6 Uses for an Embroidery Machine

An embroidery machine is one of those "nice-to-have" but not "must-have" items because people think they’re only limited to embroidery. It's time to think outside the box! 

Read beyond the "embroidery machine" label and push this machine to new heights with six uses for an embroidery machine.

1. Recreate Hand-Sewn Designs

Have you seen the stunning revolution from hand-woven tapestries to antique quilts? What makes these displays of art so spectacular is that they were done by hand, every single bit of it. Story quilts, themed-quilts, and more, all relied on hand-sewn designs for finishing touches to tie everything together. 

You can recreate hand-sewn designs on anything: pillow covers, quilts, and even clothes. Anything you design can have a unique design finish because you drew it, then embroidered over it for a finish. 

2. Design Themed Fabric 

When you're working on a project, you don't want to settle on a piece of fabric just because it's the only variation you can find. With an embroidery machine, you can use different materials, textured fabrics, and thread variations as well to create your unique fabric pattern. 

Creating your fabric opens up many doors for new projects. You're no longer limited to what's available in that season, in a fabric store, or by taking a chance with placing an online order. 

3. Applique Your Heart Out 

Appliques on a standard sewing machine are a pain... There, we said it. 

Many projects have been left without the cutesy initial applique, but with an embroidery machine, it's easy. You can cut out or design your applique and have it on your material in less than two minutes. 

If you have an embroidery machine, you have no excuse for applique projects. The result will be a slew of personalized and unique gifts for everyone in the family.

4. Have Insta-Inspiration All the Time 

Instagram is full of people creating unique designs, themes, and self-designed fabrics. The good news is that you can turn to that community for inspiration now because you can now execute the same actions as those gram-creators. 

5. Explore the Possibilities of Free Motion Quilting

Free motion quilting is making a huge comeback, and while an embroidery machine and a free motion quilting sewing machine have fundamental differences, you can start with an embroidery machine. These machines allow you to sew through multiple layers of fabric at the same time with little restraint in movement. 

The movement patterns of a standard sewing machine don't allow for much creativity, although they're excellent for creating straight lines and slowly sloping curves but not much else. If you're interested in free motion quilting, then an embroidery machine is your chance to try it out. 

6. Take Store Bought Items to the Next Level 

Of course, you can always use an embroidery machine to actually embroider. While you can customize your projects, you can also take store-bought items to another level. Decorative throw pillows, blankets, shirts, purses, and more. What if your run of the mill shirt could suddenly become something unique? Plenty of sewers would go nuts, and it's fun because embroidery is a substantial skill and developing it is well worth the time invested in learning it. 

Choosing the Right Embroidery Machine 

There are a few key features that you want. If you're a beginner, then you want something with a pretty standard design window (8"x14") and options to use both the machine and accompanying software. 

Let's be real. 

A lot of sewers are more tech-savvy than others and would prefer to work with a computer than a million buttons on a machine. 

You should also question if hoops are included and if so, how many does it come with? These questions can help you find which machines give the most value. Some machines come with classes, service plans, and trade-up options that you should thoroughly explore. When you’re ready to get started, shop around on GoldStar Tool and find a machine that fits you and the projects you love. And, if you need any help deciding on a machine, contact us and we would love to lend our expertise!