Day 5 of my series, All About Machine Embroidery, is going to focus on what to embroider.
For the past four days, I’ve covered some basics of machine embroidery like machine formats, software, and hoops.
Before we go any further, I think the biggest question to ask yourself regarding machine embroidery is this: What am I going to embroider?
Are you wanting to embellish children’s items? Possibly for gifts or a small cottage business.

Do you want to enhance the clothes in your wardrobe? {I’ve done this to cover bleach stains and tears in garments.}
Do you think everything needs a monogram? {If you live below I-20 then the answer is, “Yes!”}
Maybe you’re not into to birds and butterflies, but prefer a biker chic look? Well, there’s a design for that.
Or, how about something unusual. You don’t see this everyday; it’s crazy, but I really like it. The perfect design for the science teacher in your life.
Thinking about purchasing an Embroidery Machine? Check out my Embroidery Machine Reviews.
I want more info on my design files… It takes me forever and a day to find certain designs. also after I purchase designs… they are downloaded but still need to put them in a file.
Have you heard of the Thumbnailer by Imbrilliance. It helps categorize designs.
Thank you for your personal response to my inquiry. I feel blessed….Thank you I will give it a try… Will let you know…
I caught the reference to I-20, which makes me wonder if you are in Texas? I used to live in the DFW area, but am in N TX now. I’m curious why those below I-20 NEED to Monogram everything. LOVE the skull!
Yes, I’m in Texas. The I-20 reference is to Southern women who add monograms to everything.
I’m new to embroidery, so I had no idea that we monogrammed everything. Guess I know what I need to practice. I just got a Janome 200e, so my options are pretty limited, but I think it will do what I bought it for, and that was to make quilt blocks for a bag, labels for my quilts, and if I get brave, maybe do something to some of my machine knits.
Loved the I-20 reference. I live in Missisippi just south of I-20 – which runs through Meridian. Yep!! We monogram everything down here!! And then add a huge JoJo hairbow on top!!
I wouldn’t have it any other way!