My Basket
Call us on 0113 242 9378

USED EMBROIDERY MACHINES AVAILABLE NOW

We have a selection of used commercial and industrial embroidery machines in stock now!

Generic embroidery related FAQ's

Generic embroidery related FAQ's - FAQs

  1. When should I change the size of the needle?

    You should change the needle’s size to control the bending of the needle. The size of the needle depends on the size of the stitch you want to create. Generally, heavy fabrics require large needles, and light fabrics require small needles.

    Read more
  2. Why are the needles breaking on caps?

    We would advise that a stronger needle is used for cap embroidery. It is also very important to pay attention to the digitzed logo. You should be aware of which logos may be used for different materials. The way the stitch file was created may not be suitable for caps. Also, the hooping may not be correct.

    Read more
  3. Why am I getting thread breaks?

    Common causes of thread breaks:

    • The needle can be worn out if you’ve been using it for a long period of time or on thick materials.
    • Your machine may be threaded incorrectly. Check the thread passage to make sure all the threads are correctly positioned.
    • Threads might be damaged or old.
    • Prolonged exposure to air, light and heat can make your thread brittle. To prevent breaks, store thread in a dark, cool place.
    • Hooping may not be tight enough.
    • The tension might be too loose or too tight.
    • The thread quality may be poor.
    • The design quality may be poor.
    Read more
  4. How do I determine which size hoop to use?

    The size of the hoop depends on the size of the embroidery you want to create. The best hoop to use is the smallest hoop that the design will fit in. You can place the hoop on top of the printout from your embroidery software to get an idea of the hoop size you should use for the particular design. We also recommend using the trace function on your machine to ensure that the needle will not hit the frame.

    Read more
  5. Do I need to use backing on all projects?

    We recommend the use of backings whatever you are embroidering because it is the stabilizer for your design. The backing you use will depend on the material you’re embroidering. On heavyweight materials, use lightweight backings such as tear-away. For lightweight garments, use heavyweight backings such as cut-away.

    Read more
  6. If I have a problem with my machine, how quickly can an engineer come out?

    Our first reaction to a reported machine problem would be support from an engineer over the phone, as the majority of problems or faults can be resolved over the phone.

    Should the engineer not be able to assist you over the phone, we will aim to get to all machine breakdowns within 48 hours.

    We have engineers based in Glasgow, Leeds and London, so there is always an engineer within only a couple of hours of your location.

    Read more
  7. Do I need to have previous experience with embroidery before starting my business?

    No. There is no requirement for previous experience to start up your new embroidery business. Our Brother commercial embroidery machines are very user friendly, and have been manufactured with the 'new embroiderer' in mind.

    With every enquiry, our sales team are here to help you find the best machine for your requirements. We do not 'hard-sell', and we want your business to succeed just as much as you do.

    Upon delivery of your machine, we deliver, install and train you on your machine Nationwide. Our technicians have all received thorough training courses from Brother and ZSK, so are the perfect mentors to show you through your new machine. We will never leave you unless you are 100% happy running your machine.

    Read more
  8. How often do I need to change my bobbin?

    We advise that there is approximately 50'000 stitches per bobbin, depending on the brand and stitch design.

    It is recommended to check the amount left on your bobbin before using your machine, to prevent having to change the bobbin half-way through your design.

    Read more
  9. Why are my needles breaking?

    Common reasons why needles break:

    • The needle is worn out, bent or old.
    • The design may have too many stitches for the area.
    • You might have hit a hoop.
    • Hooping wasn’t tight or smooth.
    • The fabric or material is too thick for the type of needle.
    Read more
  10. What is the easiest way to change the thread on my machine?

    Begin by clipping the thread from the existing spool and adding a new spool in its place. Then, create a knot with the loose end of the old thread and the loose end of the new thread. Last, grab the thread from the presser foot, and pull the new thread all the way through the thread passage until it reaches the needle.

    Read more
  11. Where do I get my designs from?

    There are a couple of options available.

    1. You can purchase ready-made designs online via a digitising company.

    2. You can send a professional digitiser your image or logo that needs digitising, and they will create the image in a stitch format for a small charge.

    3. You can purchase digitising software to create your designs yourself.

    Read more
  12. Why did I get a pinch on my fabric?

    This is a hooping error. You need to create proper tension by making sure the hooping is tight and the fabric is not wrinkled. Be sure not to stretch the material, as this could ruin the design. You might need a stronger stabilizer.

    Read more
  13. Can I use the same needle for all types of projects?

    Ballpoint needles can be used for all types of projects. However, we recommend using sharp point needles on leather, satin or any other fine material. For heavy material, we recommend using an 80/12 needle. On metallic threads, use a 90/14 needle, which has a larger eye that will reduce friction as the thread passes through.

    Read more
  14. How often should I replace a needle?

    A basic guideline that many professional embroiderers use to determine when to change needles is the three strikes rule. You should replace a needle whenever there has been three consecutive thread breaks on the needle. You should also change a needle if it breaks or is skipping stitches.

    Read more