We will walk you through five of the most common mistakes embroiderers make—and, more importantly, how to avoid them to achieve flawless results every time.

1. Not Using the Correct Embroidery Stabilizer

The Mistake:

One common mistake in machine embroidery is not using the right stabilizer for your fabric. I get it; many stabilizer options exist, and choosing which one can be confusing. But using the wrong type of stabilizer can cause puckering, uneven stitches, warped material, or broken threads.

How to Avoid It:

Always match the stabilizer to the fabric you are embroidering on. 

• Tear-away stabilizers are used for any woven fabric that doesn’t stretch.
  • Towels, leather, vinyl, etc.
• Wash-away stabilizer is used for sheer fabrics, like organza, that you wouldn’t want the stabilizer to shadow through since it dissolves entirely in water. 
  • Freestanding lace, 3D, cutwork designs, etc.
• Cut-away stabilizers are used for knitted or stretchy fabrics and any project that will be worn and washed regularly. They are the most stable and permanent stabilizers. 
  • Jersey material, sweat, stretch fleece, knit, etc.

Tip:

If unsure, try a test stitch-out on a scrap piece of fabric. It can save you tons of frustration by saving your embroidery fabric later on!

2. Not Testing Your Design Before Embroidering on the Final Product

The Mistake:

Stitching the design directly onto your final fabric is tempting. But this can lead to costly mistakes, especially when working on expensive or hard-to-replace items like garments or gifts.

How to Avoid It:

Before starting your main project, always test your design on a scrap piece of fabric similar to the one you’re using for your project. This will let you check for design issues like thread tension, alignment problems, or issues with your design. No one wants an unpleasant shock on their final project!

Tip:

Test stitch-outs don’t have to be perfect; they’re just for checking for potential problems without risking your actual project. If all goes well, you can also use this stitch-out for a future project, so you won’t waste any fabric, thread, or time. 

3. Using Low-Quality Embroidery Thread

The Mistake:

We’ve all been there—you find a cheap pack of embroidery thread, which seems like a great deal. But then the thread keeps breaking, the colors bleed in the wash, or your stitches don’t look as crisp as they should. Low-quality thread can ruin an otherwise perfect embroidery project.

How to Avoid It:

Invest in high-quality embroidery thread from trusted brands. We’re not saying you need to spend a lot of money.

However, buying a good product will save you time, frustration later and avoid wasting materials. Good thread is designed to handle high-speed stitching without constant breaks and tangles, keeping colors vibrant wash after wash!

Tip:

If you’re unsure which thread to use, test a few brands and see what works best with your machine. You can also ask your fellow embroiderers, like in our Machine Embroidery & Digitizing Made Easy Facebook group! 

4. Improper Hooping

The Error:

Let’s be honest: not many people enjoy hooping. However, if you hoop incorrectly, it can really affect your embroidery. This can lead to crooked or gapped designs, or even ruin your entire garment. 

How to Avoid It:

Smoothly stretch the fabric and evenly place it within the hoop – like a drum. It’s important not to over-tighten the hoop. Doing so can warp the fabric which may cause messed-up stitching or hoop burn on your fabric. The goal is to have the fabric just taut enough to keep it smooth without causing tension that could affect the stitch-out.

Tip:

A perfectly hooped garment saves so much stress later on. We’ve got you if you need help learning how to hoop correctly! You can watch our YouTube video about Hooping. John shows proper hooping techniques and gives his top tips to achieve amazing results! Remember to take your time!

5. Skipping Regular Embroidery Machine Maintenance

The Mistake:

I get cleaning your machine isn’t the most exciting part of embroidery. But trust me, not performing regular maintenance is a definite way to end up with a dusty machine, a clogged bobbin area, or dried-out parts. Avoiding this can lead to thread breaks, skipped stitches, and even bigger repairs later.

How to Avoid It:

Make it a habit to regularly give your machine some TLC—dust out the bobbin case, remove the lint buildup, and oil the moving parts as recommended in your machine’s manual. Also, don’t forget to change your needles and check your tension settings occasionally to keep your stitches looking great.

Tip:

A well-maintained machine doesn’t just last longer—it embroiders better! If you’re not sure where to start, check your manual or look up a quick cleaning tutorial for your specific machine model. If you purchased from a dealer, you can always return to the store to ask for helpful tips. Your embroidery projects (and your sanity) will thank you. 

Conclusion:

Embroidery is all about trial and error; we all make mistakes! Embroidery mistakes are a natural part of learning, but knowing what to look for and how to avoid these common pitfalls is important. Remember: take a breath, test things out, and don’t be afraid to make some minor adjustments. Happy stitching!

Let’s dive into clever and practical thread storage ideas that help you organize and save space and ensure your thread stays in its best possible condition. From avoiding sunlight to proper rotation, we’ll explore everything you need to know to keep your threads safe, clean, and ready for your next embroidery masterpiece!

Keeping Embroidery Thread in Perfect Condition: Tips You Need to Know

Did you know your embroidery thread, as strong as it seems, can actually be quite sensitive? Environmental factors like humidity, sunlight, dust, and even air quality can take a toll on its luster, strength, and durability. Proper storage isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about keeping your thread in peak condition.

Here’s a tip: adopt the ‘First In, First Out’ rule. It’s not just for restaurants! Use older spools before breaking into new ones. Thread sitting for over a year can become brittle, fray, or even break during use.

Watch out for humidity, which can lead to mold or mildew—toss any spools that show signs of either. Sunlight and heat can weaken fibers, while pollutants like smoke or smog can coat your thread and transfer dirt to your machine.

And for organic threads like cotton, silk, or linen? Give them some breathing room! Avoid vacuum-sealing or wrapping them too tightly to keep them fresh and ready for your next masterpiece.

Creative Thread Storage Solutions to Keep Your Embroidery Supplies Organized

Ready to keep your threads looking their best and performing like a dream? Let’s look at some smart and useful storage ideas. These will keep your thread safe and make stitching easy and fun. Say goodbye to tangled spools and hello to stress-free embroidery!

