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Types of Embroidery Machines | 3 Most Common Types You Must Know

Embroidery machines come in three basic types: mechanical, computerized, and Electronic. Each machine has its strengths and weaknesses. Mechanical embroidery machines are the most affordable machines, but they require a lot of manual intervention to get anything done.

Computerized embroidery machines can be programmed easily, but they tend to be more expensive than mechanical ones. If you want to save money and have total control over your designs, then an electronic embroidery machine might be right for you!

Also Read About: Low Shank Sewing Machine

3 Major Types of Embroidery Machines

Whether you are a small business, or just an individual looking to add some flare to your wardrobe, embroidery machines can be a great way to make your clothes unique. The process of adding designs and patterns is also quite easy with the use of these machines.

So, let’s discuss 3 common types of Embroidery Machines:

1. Mechanical Embroidery Machine

Mechanical embroidery machines are a kind of sewing device that works similarly to a home sewing machine. However, instead of stitching fabric together with an actual needle and thread, these sewing machines use needles for piercing fabric material.

These machines continuously pull extended threads through the holes in order to form embroidered designs on the fabric. In many cases, mechanical embroidery machines can also be used as regular sewing machines.

A mechanical embroidery machine has a distinct design that is different from regular and industrial sewing machines. It usually lacks the needle plate. The flat piece of metal is located on top of the bobbin case, which holds the thread in place for baby lock embroidery).

If you look at many mechanical embroidery machines, you will see lots of holes scattered across the entire surface area of the sewing bed. Depending on how large or small your machine’s hoop/quilt frame is, maybe these holes could be evenly spaced or irregularly patterned.

2. Computerized Embroidery Machine

Computerized embroidery machines are computers or devices that allow for the home creating of designs in embroidery. They may be operated simply by a person turning on the machine and punching in their design to create it.

Alternatively, they may have an attached memory stick, card, floppy disk, or even CD/DVD drive, allowing them to transfer their designs from another computer system.

Although there are some extremely high-end embroidery machines that do everything but make you a sandwich while you stitch.

Most commercial machines will require hand stitching at several points during your design. Many others need the assistance of a second machine (usually called a ‘brother’ machine) to complete all parts of the embroidery process.

3. Electronic Embroidery Machines

An electronic embroidery machine allows you to digitize and sew out your designs, just like a sewing machine. It was originally designed as the first home embroidery machine. So, that everyone could now afford to have their favourite designs on clothing they sew.

Nowadays, many of these machines are now used as affordable medium format digitizing machines by those involved in the custom embroidery business, who need bigger than hoop size equipment but smaller than a large commercial 12×18 inch model.

These come in computerized and non-computerized versions. They both use an electronic board to control the needle movement and stitching functions. This board also controls the lighting and action of other advanced options like laser light sources (necessary for appliqué).

Bottom Line

Make the right decision by choosing your machine. We’ve highlighted three different types of embroidery machines and their benefits for you to choose from. So, take a look at what might work best for your business needs.