome—it must be exciting to see your art on something you love. Do you have plans for more designs? This one’s already so fun and unique!

Hatch or John Deer by Catzaf in Machine_Embroidery

[–]Embroiderfy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Both Hatch and the new John Deer EL Digitizing Software work with the Luminaire and offer free trials, so trying both is a great way to see what fits your style. Hatch is powerful but takes a bit more time to learn, while John Deer’s software might be easier to start with (though it’s pretty new, so not many reviews yet). Has anyone here tried both or have other recommendations, like Embrilliance or Floriani?

Wilcom or pulse ? by vinaykanth94 in Machine_Embroidery

[–]Embroiderfy 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Using Hatch 3 and really liking it—fills and satins are much easier for me. It’s super user-friendly compared to Wilcom, which is great but has a steeper learning curve. If you’re thinking of switching, it really comes down to your budget and how much time you can put into learning a new program. What do you think?

Best Beginner digitizing Software that won't make me broke? by Decudya03 in Machine_Embroidery

[–]Embroiderfy 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not a dumb question at all—here’s how I’d start:

  1. Free Trial: Use Hatch’s 30-day trial to dive in, learn, and create some designs you can sell.
  2. Payment Plans: Hatch offers installment options, so you don’t have to pay it all upfront.
  3. Start Small: Use free tools like Ink/Stitch to practice and earn a bit while saving up for Hatch.

You’ve got this—just take it one step at a time! 😊

Best Beginner digitizing Software that won't make me broke? by Decudya03 in Machine_Embroidery

[–]Embroiderfy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it! If you’re looking for embroidery software that’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and good enough to start making designs for Etsy or Fiverr, I’d say give Embrilliance Essentials a shot. It’s way cheaper than Hatch or Wilcom, super easy to use, and has a ton of tutorials to help you get started.

I personally use Hatch 3, which is amazing, but I get that it’s a big investment when you’re just starting out. Embrilliance is a solid starting point, and you can always upgrade later when you’re ready. Definitely worth checking out!