Essential Embroidery Supplies

Author: George Royal

Before taking up embroidery as an occupation or a hobby, you need to know the different types of important embroidery supplies and accessories that are available. Also keep in mind that each type can be further divided into specific subtypes based on function and utility. Choose the right tools depending on your need, and type of work.

The Hoop:

An embroidery hoop is a circular tool usually made of wooden material that is used to hold the fabric steady, providing support and stability to the fabric being embroidered. Most hoops have brass screws that can be tightened or loosened if necessary, and come in various shapes and sizes. Popular types include -

1. Tubular Embroidery Hoops: The arms of the hoops are on the outside of the garment and connect to an inner hoop ring. The larger outer ring, on the other hand, is on the inside of the garment. Normally used without the table top. These are the most popular embroidery hoops on the market.

2. Magnetic Embroidery Hoops: These hoops require magnetic assembly. They can be used with or without the tabletop and are typically designed for lightweight and thin garments and fabrics.

3. Jacketback Embroidery Hoops: large wooden hoops that have strong holding power wood because of the wooden. To be used with the tabletop and Jacketback holder.

4. Q-Mag Embroidery Hoops: These hoops use a combination mechanical or magnetic attach plate at two places, suitable for larger fabrics because of its stability.

Bobbin Thread:

A Bobbin is the spool that holds the thread. The top thread and the bobbin thread form the stitch. Pre-wound Bobbin threads are widely available and come in different types and materials.

1. Continuous-Filament Polyester: Strong, thin, consistent, and does not leave behind any lint so it is the most popular type.

2. Cotton: It allows for a wide range of tension adjustments because of its texture.

3. Spun Polyester: Gaining popularity because of texture similarity with cotton.

4. Nylon: It is the strongest type but may be tough to adjust tension.

Embroidery Needles:

The type of needle used depends on the type of the embroidery, thread and fabric. Therefore the correct size and type of needle is important when browsing embroidering supplies for your work. These are the basic types of embroidery needles:

1. Tapestry: Has a blunt tip with large eyes. Ideal for threading multiple plies of thread.

2. Milliners: Has small eyes, and typically used for surface embroidery techniques.

3. Sharps: Sharp pointed and small eyed standard needles.

4. Chenille: Has same characteristics with Tapestry needles except for the sharp point.

5. Beading: Long and thin needles generally meant for beadworks.

6. Twin-Pointed: Has a point at each end and a single eye in the middle to be used with a stitching frame.

7. Easy-threading: has a split eye at the top, for easy threading as the name suggests.

8. Trolley: Attached to a ring it slips on the finger, and can be used as a laying tool.

Backings and Stabilizers:

Backings are important in any type of embroidery because by the amount of stability and support they provide often dictates the quality of the finished product. Here are some common types:

1. Water soluble topping: Put over stitches-observing fabric types, which prevents stitches from sinking into the fabric.

2. Water soluble backing: Generally used for used for embroidering freestanding lace designs on it, or making cutwork.

3. Cutaway Backing - This type enables cutting the excess fabric with a pair of scissors.

4. Tearaway Backing - This type enables the excess to be torn away after fabric is embroidered.

About the author: Embroidery HQ offers articles, tips and tricks about embroidery.