1. Before diving into storage, let’s talk about organization—because a bit of planning can save you a lot of time. It’s tempting to arrange your threads like a beautiful rainbow when you open that box of vibrant colors, but there’s a smarter way.
   Most thread brands assign unique color numbers to their threads, and organizing them by brand and number can make finding the perfect shade quick and effortless. Many companies also offer affordable color charts that let you see the true thread colors in person, making it easier to compare and match. Once your threads are numbered and sorted, you’ll always know exactly where to find what you need!
2. Keep your thread brands separate for a frustration-free experience! There’s nothing worse than loving a color, only to find out it’s not the right fiber or brand for your project. To stay organized, store small collections of spools in designated boxes or containers. This simple step will save you time and ensure you always grab the correct thread for the job!
3. Tired of dealing with pesky thread tail tangles? A few great ways exist to keep your threads neatly together:
   • Keep your spools neat and easy to use. Secure the thread tails under the spool’s tension band, usually at the bottom. A simple trick keeps everything tidy and ready for your next project!

1. • Ponytail holders are a fantastic way to keep your threads secure—plus, the cloth covering ensures they won’t snag. Just a heads-up, though: skip the rubber bands as they can stick to your thread and cause unnecessary hassle.

1. • Need another budget-friendly storage hack? Cut gift wrap tubes to fit your larger spools, then secure the tops and bottoms with tape or a rubber band.
     This solution is simple, but it has a downside. It can make it harder to see your thread colors quickly. Keep this in mind when you organize!

4. Thread racks come in many shapes and sizes. Let’s keep it simple and look at three top options. These will help you keep your threads organized and ready to use.

• • • Traditional thread racks are a popular and affordable choice, available at most craft stores and online. They’re convenient and can be wall-mounted, saving you valuable workspace. However, here’s the catch: they are usually made for smaller sewing machine spools.
      Your larger embroidery thread cones may not fit well. You might need a rack with longer stiles for a better fit. Otherwise, those smaller spokes could cause your cones to tip over—definitely a storage nightmare!

• • • Cabinet thread racks are perfect for the serious embroiderer looking for a top-tier organization. Though they cost more, they provide a stylish and effective way to store your thread. This keeps it dry, safe, and easy to reach when you need it. Worth the investment if you’re ready to elevate your embroidery game!

• • • Box storage is an excellent option if you have more space to spare. You can choose from special embroidery thread organizers or handy storage cases. There are many options online to keep your thread safe and dust-free. Many of these boxes come with label spots and can be locked together for easy stacking—making them perfect for travel or organizing your collection!
      • This is a great way to prevent sunlight, humidity, dust, and dirt from causing issues to your thread. 

How Much Machine Embroidery Thread Do You Really Need? Smart Thread Buying

Who doesn’t dream of having every shiny, beautiful spool of thread? But how much do you really need?

The key is to buy what you’ll use, not just what looks good. As you get more into embroidery, you’ll discover which brands and colors work best for your projects. Here are some smart shopping tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t waste your money: It’s tempting to grab every color, but over time, you’ll see which shades you actually use. If you don’t stitch with it, it’s money down the drain.
• Deals can be deceptive: Just because something’s a “deal” today doesn’t mean it’s a win for tomorrow. Buying entire sets may not always give you the best bang for your buck.
• Avoid the “discount” thread trap: Job lots and clearance threads may seem like a steal, but they could be years old and possibly poorly stored—not worth it!
• Try before you commit: Found a cool new thread? Buy one spool to test it out before diving into an entire investment. That way, if it doesn’t work as well as you hoped, you won’t end up with a ton of it.
• King cones vs. small cones: A big 5000-meter cone in black or white is a good choice. But be careful not to buy too many king cones. You will have a lot of stitching to do before they run out!
• Starter sets are your friend: Most embroidery machines come with a starter set—these are great for getting started with popular colors and a nice range of options. Start small, then grow your collection as you get more comfortable!

Make sure your thread collection works for you, not just for what looks pretty on a shelf.

Conclusion: Thread Storage Made Easy and Fun!

Embroidery is all about creativity, but managing your threads shouldn’t be a hassle. By using these storage tips and tricks, you’ll not only keep your threads in great condition but also make your embroidery journey smoother and more enjoyable. With proper organization, the right storage solutions, and smart buying habits, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips—without the chaos.

Remember, it’s not about how many spools you have; it’s about having the right ones when needed. Whether starting your thread collection or looking to level up your storage game, these tips will help you keep things neat, organized, and ready for your next embroidered masterpiece! Happy stitching!

This step-by-step guide will help you create beautiful lace embroidery by revealing the right materials, stabilizers, and tools for great results. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to try something new, this guide will help you master the art of lace embroidery!

Enthusiasts or VIP Embroidery Legacy Design Club members receive a special embroidery cheat sheet PDF. You can save the PDF on your computer or print it as a reference beside your machine.

Want a hands-on guide? Watch the video tutorial below while following along with the blog!

Materials

• Appropriate Sized Hoop for Your Design 
• Wet N Gone Stabilizer 
• Thread (Polyester Thread, Rayon Thread, or Metallic Thread) 
• T-Pins 
• Foam/ Sponge (For Metallic Thread) 
• Wedding Tag Embroidery Lace design
  • Save 90% on high-quality embroidery designs when you join our Embroidery Legacy Design Club!

Lace Embroidery Design Tutorial

Step 1: Hoop the Wet N Gone Stabilizer and ensure the hoop is as tight as possible.

T-pins secure the stabilizer around the hoop to avoid movement while the design is stitched.

Tip: If you have a commercial machine that is a multi-head machine or tubular, you should lessen the top tension and the bobbin tension. This will help ensure that your underlay connects as the design stitches out.

