How to do free machine embroidery

Practise on a scrap of fabric first. To support fine fabric, use a stabiliser, such as lightweight interfacing, behind it. Draw your design lightly onto the fabric. Tack interfacing to wrong side of fabric.

Place fabric in an embroidery hoop. Use an embroidery foot on the machine and lower the feed dogs or place a metal plate over them to allow you to move the fabric freely (see your machine instruction book for details).

Set stitch length and width to 0. Place fabric in hoop under the needle and lower the presser foot.

Start stitching with the machine running slowly, moving the hoop around under the needle, following the design. The further you move the fabric, the larger the stitches. When finished, trim away surplus interfacing.

Machine embroidery projects to try:

Machine-embroider a cushion cover

Machine-embroider a table runner

Machine-embroider monogrammed napkins

Machine-embroider a handmade card

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