Jump to content

  • Articles

    Machine Embroidery on Sweaters and Knitted Fabrics: What You Need to Know

    By diver361, in Machine embroidery materials and technology, , 0 comments, 47 views
    Machine embroidery on sweaters and knitted garments opens up beautiful possibilities — cozy monograms, delicate florals, or whimsical designs. But due to the stretchy and looped nature of knit fabrics, special care is needed to avoid distortion or sinking stitches. Here’s a complete guide to getting professional, long-lasting results.
    Understanding the Nature of Knit Fabrics
    Knits are stretchy, soft, and textured. While this makes them incredibly comfortable to wear, it also poses challenges for embroidery:
    They stretch easily, especially side-to-side.
    They can snag or distort if hooped too tightly.
    Stitches may sink into the fabric without proper support.
    That’s why preparation is key.
    Choosing the Right Embroidery Design
    When working with knits and sweaters, design choice matters more than ever.
    Best Design Types:
    Low-density designs (less filled areas)
    Sketch-style or outline designs
    Watercolor or hand-drawn effects
    Avoid:
    Dense, heavy fill designs that may pucker or distort
    Small text or overly detailed logos (especially on looser knits)
    Stabilization Is Everything
    Stabilizers are your best friends when embroidering on stretchy materials. For knits, you’ll usually need a combination of top and bottom stabilizers.
     
     Recommended Setup:
    Bottom stabilizer: Medium-weight cut-away or tear-away (cut-away is better for stretch)
    Top stabilizer: Water-soluble film (WSS) or heat-away film to prevent stitches from sinking into the loops
    Hooping & Fabric Preparation
    Knits should never be hooped tightly like woven fabric. That could stretch them out and cause distortion once removed.
    Use temporary adhesive spray to attach fabric to stabilizer before hooping
    Consider floating the fabric (hoop just the stabilizer and stick the fabric on top)
    Use magnetic hoops when possible — they’re gentle on knits
    Don’t:
    Overstretch the fabric in the hoop
    Embroider without a top stabilizer on sweater textures
    Needles and Thread
    Using the right needle prevents damage to the fabric’s loops.
    Needle: Ballpoint (jersey) needles – they glide through without piercing the loops
    Thread: Polyester or rayon embroidery threads – strong yet soft enough for knits
    Finishing Touches
    After the embroidery is done:
    Remove the top stabilizer with warm water or heat (depending on type)
    Carefully trim the excess cut-away stabilizer from the back
    Steam or press lightly with a cloth on top (don’t iron directly!)
    Which Knits Are Best for Embroidery?
    Knit Type Embroidery Friendly Notes Cotton Jersey Yes Stable and easy to hoop French Terry Yes Use top film for loops Chunky Sweater Knit With care Needs extra stabilizer, avoid dense designs Acrylic Knit Yes Watch heat when pressing Wool Blend Knit Be gentle Can felt with heat or dense stitching Final Thoughts
    Embroidering on sweaters and knits is incredibly rewarding — just imagine cozy holiday sweaters, personalized gifts, or fashionable statement pieces. With a few adjustments in your materials and technique, your embroidery can look flawless and last a long time.

    When Barudan Skips a Beat: Solving Bobbin Catch Issues on Multi-Needle Machines

    By diver361, in Machine embroidery materials and technology, , 0 comments, 55 views
    Barudan Not Catching Bobbin on Three Out of 15 Needles? Here's What to Check
    Running a 15-needle Barudan can feel like piloting a spaceship—when it works, it’s magical. But when three out of those 15 needles suddenly refuse to catch the bobbin thread? It becomes a test of patience, tension, and sanity.
    A user recently shared their experience, and if you’ve found yourself in a similar bind (literally), you’re not alone.
    The Problem
    Sound familiar? The photo (attached above) shows thread buildup right under the bobbin case — a classic symptom of a few potential culprits.

    Step-by-Step Diagnostic Checklist
    1. Threading Direction – Double and Triple Check
    It might seem basic, but threading incorrectly is the most common cause. On Barudan, the thread must follow a specific path — one user mentioned they looped thread from the back instead of the front and nearly replaced their rotary hook!
    2. Clean the Bobbin Area Thoroughly
    Thread debris, lint, or even stray thread tails can prevent a clean pickup of the bobbin thread. Remove the bobbin case and give it a solid clean — especially around the rotary hook.
    3. Check Needle Bar Height (Needle Penetration Depth)
    Since it’s only some needles, chances are good the needle bar height is slightly off on those specific heads. If the needle isn’t going deep enough into the bobbin hook’s path, it simply won’t catch the thread.
    On some Barudan models, adjusting the needle bar means opening the machine and adjusting the stacker bar (often located behind the front plate). Only attempt this if you're confident or have the manual on hand.
    4. Needle Type and Damage
    Double-check that you're using the correct needle type for your Barudan and that they’re not damaged or slightly bent. Even a slight curve can throw off the hook timing.
    5. Rotary Hook Timing
    While rare, if everything else checks out and the issue persists, it may be a hook timing issue. However, since it’s only 3 out of 15 needles, this is unlikely to be the root cause unless the rotary system is misaligned in specific zones.
    Pro Tip: Adjust One Needle First
    If you're considering adjusting the needle bar height, try it on just one faulty needle head first. That way, you can see if it resolves the issue before making adjustments across all three.
    As one tech-savvy embroiderer put it:
    Helpful Tools & Manuals
    Your Barudan service manual (usually available in PDF format)
    Flathead screwdrivers, Allen keys, and a flashlight
    Phone camera (to document positions before you change anything)
    What This Looks Like
    Photo: Thread bunching under the bobbin case
    In the attached image, you can clearly see where the thread is building up and failing to loop. This is what an un-caught bobbin thread looks like—messy, loose, and a nightmare for clean stitches.
    Final Thoughts
    Embroidery machines can be fussy, especially high-speed, multi-head units like Barudan. When bobbin catch issues strike on just a few needles, it's almost always mechanical—needle height, threading, or cleanliness.
    Have you ever had this issue? How did you fix it? Let us know in the comments or share your photo story!

  • Get new free embroidery designs every day

    Our biggest resource gives ample opportunities to those who are looking for inspiration for new creative projects, business ideas. Thousands of free designs with instant downloadable. Blogs, articles, step by step instructions.. Big forum where beginners found answers, professionals this solves any problems. Daily updates. Photos, review & opinions. Accepting contact with new authors, digital artist. Projects are packed into categories. Search will help you find everything you need.

  • Latest embroidery designs

×
×
  • Create New...