Expert Tip: Slowing down the machine speed for freestanding lace designs is also recommended. This will help ensure the design stitches properly and reduce the risk of the freestanding lace falling apart.

Step 2: Place the hoop in the machine and run the freestanding lace design.

Note: If you are running a metallic thread, it tends to loop while being removed from the spool, causing kinks in the thread. When these kinks pass through the eye of the needle, they will likely break.

When using a multi-needle machine or a commercial machine, you can avoid these breaks by spooling the metallic thread on its side and preventing the looping as the thread leaves the spool.

Expert Tip: On a home flat-bed machine, passing the thread through a piece of styrofoam before the thread enters the tensioners will help prevent the looping that causes kinks in the thread.

Step 3: Remove the hoop from the machine and the design from the hoop. Cut away all the excess stabilizers from around the design. 

Step 4: Using hot water, wash away the remainder of the stabilizer from the design. Ensure you wash all the stabilizer away to avoid having stiff or starchy lace. 

With the right tools, easy techniques, and a little practice, creating gorgeous lace embroidery is totally doable. Whether you’re upgrading garments, adding flair to home decor, or crafting freestanding lace, the results are always worth it. Now it’s your turn to dive in and bring those stunning designs to life—happy stitching!

Remember to check out all our other high-quality lace embroidery designs! Want to save up to 90% on designs? Join our amazing Embroidery Legacy Design Club for great savings. Members get free pocket page PDFs of various embroidery techniques!

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, sharing essential tips like choosing the right stabilizer, perfecting placement, and gauging your hoop. Whether you’re new to embroidery or looking for a fun project, this tutorial is perfect for beginners!

Want a hands-on guide? Watch the video tutorial below while following along with the blog!

Embroidering Baby Onesie Materials

• Baby onesie Hoop 
• Embroidery thread 
• Pins 
• Scissors 
• No-show mesh stabilizer 
• Soft fusible stabilizer (this is optional, as it just helps to prevent irritation to the child wearing the garment). 
• Painters tape 
• Embroidery design – we use our Racing Car design. Print a design template. 
  • Save 90% on high-quality embroidery designs when you join our Embroidery Legacy Design Club!  

Baby Onesie Embroidery Tutorial

Step 1: Cut your design template as squarely as possible. This will give you the most accurate guide when positioning your design.

Step 2: Find the center of the baby onesie. Fold the onesie in half lengthwise and firmly press down at the seam to create a guideline for lining up your design template. 

Step 3: Pin the design template in place.

Step 4: Pre-determine your hoop positioning. When using a flatbed machine, it is essential to pre-plan the hoop’s orientation to avoid any struggle when hooping the fabric. 

Tip:

• Pre-gauge your hoop.
• Fold the fabric in half and measure its thickness using your fingers.
• Loosen your hoop until the gap is roughly the same as the thickness of your folded fabric.

Step 5: Secure the stabilizer to the bottom of the hoop using painter’s tape. 

Step 6: Line up the hoop center with the center of the design template and secure the hoop in place. 

Step 7: Turn the onesie into a bowl to be easily hooped in the machine. Use masking tape to hold the fabric out of the center of the embroidery surface.

Step 8: Line the needle up with the center of the design template. Once you have lined it up, you can remove the design template and begin embroidering. 

Step 9: Embroider your design onto the onesie. 

Step 10: Remove the hoop from the machine and trim the long threads from the back of the design. Remove the onesie from the embroidery hoop and carefully trim the excess stabilizer from the back.

Step 11 (optional): If you want to use a fusible stabilizer, cut a piece to cover the back side of the design.

Use an iron on high heat to fuse the stabilizer to the onesie. To avoid burning the fabric, use parchment paper over the onesie. 

Note: The fusible stabilizer has a front and backside. The rough side faces down onto the fabric when fusing it onto the onesie. 

Now that you know the basics of embroidering baby onesies, you can add a personal and adorable touch to any little one’s wardrobe! By following the steps discussed above, you can create keepsakes as unique as they are precious. Start stitching and bring your creative ideas to life—happy embroidering!

Have you ever wanted to create your own custom embroidery patches?

In this blog, we will show you how to make high-quality patches using a single-needle machine. This is perfect for beginners! We will discuss the materials needed to make the patch process easier and essential tips and techniques! We’ll guide you step-by-step to help you design and stitch patches like a pro.

Want a hands-on guide? Watch the video tutorial below while following along with the blog!

Embroidery Patch Materials:

• 5×7 hoop
• Embroidery patches (there are many different types of patches)! Our DIY “Patches Made Easy” designs include machine files and SVG files. Switch the color of fabric and thread for a completely customized look!
• Embroidery designs that are small enough for patches
  • Looking for an amazing deal? Our Patch Master Pro Bundle includes circle and square patch design with an additional 75 designs that fit precisely for patches.

File 1: 

• Patch-Backed Twill
• Tear-away Stabilizer

File 2: 

• Prep Patch Stabilizer
• Painters Tape
• Chop Stick (or something similar)
• Spray Adhesive
• Fabric Scissors
• Double Curve Scissors
• Embroidery Thread

Embroidery Patches Tutorial

File 1

Note: Our DIY patch designs come with an SVG file. You can skip this part of the design if you have a cutter.



Step 1: Cut the tear-away stabilizer to fit within the 5×7 embroidery hoop and hoop the stabilizer.



Step 2: Secure the patch-backed twill over the stitching surface with tape.



Step 3: Stitch the tack-down stitch for the patch template.



Step 4: Remove the hoop from the machine and then remove the patch template. Carefully cut the running stitch away, revealing the patch template.

File 2



Step 1: Cut a piece of your prep-patch stabilizer to fit within the embroidery hoop. Place the dimpled side of the stabilizer in the hoop facing down to prevent movement when you run the patch design.



Tip: Use t-pins to minimize further movement within the hoop.



Step 2: Place the hoop into your machine and stitch out the placement line onto the prep-patch stabilizer.



