A Brief Summary About Machine Embroidery

Machine embroidery is defined as the practice of doing embroidery making use of a sewing machine or embroidery machine to create patterns, designs and accents on materials like textiles, papers, leather or even plastic. For centuries, the art of embroidery is considered a handicraft with its products created solely by hand. It is believed that embroidery has been around since man started using clothes to cover his nakedness.

Our ancestors sewed colorful beads, threads, stones and bones on their clothes as embellishments. Beautifully hand embroidered robes became a symbol of wealth and prestige among ancient Moors, Egyptians, Babylonians, Phoenicians and Hebrews. It took a considerable amount of effort and time to finish a piece of hand embroidered material.

However, in 1830s, an Alsatian named Joshua Heilman invented the hand-operated embroidery machine and made factory-like production of embroidered items possible for the first time. This machine did the work of approximately 40 people doing embroidery by hand and sent out design pattern parallel to 130 needles embroidering simultaneously. It required only one worker to guide the pantograph and another worker to take charge of the threading. 

It did not make a phenomenal commercial success because only a few of  machines were sold nevertheless; the invention indisputably revolutionized the industry of embroidery. Heilman's invention indeed began a chain of events leading to the development of sewing machines in the 1860s to the creation of hand powered embroidery looms in the 1870s. And although the machine was further developed by Franz Rittmeyer and the mechanic Franz Anton Vogler in 1840s, the fundamental principle of Heilman's embroidery machine still exists even up to these days which is precisely to put a big embroidery frame in front of a large number of needles and - contrary to hand embroidery - not to move the needles but the embroidery frame stitch by stitch to make the design. Many more machines were manufactured soon after that and by the beginning of the 20th century, with the availability of embroidery on clothing and fabric greatly expanded, prices of embroidered items plummeted and production amplified.

Most modern embroidery machines are computer controlled and specifically engineered for commercial grade embroidery. It uses patterns "digitized" with embroidery software that is fed into the computer memory. These softwares are available by the thousands in needlecraft stores in town or in the internet. It could create fabulous designs or you can be aided in making a spectacular design of your own! For mass production, there is a multi-needle machine that has multiple sewing heads, each of which can sew the same design onto a separate garment concurrently.

Over the passing years, there have been a lot of developments made in the embroidery industry. Technology allowed people to have amazing machines for commercial and home use. And these machines, having undergone many enhancements, are highly efficient and can perform multitude of embroidery projects in no time at all. To say that the production of embroidered fabric and related items has increased significantly is an understatement. The increase in production is indeed exponential with machine embroidery. Moreover, in these modern day and age, computers have made the process of embroidery much easier, convenient, and faster.

Various Types Of Embroidery Thread

Embroidery is the craft of traditional sewing that involves decorative stitching. It has become quite common in Western culture, as well is with other cultures as well. The are requires different types of thread, and is dependent upon the number of different factors. These factors include the type of fabric that is going to be used with the project, the type of stitching and embroidery technique, as well is how it is performed, and also the type of needle that is used with the project as well. Embroidery and needlework have been done by hand, but in recent years sewing machines have been developed that can appropriately embroider different types of fabric.

Embroidery floss is often used with these machines, and is also known as stranded cotton. This type of embroidery floss is made up of six different strands of thread. The thread is usually quite shiny, and is typically made of cotton. It can also be made of silk or rayon blends, which make it much more likely to stand up to the test of time.

Matte embroidery floss from Embroidery Thread Suppliers is quite similar to the previous type of embroidery floss, but only has five strands of thread that is tightly twisted, while embroidery floss typically has six. Matte embroidery floss is quite commonly used with many different types of projects, especially those that are not going for the typical shiny look that is provided by typical embroidery floss. It is also sometimes called embroidery cotton, because of its different type of texture.

Crewel Yarn is two ply thread, that is been traditionally use with many different types of embroidery floss. It is made from natural or synthetic will. It is often used with many different types of tapestry products, as well is for the stitching with heavy fabrics.

Machine embroidery thread is thread that is suitable for use with sewing machines. Typically the type of machine embroidery threads that are available are going to be synthetic, and made from polyester. There are also metallic thread that are also common, but that is going to be entirely dependent upon the type of project that you are undertaking. Both embroidery thread that is meant for hand use, as well is that that is meant for machines is going to come with a vast variety of different colors. There are also many types of dyes that are available, that can allow you to have more customization options regarding the color of be thread.

Persian yarn is another commonly used type of embroidery thread, which can be made of wool, but can also be synthetic. This type of threat is different because it is comprised mostly of three loosely twisted strands, which is one more than the number of strands that is utilized with crewel yarn. It can be used with a variety of different types of projects, which makes it a very flexible option for individuals that are not purchasing supplies for only one project, but for a number of projects.

Embroidery Thread

What kind of embroidery thread should I use? This is one of the most common questions we hear. The answer is simple, and difficult, at the same time.

The first thing to decide is what fiber to use. Rayon, polyester, cotton, silk, or metallic? All have their pros and cons, but basically it comes down to personal preference. I believe in using whatever threads work for your project. If it works well in your machine, and you like the effect you get while using it, then don't hesitate, enjoy it! Don't let the embroidery police tell you what you should or should not use in your project. As odd as it sounds, embroidery machines have preferences too. So experiment, and don't be afraid to use a particular thread just because it's not made for that.

Rayon Thread

Rayon embroidery threads are currently the most popular threads used in embroidery machines. They perform consistently well in high-speed embroidery machines with very little breaking or fraying. Rayon is a high sheen thread, and often used as a lower cost alternative to silk threads.

Most Rayon embroidery threads are available in 40wt, though 30wt can be found without effort. A wide range of colors and shades are available, including variegated colors.

Though some brands can be, rayon embroidery threads are not generally colorfast. It is best to avoid using any bleaching agents, including those made for colors.

Stitches sewn with rayon threads are very smooth and consistent, leading to a higher quality embroidery project.

Rayon threads do deteriorate over time, so attention should be paid to how it is stored. In low humidity regions, rayon threads can be stored in the refrigerator to extend thread life for a long as possible.

Polyester Thread

Polyester is rapidly catching up to the popularity of Rayon threads for embroidery. It is a very strong and economical thread. Polyester embroidery threads won't fade or shrink in the wash.

The luster, or sheen, of polyester thread falls between that of cotton and rayon.

Polyester threads do have some give or stretch to them.

Polyester embroidery threads are available in a wide range of solid and variegated colors. Like Rayon, the most popular thread size is 40wt, but 30wt and 50wt can be easily found.

Cotton Thread

Cotton embroidery thread is available in a wide range of weights, and is suitable for most embroidery projects. 40wt and 50wt are the most common, but cotton threads range from 8wt to 100wt.

Cotton thread does not stretch a great deal, and will break if pulled too tightly. Cotton thread will fade with the sun, and shrink in the wash, so treat it as you would cotton fabrics.

Most cotton threads sold now are mercerized. This is a chemical and heat process that increases the luster of the thread. During the mercerizing process, fuzzy threads are burned off, creating a smoother surface. This smooth surface reflects light, increasing the luster of the thread. It also has the effect of increasing water absorbency, making the thread easier to dye.

Long staple cotton is finer and stronger than regular cotton. Most high quality threads are made with long staple cotton, creating a softer, stronger, higher luster thread. Long staple threads tend to have fewer slubs, lumps of lint spun into the cotton threads.