Hoop It Up

In addition to the standard 4" x 4" hoop, you can buy a smaller hoop and larger hoop for special embroidery needs. Note: A larger hoop doesn't allow you to embroider bigger images (larger than 4" x 4"). Instead, it allows you to embroider a larger area using multiple images or text without having to re-hoop your fabric.

For hard to hoop items (i.e. too small or too thick), I recommend the Floriani Wet 'N Stick stabilizer with grid lines. This stuff is amazing.

Below are some pictures so you can visualize some hooping techniques.

First Shopping List

Here is the list of items that Marci suggested for the first run to the store:

Your machine will not come with any thread. Below are the items you should pick up from JoAnn – all this will cost less than $50:

1) 1 Spool Coats & Clark bobbin thread (runs about $4) It has the blue cap

http://www.coatsandclark.com/Products/Machine+Embroidery/Threads/Polyester+Bobbin+Thread.htm
2) 1 roll of Sulky stabilizer – Stiffy heavy weight (runs about $9). This will work until you get buy the nice Floriani.
3) 1 package of Schmetz ‘Embroidery’ Needles size 14. The embroidery needle has a longer sash than regular needles. This helps prevent the thread from shredding as it flows thru the needle eye. (Pack of 5 runs about $4). FYI – I rarely break needles on my embroidery machine… but, they do get dull and need to be changes from time to time for the best results.
4) Cones of thread – various colors. JoAnn sells maxi-lock cones (with 3000 yards of thread) for $1.99. Buy one of these in every color. The Sulky brand thread for embroidery is really expensive and not as nice to work with – In my opinion.
5) 1 thread stand… these cost about $6 and can be found hanging on the notions wall

I added to this some extra thread, black bobbin thread, duck canvas, fabric, patches and upgraded the roll of stabilizer and ended up in the $100 range.

Here is all of the loot:

The Starting Point

The Starting Point: I am totally an Embroidery Novice.


I can imagine that I am not the only one out there. So I thought I would share the wealth of knowledge as it is shared with me....


I have always wanted to embroider, but I thought that it was not an affordable hobby. I heard tales of $7K machines and notions that would break the bank. Knowing several people who had invested exactly that in their equipment, I "left it on the shelf" along with the long list of hobbies that do not fit into my lifestyle.

And then I met Marci... Marci! Marci! Marci! (Marci rules!)


Marci made me a wonderful bag that she beautifully embroidered. AND she claimed that the machine that she used cost UNDER $500!



My fingers did the walking and I was able to find the machine and lots of accessories online. Marci helped me to find some better deals and let me know what I needed immediately and what could wait.

I have specific embroidery needs for the small business that my husband and I own. So I wondered if Marci's machine would fit the bill. Marci sent more samples that she made on her machine. They were exactly what I need.


I was finally able to justify the purchase!


My machine arrived yesterday: Brother SE350






And the accessory that I need most will arrive within a few days:
Brother PED Basic


Luckily Marci gave me a notions list... but I will save that for later! Thanks Marci!