Step 3: Use spray adhesive on the back of the twill fabric patch, ensure the twill side faces up. Place it inside the placement guide line.



Step 4: Run the tack-down stitch around the patch template. This will hold the twill patch in place. 

Note: Use a bamboo stick to help guide the patch-backed poly twill as the tack-down stitch embroiders.



Step 5: Embroider your patch design.



Step 6: Once the design has finished stitching, remove the hoop and trim any long threads away from the back of the patch. 



Step 7: Carefully press down the patch’s corner, easily removing it from the stabilizer. 



Look at that amazing patch quality! 

Now that you know how to create custom embroidered patches, the possibilities are endless! With the right materials and techniques, you can create patches for jackets, bags, or any project that needs a personal touch. So grab your single-needle machine and start stitching your way to one-of-a-kind creations. Happy patch-making! 

Remember to check out all our recommended patch products and designs for different patch styles. Want to save on DIY patches and designs? Join our Embroidery Legacy Design Club for great savings. Members also get free pocket page PDFs of various embroidery techniques!

The post 10 Easy Tips for Making Embroidery Patches as a Beginner first appeared on Embroidery Legacy.]]> https://embroiderylegacy.com/creating-embroidery-patches-beginner/feed/ 0 https://embroiderylegacy.com/how-to-embroider-tote-bag/ https://embroiderylegacy.com/how-to-embroider-tote-bag/#respond Mon, 11 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 https://embroiderylegacy.com/?p=318709 Ready to transform your everyday tote from blah to breathtaking? Add some embroidery to turn your plain tote bag into something special! This easy-to-follow ... Read more
The post Step-by-Step Guide on Embroidering a Stunning Canvas Tote Bag first appeared on Embroidery Legacy.]]> Ready to transform your everyday tote from blah to breathtaking? Add some embroidery to turn your plain tote bag into something special!



This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through how to embroider a tote bag on a single-needle machine. From choosing the right stabilizer to hooping your bag, you’ll get perfect results every time! No matter your embroidery experience, you’ll be flaunting your custom tote in no time!

Enthusiasts or VIP Embroidery Legacy Design Club members receive a special embroidery cheat sheet PDF. You can save the PDF on your computer or print it as a reference beside your machine. Login to your digitizingmadeeasy.com account and check your “Classroom” tab!

Want a hands-on guide? Watch the video tutorial below while following along with the blog to make this embroidery project even easier!

Embroidery Tote Bag Materials:

• Tote bag
• Embroidery hoop
• Pins
• Threads
• Scissors
• Tearaway stabilizer
• Design template print-off
• Embroidery design – we used our fitting “Forget this bag” embroidery design
  • Looking for endless embroidery inspiration? Join our Embroidery Legacy Design Club and gain access to over 30,000 high-quality machine embroidery designs at up to 90% off! Fuel your creativity and start stitching.

Tote Bag Embroidery Tutorial



Step 1: Print out and cut your design template. Use the template to ensure your design fits within your hoop and achieves perfect placement on your tote bag. 



Please note: If you want to embroider in the center of your bag, fold your tote bag in half from top to bottom as well as left and right (we find this easiest to measure). A crease will show marking the center of the tote (these wrinkles can be ironed out later). 



Step 2: Place your design template in the middle of your bag using the crisscross of your folded lines. 



Step 3: Pin your design template in place. Hold up your bag to ensure the template is in the right place. Adjust the placement if needed.



Step 4: Hoop your stabilizer and tote. If you’re using a single-needle embroidery machine, position your top hoop so that the part you attach to your machine faces toward the open part of the bag.

Watch the video above to learn how to gauge and preset your hoop for the best results.



Tip: Tape the stabilizer to your bottom hoop to prevent the stabilizer from moving when you try to hoop. Insert your bottom hoop through the opening of your bag.



Step 5: Because we’re using a flat-head machine, turn your tote almost inside out (very carefully) and create a bowl-like shape to create a flat surface. Remove the small piece of tape from your hoop. 



Step 6: Load your embroidery design onto your machine and place your hoop in it. Remove the straps and extra edges away from the center to prevent the possibility of being embroidered (extra tape or clips work well to hold extra fabric as long as they aren’t around the needle).

Center your needle in the center of your design template.



Step 7: Remove your pins and template from your bag and stitch out your embroidery design. 



Step 8: After stitching your design is completed, carefully remove the hoop from your machine and your tote bag.



Step 9: Remove the stabilizer by tearing it away. You can trim the excess threads if you like. 



Step 10: After your turn your tote back inside out, you can see your design is centered on the bag. You’re ready to use your newly embroidered tote bag! 

You’ve now transformed your ordinary canvas tote bag into a personalized tote masterpiece. Whether you’re using it for everyday errands, a trip to the beach, or a special occasion, your embroidered personalized tote bag will turn heads and spark conversations. So grab your supplies and let your creativity shine – your tote bag is your canvas!

Remember to check out all our other high-quality embroidery designs! Want to save up to 90% on designs?  Join our exclusive Embroidery Legacy Design Club for great savings and free pocket page PDFs of different embroidery techniques exclusive to our members!

The post Step-by-Step Guide on Embroidering a Stunning Canvas Tote Bag first appeared on Embroidery Legacy.]]> https://embroiderylegacy.com/how-to-embroider-tote-bag/feed/ 0 https://embroiderylegacy.com/free-breast-cancer-embroidery-design/ https://embroiderylegacy.com/free-breast-cancer-embroidery-design/#comments Mon, 11 Aug 2025 21:54:00 +0000 https://www.digitizingmadeeasy.com//?p=123865 People often link October to fall, pumpkins, and Halloween. But did you know it is also breast cancer awareness month? Breast cancer awareness month ... Read more
The post Free Breast Cancer Awareness Embroidery Designs first appeared on Embroidery Legacy.]]> People often link October to fall, pumpkins, and Halloween. But did you know it is also breast cancer awareness month?

