What you need to start machine embroidery
Machine and hoops, embroidery thread, bobbin thread, stabilisers, needles and a USB stick.
- An embroidery machine with its hoops.
- Polyester embroidery thread, usually 40 weight: strong and colourfast. Rayon has more sheen but is more delicate.
- Lightweight bobbin thread, usually white or black.
- Stabilisers: tear-away, cut-away and water-soluble.
- Machine embroidery needles; 75/11 is common.
- Designs in your machine's format, and a USB stick to transfer them.
Watch
EVERYTHING You Need to Start Machine Embroidery | Beginners 101 (7:25)
By SimplyShy · Open on YouTube
Chosen from its title and channel: a 7-minute video from SimplyShy on the same topic as this guide. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.
All guides ›Machine embroidery
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.