Embroidery Machine
General Information
The Berea Makerspace has two embroidery machines available for member use. Both machines can be found inside the Clean Room near the sewing area.
If you have any issues with this equipment, the slack channels associated with this space include: #general and #shop-fabric-arts.
Available Machines
| Machine | Key Features | Status | Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brother Dream Machine 2 Innov-ís XV8550D |
|
Operational | Machine Page |
| Brother PE-550D |
|
Operational | Machine Page |
Orientation and Access
Use of either embroidery machine requires authorization by an approved instructor. Check the makerspace event calendar for upcoming workshops and training sessions.
Training Note: While the Dream Machine 2 and PE-550D have different feature sets, their basic operation is similar. Training on the Dream Machine 2 covers the fundamentals needed for both machines. See the individual machine pages for detailed workflows.
Software and Design
Primary Software: Embrilliance
The makerspace uses Embrilliance embroidery software on the computers in the Clean Room. The following modules are available:
- Essentials - Core functionality for merging designs, resizing, and adding lettering
- StitchArtist Level 1-2 - Digitizing capabilities for creating designs from scratch
Embrilliance allows you to:
- Merge multiple designs into one file
- Add and edit text
- Resize designs while maintaining stitch quality
- Color sort to reduce thread changes
- Create appliqué designs
For tutorials, documentation, and detailed feature information, see the Embrilliance page.
Supported File Formats
Both machines support common embroidery formats:
- PES (Brother's native format) - recommended for saving from Embrilliance
- DST, EXP, JEF, PEC, PED, SEW, and more
Design Transfer Methods
- USB Drive - Works with both machines
- Wi-Fi - Dream Machine 2 only (wireless transfer with optional software)
- Cloud Connectivity - Dream Machine 2 only
- Built-in Camera - Dream Machine 2 only
Alternative Software
Other embroidery software options members may use include:
- Brother PE-Design - Professional digitizing software
- InkStitch (Inkscape plugin) - Free open-source digitizing option
- Embroidery software pre-loaded on Brother machines - Basic editing functions available directly on machine touchscreens
Needles, Thread, and Stabilizers
These items are considered consumables. Basic supplies may be available during orientation, but you should plan to provide your own for ongoing projects.
Needles
Both machines use standard home sewing machine needles (130/705H system). For embroidery, needle size 75/11 is recommended for most projects. Use 90/14 for heavyweight fabrics or stabilizers.
| Needle Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Embroidery (75/11, 90/14) | Machine embroidery, has a slightly rounded tip |
| Ball Point (75/11, 90/14) | Knits and stretch fabrics, embroidering patterns with short jump stitches |
| Universal (75/11, 90/14) | General sewing, woven fabrics |
| Metallic (80/12) | Metallic threads |
| Topstitch (90/14) | Heavy fabrics, multiple layers |
Important: Change your needle regularly - every 8-10 hours of sewing or after every major project.
Thread Recommendations
- Use embroidery thread intended for machine embroidery
- For bobbin work (Dream Machine 2 only), use No.5 or finer hand embroidery thread or flexible woven ribbon
Stabilizers
Proper stabilization is critical for good embroidery results:
- Cut-Away - Best for knits and unstable fabrics
- Tear-Away - Good for stable wovens
- Wash-Away - For freestanding lace and projects where no stabilizer should remain
- Heat-Away - Dissolves with heat from an iron
General Troubleshooting
These solutions apply to both machines. For machine-specific issues, refer to the individual machine pages.
Thread breaks frequently
- Re-thread the machine carefully
- Check needle for burrs or damage - replace if needed
- Verify tension settings are appropriate
- Check for lint buildup in tension discs or thread path
- Ensure bobbin is correctly installed
Design doesn't stitch correctly
- Verify hoop size matches design size
- Check that fabric is hooped tightly without distortion
- Ensure stabilizer is appropriate for fabric type
- Re-import the design file
Bobbin thread shows on top
- Upper tension is too tight - decrease tension setting
- Bobbin is incorrectly threaded - reinsert bobbin
Machine makes unusual noises
- STOP IMMEDIATELY and investigate
- Check for thread tangles in the bobbin area
- Ensure needle is properly inserted and not bent
- Clean the race area
Fabric puckers during embroidery
- Stabilizer may be insufficient for fabric type
- Hoop tension may be too loose
- Thread tension may need adjustment
Maintenance
After Each Use
- Remove bobbin and clean bobbin case area with included brush
- Wipe down machine exterior
- Cover machine when not in use
Regular Maintenance
- Oil only as directed in manual - these machines should not be oiled by the user except as specified
- Change needles regularly
- Have machine professionally serviced annually
- Clean the race frequently to prevent lint buildup
Cleaning
- Use the included brush and cleaning tools
- Never use compressed air - it forces lint deeper into mechanisms
- Keep screens clean with a soft, dry cloth
- Do not use organic solvents or detergents on the machine casing