Breast cancer awareness month

According to the American Cancer Society (2024), 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the most common type of cancer among American women.

Breast Cancer Awareness is a cause that’s very close to my heart and my family’s. We’ve been personally affected by it for many years. My grandmother, Irene Thaler, co-founded our embroidery business with my grandfather 67 years ago. Nineteen years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, making this cause even more meaningful to us.



Awareness made all the difference for her. By catching it early, she was able to undergo treatment, and over the last 17 years of her life, she watched her great-grandchildren grow up—even meeting her great-great-grandchildren! (How amazing is that?) We feel so blessed to
have had her in our lives for so long, all because she took preventative measures and stayed on top of her regular checkups. Taking precautions truly matters.

Free Breast Cancer Machine Embroidery Design

Breast cancer awareness is a cause we deeply care about. To help spread the word, we’re offering a breast cancer ribbon embroidery design free for you to download and use.

Download Your Free Breast Cancer Awareness Design Here



Design size: 3.58 inches x 4.07 inches – Change the colors to bring awareness to different kinds of cancer.

Formatted for all popular machine brands including art, dst, exp, hus, jef, pes, shv, vip, vp3 and xxx.

If you’d like to see all of our other awareness embroidery designs available for download, you can search them by clicking here.

You can use this free breast cancer embroidery design to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re raising funds for breast cancer awareness, creating something special for a loved one fighting the disease, or simply spreading awareness, this embroidery pattern offers a small but powerful way to show your support.

To all of you who are currently facing this battle or supporting someone who is, our hearts go out to you. We know it’s not an easy journey, and we’re sending our thoughts and prayers your way.

Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Let’s continue to spread hope and awareness together.

P.S. Please share this page with your embroidery friends so they too can download the free design and help raise breast cancer awareness.

P.S.S. Want more free embroidery designs? Check out our Free Embroidery Designs page to sew the quality of our designs.

The post Free Breast Cancer Awareness Embroidery Designs first appeared on Embroidery Legacy.]]> https://embroiderylegacy.com/free-breast-cancer-embroidery-design/feed/ 18 https://embroiderylegacy.com/how-to-embroider-hoodies/ https://embroiderylegacy.com/how-to-embroider-hoodies/#respond Mon, 11 Aug 2025 21:50:00 +0000 https://embroiderylegacy.com/?p=318438 Want to learn how to embroider a hoodie to achieve professional results? We’ve got you covered! Whether adding a fun design or personalizing a ... Read more
The post Master Hoodie Embroidery Like a Pro with This Ultimate Guide first appeared on Embroidery Legacy.]]> Want to learn how to embroider a hoodie to achieve professional results? We’ve got you covered!

Whether adding a fun design or personalizing a gift, this step-by-step guide will show you how to get excellent results every time. Let’s get stitching!



Enthusiasts or VIP Embroidery Legacy Design Club members receive a special embroidery cheat sheet PDF. You can save the PDF on your computer or print it as a reference beside your machine.

Login to your digitizingmadeeasy.com account and check your “Classroom” tab!)

Want a hands-on guide? Watch the video tutorial below while following along with the blog!

Materials:

• Hoodie sweater
• Embroidery hoop
• Thread
• Scissors
• Cutaway Stabilizer
• Design template print-off
• Embroidery design – we used our Traditional Snake Tatt design for this sweater

Save 90% on high-quality embroidery designs when you join our Embroidery Legacy Design Club!

Hoodie Embroidery Tutorial:



Step 1: Print out and cut your design template. Use the template to ensure your design fits within your hoop and achieves perfect placement on your hoodie. 

Please note: Proper placement depends on the size of your hoodie and whether you’re placing it in the center or left chest.  



Step 2: Pin your design template in place. Hold up your hoodie to ensure the template is in the right place. Adjust the placement if needed.



Step 3: Hoop your stabilizer and hoodie. (Watch the video above to learn how to gauge and preset your hoop for the best results.)



Tip: Tape the stabilizer to your bottom hoop to prevent the stabilizer from moving when you try to hoop. Put your bottom hoop through the bottom waist of the sweatshirt.



Step 4: Remove the tape from your hoop and stabilizer after your sweater is hooped. 



Step 5: Because we’re using a flat-head machine, turn your sweater almost inside out and create a bowl-like shape to create a flat surface.



Step 6: Load your embroidery design into your machine and place your hoop in it. Center your needle in the center of your design template.

Keep your sweater material away from the needle to avoid stitching on unwanted parts of the sweater. Clips can hold loose fabric securely.



Step 7: Remove your pins and template from your hoodie and stitch out your embroidery design. 



Step 8: After stitching your design, carefully remove your hoop from your machine. 



Step 9: Remove the hoop from your hoodie.



Step 10: Flip your hoodie inside and remove the stabilizer using scissors.



Step 11: You’re ready to wear your newly embroidered hoodie!  



And that’s it! With these simple steps, you can embroider your hoodie with beautiful, professional results. Whether making a gift or creating something just for yourself, the process gets easier each time. Now, grab your hoodie and start stitching!

Don’t forget to check out all our other high-quality embroidery designs! Want to save up to 90% on designs?  Join our exclusive Embroidery Legacy Design Club for great savings and free pocket page PDFs of different embroidery techniques exclusive to our members!

 

The post Master Hoodie Embroidery Like a Pro with This Ultimate Guide first appeared on Embroidery Legacy.]]> https://embroiderylegacy.com/how-to-embroider-hoodies/feed/ 0 https://embroiderylegacy.com/how-to-embroider-large-embroidery-designs/ https://embroiderylegacy.com/how-to-embroider-large-embroidery-designs/#respond Mon, 11 Aug 2025 21:25:00 +0000 https://www.digitizingmadeeasy.com/?p=299175 You walk into a room, and all heads turn to admire the stunning, intricate design embroidered on the back of your jacket. Vibrant colors, ... Read more
The post Large Embroidery Designs: Insider Tips, Tricks, and Tutorial first appeared on Embroidery Legacy.]]> You walk into a room, and all heads turn to admire the stunning, intricate design embroidered on the back of your jacket. Vibrant colors, precise stitching, and an artistic design make it a masterpiece!

