Spotlight: Hollis Chatelain, Textile Artist
Inspired by her humanitarian work in Africa, Hollis Chatelain creates art quilts that raise awareness of the human condition in the third world. Back in the States, she wanted to...
Machine Embroidery
Machine embroidery adds patterns and design details to quilts, garments and home décor. You can embroider with a dedicated embroidery machine, or use an embroidery attachment on your home sewing machine. Common designs are monograms, florals, quilt labels and more!
You can purchase designs that load into your machine to stitch out, or use embroidery software to digitize your own embroidery design. Some machines include lots of built-in designs, too. With a home sewing machine, you can draw or trace your design onto fabric, then use a variety of stitches to create your embroidery design.
Before embarking on a project, make sure to have some stabilizer so that your fabric doesn’t stretch during stitching. Collect the right thread types and colors for your design, too. A hoop keeps your design symmetrical and pucker-free.
Browse through our projects and stories that include machine embroidery as a creative technique.
Machine Embroidery Inspiration
Spotlight: Stephen Wilson, Mixed Media Artist
Stephen Wilson uses modern technology to create contemporary artwork rooted in traditional craft. He uses fabric and thread to create his images in the same way a painter might use...
Spotlight: Lea McComas, Thread Painter & Fiber Artist
As Lea McComas travels the world and immerses herself in rich and vibrant cultures, her art reflects the human experience. With fabric and thread, she captures moments that highlight the...
More Machine Embroidery
Center Machine Embroidery with Temporary Adhesive
I was nervous about trying machine embroidery, but I have been lucky to have Pam Olney, good friend and machine embroidery expert, on speed dial. Pam's expertise was invaluable in…
Placing Machine Embroidery on a T-Shirt
I was nervous about trying machine embroidery, but I have been lucky to have Pam Olney, good friend and machine embroidery expert, on speed dial. Pam's expertise was invaluable in…
Center Machine Embroidery with Hoop Templates
I was nervous about trying machine embroidery, but I have been lucky to have Pam Olney, good friend and machine embroidery expert, on speed dial. Pam's expertise was invaluable in…
Machine Embroidery Basics
I was nervous about trying machine embroidery, but I have been lucky to have Pam Olney, good friend and machine embroidery expert, on speed dial. Pam's expertise was invaluable in…
Spotlight: Megan Brown, Sewist and Entrepreneur
Finding her stitch mojo early on, garment sewist and entrepreneur Megan Brown had family role models to inspire her. Now she makes a business out of her sewing and embroidery…
Spotlight: Catherine Redford, Fiber Artist
With a love for stitching happy things, fiber art by Catherine Redford is sure to keep you smiling. She does a bit of everything: embroidery, appliqué, crazy quilting, modern quilting,…
Spotlight, Michele Pollock, Paper and Stitch Artist
Keeping her mind and heart open to the creative possibilities during life's challenges keeps artist Michele Pollock on the hunt for new ways to express herself. When a neurological disorder…
Spotlight: Lea McComas, Thread Painter & Fiber Artist
As Lea McComas travels the world and immerses herself in rich and vibrant cultures, her art reflects the human experience. With fabric and thread, she captures moments that highlight the…