Embroidery FAQ

Okay girls, you asked about my last post and I’m here to answer!

1. How easy is it to use?

Very easy to use, once you know what you are doing. I don’t consider myself a beginner sewer, but I’m definitely not an expert either. I have to admit that I was a bit intimidated when I brought my machine home, but after my first project I’m hooked.  If you can follow simple DVD directions, you can use this machine. (It comes with a tutorial DVD!)

Here is a quick look at the machine:

2. What the heck is an applique? And how do you do it? How easy is it?

An applique is when you lay down fabric and then sew around it (basically). Here is an example:

There are some great tutorials on how to applique, this is the one I use the most.

How easy is it? Pretty easy, but its definitely a process. For applique, you need some (kid-free) time, some supplies (more on this later), and an iron. Your first applique project will be overwhelming, but after that you are good!

3. Is it a long process to monogram something?

From start to finish, it takes about 10 minutes. Appliques take a bit longer, maybe 30 minutes?

4. How different is it from using a sewing machine?

This machine actually IS a sewing machine AND an embroidery machine. If you have ever used a sewing machine, this is easier. The technology is amazing because it is completely computerized. You basically tell it what you want to do and then press the “Go” button and it does all the work for you! It even cuts your thread when you're done.

5. Why is the USB Cable so important?

It enables you to download new fonts ($2.99 ish) and applique designs ($.50-4.99 ish) from online sources like Etsy, Applique Cafe, etc. Your machine comes pre-loaded with over 70 designs but I find all of them to be a bit traditional and “granny” for me. It also comes with 4 standard fonts, but trust me….you will want to download new fonts.

6. What additional supplies do I need?

---You will need some Stabilizer. I use Sulky Cut-Away and haven't had a problem with it. It runs about $9.99 per roll at JoAnn’s. If you are wondering what stabilizer is, check this out.

---You will need a can of spray adhesive. I use Sulky Temporary Spray Adhesive which is non-toxic. It’s about $11 at JoAnn’s and will last you a long time.

---You will need embroidery thread. This is different from regular sewing thread. I use the Coats and Clark brand from JoAnn’s and each spool costs $5. So far I have 7 different colors, but it’s totally addicting and now I think I need every color of the rainbow.

---You will need to download a program called Sew What Pro. (There are other programs available, but this one is simple to use and does everything I need. Plus the others are crazy expensive) It costs $65 but you begin with a 30 day free trial. I’m still on my trial and I can NOT live without this program. What does it do? It allows you to use the fonts and designs you download from the internet, and you can even combine different designs. For example, if you wanted to embroider the name “Katie” under the anchor applique above, you need this program to do it. Otherwise your machine will only do one or the other. The anchor, or the name, but not both. There are tons of free tutorials on how to use Sew What Pro, and I promise it’s easy.

---You will want to buy a pack of pre-wound bobbins so that you don’t have to spend your time winding. I bought a pack of 8 for $8.99 at the Viking Sewing Center inside JoAnn’s.

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And that’s it! Please let me know if you have any questions and I hope this helped.

:: obligatory disclaimer- I’m not sponsored or paid by Brother or any other kind of sewing company. Although I wish I were, because I just spent an hour of my time talking about how to use their equipment::