Creating large, attention-grabbing embroidery may seem difficult, but we’ve got the tools to get you great results!



Join us as we discuss the secrets to mastering jacket-back embroidery and answer your common questions. Let’s turn your larger creative visions into wearable works of art!

Large Embroidery Designs

Large designs are created to make full-scale artwork that are soft and have a flexible stitch. This approach means that the stitch types and fills may differ.

In a small-scale design, you might use a tatami fill stitch with a .30 mm spacing, but with the larger fills, you use layers of color to “paint” with a stitch spacing much larger, say, 1.0 mm. Using more space between colors creates smooth blending and color areas without too much density. The lighter density creates a soft, wearable embroidery.

Here is an example of what an area of color blending looks like.



As you can see, it looks light, but when used in an overall design, it looks perfect!



Where Can I Find The Best Large Embroidery Designs?

You want large embroidery designs with incredible detail digitized into them, but they are not bulletproof when stitched.

Our premium designs are works of embroidery art in various larger sizes. They’re perfect for creating jacket backs, wall hangings, pillows, or large accents for projects that demand attention.

Explore our quality designs for smooth-running designs that beautifully showcase embroidery.

• 

  EL Sloth 3 – 5 sizes

  Animals, Embroidery Designs, Flower, Flower & Plants, Jungle Animal, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  EL Sloth 2 – 5 sizes

  Animals, Embroidery Designs, Flower, Flower & Plants, Jungle Animal, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Peony 1 – 5 sizes

  All Flower & Plants, Embroidery Designs, Flower, Flower & Plants, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Peony 3 – 5 sizes

  All Flower & Plants, Embroidery Designs, Flower, Flower & Plants, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Orchid 1 – 5 sizes

  All Flower & Plants, Embroidery Designs, Flower, Flower & Plants, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design – EL Dragonfly 2 – 5 sizes

  All Animals, All Flower & Plants, Animals, Embroidery Designs, Flower, Flower & Plants, Insect, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs, Scenic

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design – EL Dragonfly 1 – 5 sizes

  All Animals, All Flower & Plants, Animals, Embroidery Designs, Flower, Flower & Plants, Insect, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs, Scenic

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Pretty Pigs 2 – 5 sizes

  All Animals, All Flower & Plants, Animals, Embroidery Designs, Farm, Flower, Flower & Plants, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Pretty Pigs – 5 sizes

  All Animals, All Flower & Plants, Animals, Embroidery Designs, Farm, Flower, Flower & Plants, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs, Realistic

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Baby Owl 4 – 5 sizes

  All Animals, All Flower & Plants, Animals, Birds, Embroidery Designs, Flower, Flower & Plants, Forest, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Baby Owl 3 – 5 sizes

  All Animals, All Flower & Plants, Animals, Birds, Embroidery Designs, Flower, Flower & Plants, Forest, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Spring Dragon – 5 sizes

  Embroidery Designs, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design – EL Spring Dragon 3 – 3 sizes

  Embroidery Designs, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design – EL Spring Dragon 2 – 3 sizes

  Embroidery Designs, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: Spring Dragon 1 – 5 sizes

  Embroidery Designs, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Giraffe 4 -3 sizes

  Embroidery Designs, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Giraffe 3 – 5 sizes

  Embroidery Designs, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Giraffe 2 – 3 sizes

  Embroidery Designs, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Giraffe 1 – 5 sizes

  Embroidery Designs, Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $9.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: Sunflower Butterfly 4 – 5 sizes

  Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $8.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: Sunflower Butterfly 3 – 3 sizes

  Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $8.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: Sunflower Butterfly 2 – 3 sizes

  Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $8.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Sunflower Butterfly 1 – 5 sizes

  Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $8.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Sugar Skull 4 – 5 sizes

  Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $8.95
• 

  Premium Embroidery Design: EL Sugar Skull 3 – 3 sizes

  Premium Embroidery Legacy Designs

  $8.95

Want to save on your embroidery designs? Learn more about joining our Embroidery Legacy Design Club!

Want to create your own jacket back embroidery designs? Creating your own embroidery designs has never been easier with the Design Doodler!

Download a free trial of the Doodler and create designs as large or intricate as you like. Turn your artwork into stitches!

Beginner Tips For Embroidering Large Designs

We all know stitching out the design is fun, but you must plan properly to save time and materials. Your “action plan” needs several parts before you push that start button.
• Use the correct size design. We offer our premium designs in several sizes for this reason. Choose the design you want based on the size and placement of the garment you will stitch. We do not recommend resizing more than 10%, as these designs stitch beautifully at their given size.
• Print out your design template. Ensure the design and placement are perfect before you start. Printing a copy will allow you to cut it out and place it on the garment to determine if any changes are necessary.



• Select your thread and see it together. Each of our PDFs includes thread selections. We only recommend these colors; you can substitute colors to your taste. Lining up your colors together gives you a good visual of how your design will appear.



• Manage and plan your color changes. Many larger designs can have 15-20 (or more) colors, we suggest planning how you’ll switch out colors.
• Use 75/11 sharp-point needles. You do not need a special needle for your stitching—ensure they are in good condition.
• Use polyester 40-wt thread for your designs. This thread is strong and shiny and will not fray when layering colors. You can use rayon thread, which is less strong and can fray or break.
• Slow down your machine. Machine speed is a significant factor in any design but especially for large ones. Slowing it down may take longer, but you get a better result!
• Jump stitches can be frustrating, but sometimes, they are necessary to keep things moving and do not affect the outcome. You can always use a pair of snips to remove the jump stitches.



