Machine embroidery
Decorative stitching made with a sewing or embroidery machine; most modern embroidery machines are computer-controlled and use digitised design files.
What it is
An embroidery machine stitches a digital design for you.
Who it suits
Anyone who wants to personalise towels, bags and clothes, with neat results quickly.
What you need
An embroidery machine and hoops, 40 weight embroidery thread, bobbin thread, stabilisers and designs in your machine's format.
A first project
A small design on a tea towel or tote.
The machine embroidery guides
Beginner's guide
What you need
Techniques and stitches
How to choose the right stabiliser
Tear-away, cut-away or wash-away: match it to the fabric.
How to hoop fabric for machine embroidery
Firm and flat, not stretched like a drum.
First project
Mistakes and fixes
Next steps
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.
