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

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

Pro tip: For very loose weaves, use both WSS on top and cut-away underneath for maximum support.

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?

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.