Jacket Back Garments For Large Embroidery Designs

Let’s discuss several types of large-scale embroidery on three types of jackets. Each has unique features to consider.

1. Denim/Duckcloth: A heavier jacket with or without lining are very popular, but they need a bit more consideration on placement due:
• Seams: Create “road hazards” in stitching. When placing a design, do not place dense details over seams.
• Rivets and embellishments: Beware of these items that can damage your machine.
• Linings: as they can be pretty heavy.



2. Leather: You only get one chance to stitch! Leather requires the most planning because you won’t be able to remove stitches as you would with fabric.

Our large designs work well with leather because they are less dense, which helps prevent piercing the leather too much. With some embroidery software, you can add fabric assist features and opt for leather to adjust for leather’s special needs.

Leather can easily damage, so floating, pinning, or using a tack-down stitch is not possible. If you cannot hoop, consider making a fabric window to surround your leather fabric under the hoop, as shown below.



3. Lightweight or golf jackets: These are super easy to embroider and often a good starting point for new users. Pick up some from a thrift store and experiment!

A note about jacket linings! You may decide to open the lining and embroider on the jacket’s back. This technique requires sewing skills. If possible, open the center back seam.

What Stabilizer Do I Use For Jacket Back Embroidery?

A stabilizer is one of the most important parts of your stitch out. For jacket back embroidery, we suggest using a cutaway stabilizer. It has a fabric-like texture and won’t bunch up like tearaway stabilizers.

We suggest using a cutaway stabilizer for best results.

Cutaway stabilizer fibers shift slightly to accommodate stitches, and there is less distortion. No-show mesh can be a bit too light, and you risk your overall design shrinking and having registration problems.

Embroidery Design Placement on Jacket Back

Here is a rule of thumb for placement:
• Men’s jackets: 10″ below top of jacket
• Women’s jackets: 9-10″ below top of jacket
• Kids jackets: 5-7″ below top of jacket



Hooping Your Jacket Back Embroidery Designs

We suggest hooping rather than floating a large design to ensure your garment is secure and prevents distortion. Big designs take longer to stitch, sometimes hours. If they float, the constant movement can cause registration problems.

We’ll use the collar as a landmark for measuring, and you can mark the center with a tailor’s chalk, wash-away marker, or pins.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Print your design; the red lines are your placement marks.



Step 2: Lay out your jacket on a flat surface. Using a ruler, mark the center of the back collar.



Step 3: Mark the vertical and horizontal lines for your placement guide. Since we’re embroidering a men’s jacket, we’ll center our design 10 inches from the collar.

Step 4: Center the design using the lines you marked. We’re doing this so we can see how the placement looks. The vertical mark is the most important, and you can adjust the design up or down to suit your taste.



Step 5: Once your center point is set, we’ll put our stabilizer.

Step 6: Using pins mark your horizontals and verticals.



Step 7: Turn your jacket inside out (you should see your pins on the inside).

Step 8: Place your stabilizer on the inside of your jacket. If desired, mark horizontals and verticals on the stabilizer with your marking tool.

Step 9: Line up your stabilizer and use temporary embroidery spray to secure the inside.



Step 10: Until you have your garment hooped, you can pin the corners.

Step 11: Turn your garment right side out and hoop using a flat surface or a hooping station.



Step 12: Embroider on your machine!



Jacket Back Embroidery Summary

For the best results in jacket back embroidery- here are several tips to keep in mind:
• Understand your garment
• Choose the correct design size
• Plan out your stitching and colors before pushing the start button
• Stitch slower (it takes longer, but you get a great result)
• Only use proven designs that are created for large scale and will stitch out with a soft and supple result
Completing large-scale embroidery designs takes planning, patience, and time, but they are worth it! We offer many choices, including our astonishing Premium Liberty Bell panel embroidery project with over 2,261,331 Stitches!

From 100 to 2.2 million stitches, you will always find beautifully stitched large embroidery designs from Embroidery Legacy! Try out this tutorial with one of our designs, and feel free to ask any questions you may have below!

The post Large Embroidery Designs: Insider Tips, Tricks, and Tutorial first appeared on Embroidery Legacy.]]> https://embroiderylegacy.com/how-to-embroider-large-embroidery-designs/feed/ 0 https://embroiderylegacy.com/auto-embroidery-digitizing-software/ https://embroiderylegacy.com/auto-embroidery-digitizing-software/#comments Mon, 11 Aug 2025 21:20:00 +0000 https://www.digitizingmadeeasy.com//?p=129791 Many embroiderers struggle with stiff “bulletproof embroidery” when using auto-digitizing software. You click auto-digitize and expect the design to come out close to perfect, ... Read more
The post Auto Digitizing Embroidery Software: How to Get Best Results first appeared on Embroidery Legacy.]]> Many embroiderers struggle with stiff “bulletproof embroidery” when using auto-digitizing software. You click auto-digitize and expect the design to come out close to perfect, but that is rarely the case.

This is not because the software itself is flawed, but sometimes it needs the help of an expert – you. For those looking to expand their skills and knowledge of digitizing and take your embroidery to the next level, this article is for you. 



We’ll explain auto digitizing vs. manual digitizing, when it is appropriate to use them, and what you can do to improve your use of both. First, let’s cover the basics.

What Is Auto Digitizing with Embroidery Software?



Embroidery auto digitizing software uses computing to capture graphics/design images and translate them into machine embroidery design files. The software will decide on the appropriate layers, stitch counts, colors, and more, based on the algorithms it uses to digitize a logo or graphic.

Auto digitizing is used to save time and effort, but in doing so, it can cause structural problems with your designs. This is especially true when auto digitizing more complex designs (we’ll get to this shortly).

What Is Manual Digitizing with Embroidery Software?



Manual digitizing is when the embroiderer uses embroidery software to manually translate an image or design into embroidery. The embroiderer gets to choose how the design will stitch out, in what order the layers will come together, stitch angles, and which colors to use.

