7 steps to successfully hoop fabric for machine embroidery

Yesterday on QUILTsocial we imported a digital image into THE Dream Machine 2 and it converted that image into an embroidery design. We used the edit screen to make the design larger and now we’re ready to start embroidering!

But first we need to prepare and hoop the fabric we will be stitching on. Here are 7 simple steps to successfully hoop fabric for machine embroidery.

Step 1 – the stabilizer

The first step is to add stabilizer to the back of the fabric. I chose to use Tear-Easy Sulky stabilizer for my project. Make sure that you cut your stabilizer larger than the hoop you are going to use. This stabilizer isn’t fusible, so I’ll pin it to my fabric but if you choose to use a fusible stabilizer such as Sulky Totally Stable, then iron it on to the back of the fabric now.

Step 2 – remove the inner frame

Lift up and loosen the frame adjustment screw on the outer frame so that you can remove the inner frame.

Step 3 – mark the center

If you’re concerned about getting the design centered perfectly on your fabric, mark the center of the fabric square with two chalk lines.

Step 4 – the embroidery sheet

Select the correct sized embroidery sheet for the hoop you’ll be using and place it on the inner frame of the embroidery hoop.

Align the guides with the marks made on the fabric.

Step 5 – gently stretch the fabric

Gently stretch the fabric so there are no folds or wrinkles. Press the inner frame into the outer frame and then remove the embroidery sheet.

Step 6 – Insert the frame in the correct orientation

When re-inserting the inner frame make sure to align the triangle symbols on the inner and outer frames.

Step 7 – Tighten the outer frame

Gently stretch the fabric while tightening the frame adjustment screw.

In order to make sure that the outer frame is very tight, the adjustment screw on the outer frame can be tightened using the multi-purpose screwdriver included with THE Dream Machine 2.

Now that the fabric has been hooped, the embroidery frame can be attached to carriage of the embroidery unit of THE Dream Machine 2.

For my pillow embroidery I’m using the “Valentine Kisses” thread pack from WonderFil. This thread pack contains spools of both Splendor (a 40wt rayon thread) and Spotlight (a 40wt metallic thread). I have DecoBob thread in the bobbin.

Here’s the stitched out embroidery from THE Dream Machine 2.

To make the pillow, first remove the fabric from the hoop and trim the fabric square. Cut a second fabric this same size for the back of the pillow and then follow the directions from my December 20th QUILTsocial post to finish the pillow.

Here’s the finished Valentine’s pillow, embroidered with THE Dream Machine 2 from Brother.

Thanks for joining me this week. I’m having so much fun learning about THE Dream Machine 2 and using all its amazing features – next month I’ll be back with another project using this amazing machine!