Embroidery is a beneficial activity for both one’s body and mind. It is relaxing and helps to improve your health. Many embroidery hobbyists become addicted to it soon after their first contact with the craft. The beautiful products made by yourself can be used as gifts or household items. So, is it worth it to purchase a machine at home, adding a touch of ritual to your life? Read on and this article can solve some of your questions.
1. Do you need an embroidery machine to embroider?
If you don't have an embroidery machine yet, you can still embroider. Hand embroidery or using a sewing machine for embroidery is a popular pastime for many. (For those curious about sewing machine embroidery, check out our blog post: B21)
However, if you have high standards for the quality and efficiency of your embroidery, or if you have frequent and large-scale embroidery needs, investing in a machine is definitely a good idea. Embroidery machines are specifically designed for embroidery tasks, and when used properly, they can help you achieve a significant amount of output. Owning an embroidery machine can also open up possibilities for custom merchandise creation and small business ventures. Anyway, it’s highly recommended that you get an embroidery machine to embroider.
2. Are embroidery machines worth it?
Yes, embroidery machines are worth it. Machine embroidery has many advantages in comparison with traditional one. This blog will give you several reasons as follows:
- Efficiency Improvement: Using an embroidery machine can accelerate your embroidering speed.
- Embroidery Performance: Machines come with features that guarantee precision of the stitches and eliminates the odds of mistake.
- Pre-loaded embroidery designs: Machines come with tons of designs ready for use, which is super convenient for you.
- Beginner friendly: Even a novice in embroidery can perform complex patterns in a short time, which benefits beginners greatly.
Today, computerized machines with advanced technology bear a lot of features like automatic needle threading and tension control. It offers great versatility in embroidery projects and reliability for results, becoming the sought-after choice for hobbies. However, despite their positives, embroidery machines have shortcomings neither. The cost of the machine and a wide range of supplies can be substantial. To get a good maintenance of the machine also costs vastly. Besides, solving machine issues can be quite challenging for newcomers. To use a machine, you need to learn the tips and tricks of the machine, hoops and software, etc. That’s a big investment of time and energy. But in summary, the benefits of using a machine far outweigh the problems it may cause. Once you have a good master of the operation, it becomes time-saving and what left is pure enjoyment. There is even an entrepreneurial potential. So, it’s highly recommended to get a machine to smooth your embroidery process.
3. What is the average cost of an embroidery machine?
The average cost of an embroidery machine can vary significantly depending on the type, brand, and feature, etc. Generally speaking, the cost of home embroidery machines ranges from $200 to $1,000. Let’s explore the pricing of them from three levels.
At entry-level, budget machines starts from $200. These machines are compact and easy to use. With a limited functions, they can solve your fundamental requirements like embroidering name initials and monogramming patterns. The drawbacks of low-cost machines include noises, unsuitable for heavy fabrics. But after all it’s worth the money. Mid-level embroidery machines normally cost above $600. They are more powerful and can deal with thicker types of fabrics and thus handle diverse embroidery projects. You can find more design and fonts options. Some mid-end features are also available, giving you more freedom to make customization. High-end embroidery machines are packed with advanced features and they can cost up to $1000 and even more. They offer a vast array of designs and normally a faster stitching speed. What’s more, their connectivity to computers and the internet provides access to a nearly unlimited library of patterns. You can almost say they have no shortcomings except the price. If you’re not in a tight budget, it’s highly recommended to purchase a high-level embroidery machine, ensuing the utmost efficiency and quality.
4. Can an embroidery machine also sew?
It depends on whether your embroidery machine is equipped with sewing function. Nowadays most of the single-needle embroidery machines are 2 in 1 machines, allowing you to switch between embroidery and regular sewing. While others are just for embroidering. If you’re wondering whether your machine can sew, just check the machine’s manual or consult with the official.
So which one is better: a standalone machine or a 2 in 1 machine?
It depends on your specific purpose of embroidering. With a 2 in 1 machine, obviously you can handle both sewing and embroidery projects with one equipment.But switching between embroidery and regular sewing can also be a great trouble. If you’re just embroider for fun and don’t mind spending your time on re-threading, changing presser foot and adjusting settings, then a dual purpose machine is quite worthwhile. Needless to say, it saves space as well. However, if you’re a business owner and have stricter requirements on the quality and especially the efficiency, having each machine for a specific function is highly recommended. A standalone embroidery machine normally has more capacities to edit your designs, and it will perform better.
5. Do you need a special embroidery machine for hats?
Yes, a special hat embroidery machine is very handy because of the unique structure of the hats. Hat embroidery is more difficult than embroidering on any other fabric, reasons as follows:
- Curved surface and structured fabrics create big change for regular machines, the general procedure cannot hoop hats as well as other flat products.
- Limit space gives the machine less flexibility to perform the stitching.
- Six panel hats or five panel hats have seams that might cause distortions and turn your designs into a misaligned mess.
Regular embroidery machines are designed to handle flat materials. They may not provide sufficient stability for curved surfaces. Besides, their hooping systems may not adapt to the shape of hats. And using regular embroidery machines for hat embroidery may also require additional adjustments and settings. So, that’s the reason why you should go with a hat embroidery machine that comes with a cap hoop.
6. Do I need to oil my embroidery machine?
Generally speaking, yes. For most of embroidery machine, oiling is necessary. But some machines have Teflon parts instead of metal parts, which do not need to be oiled. So back to the situation that most people face,
Why does an embroidery machine need oil?
All machines require lubrication. Friction between moving parts can lead to damage or overheating, potentially warping or distorting them. Applying oil is a good method to prevent them from malfunction. So oiling will not only prolongs your machine’s lifespan but also ensures smooth operation, giving you a more enjoyable embroidering experience.
What oil to use:
Check your manual for instructions. There are many kinds of oil or oil-like products. Some of them do well in helping the oil to remain where you put it. Some others are better at reaching tiny crevices. Remember, use only the recommended oil. That’s the principal rule.
When to oil:
Oil it before first use, then as needed. For home machine, you should oil it every 1–3 months, depending on how heavily it is used.
Where do you put oil in an embroidery machine?
Oil should be put on the machine’s main moving parts, such as the bobbin case and needle bar. Always read your manual when oiling your machine, some of them will give very concrete instruction on where to put oil. What’s more, don’t forget to wipe off any excess oil after the oiling.
How to lubricate to an embroidery machine?
Following your manual is always the top priority, but here are the general steps taken to oil a machine:
- Unplug the embroidery machine;
- Remove some accessories like needle plate and throat plate.
- Brush away any lint or dirt visible on the machine.
- Use a brush or oil pen to oil the places instructed by your manual. 2-3 drops of oils should be enough.
Work safely, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Your machine will pay you back by enjoying good durability and stitching well.
Conclusion
Whether to invest in a hat embroidery machine is a very personal decision affected by individual circumstances and purposes. We recommend you to get one if you do need to embroider hats frequently. If you have more information on machine embroidery area, please feel free to share your experiences in reviews or contact us. We’re also available on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. Have a nice embroidery!