Learn more with our full article on What is Embroidery Digitizing?

Embroidery auto digitizing software can be great if used correctly and perhaps on simpler graphics, supplemented by manual digitizing skills. Manual digitizing skills always go a long way to help you get the quality results you want.

Does Auto Digitizing Embroidery Software Work?

Yes and no. It depends on the complexity of the logo and graphic used and the operator’s skill. In the hands of a novice who doesn’t know better, embroidery auto digitizing software will seem to work wonders, but in the eyes of an experienced digitizer, the problems with some auto digitizing work couldn’t be more obvious.

Auto digitizing software does what it’s meant to do, but sometimes it doesn’t do things in a logical order or in a way that will translate well to embroidery. The software takes what it sees in the order it was presented, and digitizes it. It’s not capable of distinguishing the best angles or fills for a cleaner design. That’s your job.





Unfortunately, auto-digitizing isn’t exactly AI powered yet. Notice all the jump stitches and trims in the auto digitized designs above. That leads to thick “bullet-proof” embroidery, thread breaks, and more time/frustration running the design on your machine.

Check out our YouTube video below as CEO of Embroidery Legacy John Deer goes further into detail comparing auto digitizing to manual digitizing. Watch as John corrects an auto digitized design:

What if I use High-Quality Images with my Auto Digitizing Embroidery Software?

Good images will usually yield better results when hitting “auto-digitize,” but that’s not always the case. Even if you use a vector file format – a file that contains proper nodes, formatting, and resolution – it’s not always optimized for machine embroidery. 

When an artist creates a design in CorelDraw or Adobe Photoshop, they don’t consider that the design needs to be embroidered in a specific order or sequence that only a machine embroiderer would understand.

Remember, embroidery is a physical medium whereas print is flat and doesn’t need to take into account layering.

The embroidery software will auto-digitize the design based on the layers the artist created in their graphic software, which might cause excessive stitch counts, incorrect push and pull compensation, too many jumps and trims, and image distortion.

Manual digitizing is a great skill to have when working with images you’d like to turn into stitches. It allows you to adjust, improve, and correct your designs. You’ll ultimately create a better piece, with less time spent fixing mistakes.

Watch our YouTube video below to learn more about using vector graphics to automatically digitize a design.

Should I Learn How To Digitize Embroidery Designs?

The answer is yes. You don’t need to become the best digitizer in the world. You just need enough skills to make your job easier and your work better. You’ll find plenty of ways to use manual digitizing skills to save you time and hassle. 

If hitting “auto-digitize” isn’t getting you the result you want, and most of the time it won’t without tweaking, there’s a good chance that digitizing it yourself or at least knowing how to fix the auto-digitized design with manual digitizing knowledge will help you achieve the results you want. 

However, correcting auto-digitized work can take hours. Complex designs that are auto-digitized will require lots of editing to get a good result with your machine. You’ll have to adjust the image node by node, stitch by stitch, to not make it production friendly. The alternative is to digitize it yourself, using your image as a template. Believe it or not, in most cases, this is a much faster way to generate quality results. 

Watch our YouTube video below as John compares semi-automated and auto-digitizing tools to compare the results. Regardless of what tool you choose, to ensure quality results it will require editing the embroidery design file.

Which Graphics Software Should I Learn?

None! You should learn to use embroidery digitizing software When importing images or graphics into your digitizing software, you’ll be adjusting nodes and creating your own graphics within the software anyway for machine embroidery.

There’s no need to learn graphics software to then import the image into a digitizing software and adjust it or re-digitize it all over again. It’ll save you stress from learning good digitizing software and creating your designs at the source, where any other graphic or file would ultimately end up.

Take Your Embroidery Skills To The Next Level

We want you to become a great embroiderer, and to do that, you need to focus on developing the right skills. Having manual digitizing embroidery software knowledge is a must. We wanted to address embroidery auto-digitizing software to bring to attention that it’s a far cry from a be-all-end-all solution. If you’re going to become a skilled professional, learning to digitize is the way to go.

Check out our Free Embroidery Digitizing 101 Cheat Sheet & Video Course. It’ll teach you the essential theory that EVERY embroiderer should know to help you get the best embroidered results possible (whether you want to create your own designs or not).

The Digitizers Dream Course



We are offering a course to supplement our excellent free resources. Imagine being able to digitize your own designs in minutes and with confidence. You can take graphics or designs, and instead of settling for “auto-digitize,” you can do it yourself.

The Digitizers Dream Course is designed to hold your hand every step of the way and get you past the learning curve quickly. There’s here’s nothing else quite like it in the industry and it’s taught in the major reputable digitizing brands. Having taught tens of thousands of embroiderers how to digitze, we even have a money-back guarantee!



Conclusion: Auto Digitizing Embroidery Software Works… If You Work It

Although auto-digitizing may seem like a clean solution to getting your designs digitized quick, most of the time, it isn’t. Any software brand does the best it can to digitize the designs automatically, but they all require some human assistance, and in most cases, manual digitization. 

That’s why we wanted to shed light on the situation. Even with high-quality vector files, auto-digitizing might not generate the best results. Having the skills to digitize designs and images manually, to at least edit & optimize the design you auto-digitize, is a must. 

Remember, there is no need to learn to use a graphics software if you’ll be bringing images into a digitizing software anyways. You’d basically be creating the same design twice and wasting your valuable time.

If you decide to add digitizing to your arsenal of machine embroidery skills, we think you’ve made the right choice. It will push you to become a better embroiderer. Get started today with our Free Embroidery Digitizing 101 Cheat Sheet & Video Course. It’ll equip you with the essential with the knowledge and theory to start creating your own beautiful machine embroidery designs.
The post Auto Digitizing Embroidery Software: How to Get Best Results first appeared on Embroidery Legacy.]]> https://embroiderylegacy.com/auto-embroidery-digitizing-software/feed/ 1