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equipment:craft:embroidery_machine [2025/01/23 16:54] – davidequipment:craft:embroidery_machine [2025/03/09 17:01] (current) – Add note about inkstitch on Wayland david
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 ====== Embroidery Machine - Brother Innov-is 750e  ====== ====== Embroidery Machine - Brother Innov-is 750e  ======
- 
-**Work in progress - this page is being updated** 
  
 <callout title="Online Induction Required" type="danger" icon="true"> This equipment requires an online induction prior to use. For your own safety and to avoid damage to the equipment do not attempt to use it until you have been inducted. </callout> <callout title="Online Induction Required" type="danger" icon="true"> This equipment requires an online induction prior to use. For your own safety and to avoid damage to the equipment do not attempt to use it until you have been inducted. </callout>
  
 +<callout title="Sharps Hazard" type="warning" icon="true"> This equipment has a sharp needle.  Please take care, and keep hands away when the machine is running. Please dispose of used needles in the sharps bin.</callout>
  
 ==== Summary ====  ==== Summary ==== 
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 {{ :equipment:craft:embroidery_machine.jpg?nolink&400 |}} {{ :equipment:craft:embroidery_machine.jpg?nolink&400 |}}
  
-This page is split into three sections: [[#Basic operation|Basic operation]], [[#Embroidering patches|embroidering patches]] and [[#Creating your own designs|creating your own designs using Inkstitch]].  +This page is split into three sections: [[#Basic operation|Basic operation]], [[#Patches/Badges making|embroidering patches and badges]] and [[#Digitising designs for patches/badges|creating your own designs using Inkstitch]].  
  
-Links to the {{brother_innovis_750e_operation_manual.pdf|user guide}} and {{borther_innovis_750e_quick_reference_guide.pdf|quick reference guide}} below should take you to the appropriate page.+Links to the {{brother_innovis_750e_operation_manual.pdf|user guide}} and {{borther_innovis_750e_quick_reference_guide.pdf|quick reference guide}} in the text below should take you to the appropriate page of the manual.
  
 ==== Basic operation ==== ==== Basic operation ====
 +
 +<callout title="Needle types" type="info" icon="true"> Use a specialist embroidery needle as these have a particular shape that fits around the rotary hook. The standard size is 75/11, the brand we have been advised is Schmetz GOLD Embroidery 130/705 H-ET 75/11, these are currently provided by Hackspace, if we are running low please request more on the forum in the consumables thread. When embroidering on thick fabrics such as denim, use a 90/14 Schmetz GOLD Embroidery also do a version of this. If you are embroidering a knitted fabric (such as t-shirt material), you should use a ball point needle.</callout>
  
 === Before turning the machine on === === Before turning the machine on ===
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   - Lower the presser foot   - Lower the presser foot
   - Hold the needle with one hand, and unscrew the needle clamp screw with a screwdriver   - Hold the needle with one hand, and unscrew the needle clamp screw with a screwdriver
-  - Remove the old needle and dispose of in the sharps bin+  - Remove the old needle and dispose of in the sharps bin (this is on the left electronics workbench)
   - Get a new needle of the correct gauge and type for the fabric you will be embroidering (see below)   - Get a new needle of the correct gauge and type for the fabric you will be embroidering (see below)
   - Check the needle isn't bent   - Check the needle isn't bent
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 Full details and diagrams are given on {{brother_innovis_750e_operation_manual.pdf#page=38|page 38 of the user guide}} Full details and diagrams are given on {{brother_innovis_750e_operation_manual.pdf#page=38|page 38 of the user guide}}
- 
-<callout title="Needle types" type="info" icon="true"> Use a 75/11 home sewing machine needle. When 
-embroidering on thick fabrics such as denim, use a 90/14 home sewing machine needle. If you are embroidering a knitted fabric (such as t-shirt material), you should use a ball point needle.</callout> 
  
 === Choosing or loading a pattern === === Choosing or loading a pattern ===
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 {{ :equipment:craft:selecting_design_on_machine.jpg?nolink&400 |}} {{ :equipment:craft:selecting_design_on_machine.jpg?nolink&400 |}}
  
-{{brother_innovis_750e_operation_manual.pdf#page=51|Page 51 of the user guide}} shows how to select an inbuilt design.+{{brother_innovis_750e_operation_manual.pdf#page=51|Page 51 of the user guide}} shows how to select an inbuilt design. The quick reference guide shows the {{borther_innovis_750e_quick_reference_guide.pdf?page=11|inbult fonts}} and {{borther_innovis_750e_quick_reference_guide.pdf?page=14|patterns}}.
  
 Once you have selected a pattern, the display will show you a preview of where it will be embroidered, and the size of hoops that the pattern will fit in: Once you have selected a pattern, the display will show you a preview of where it will be embroidered, and the size of hoops that the pattern will fit in:
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   * The needle is raised (press the needle button above the illuminated start button if it is not)   * The needle is raised (press the needle button above the illuminated start button if it is not)
   * If you're using a large roll of thread with the 3d printed stand, make sure the thread can flow freely into the machine   * If you're using a large roll of thread with the 3d printed stand, make sure the thread can flow freely into the machine
-  * If you're using a small roll of thread inside the machine, make sure the spool cap is wider than the thread+  * If you're using a small roll of thread inside the machine, make sure the spool cap is wider than the diameter of the roll of thread
   * Lower the presser foot before using the automatic needle threader.     * Lower the presser foot before using the automatic needle threader.  
   * Don't force the automatic needle threader.  If it won't work, you can thread the needle by hand (the thread goes from front to back)   * Don't force the automatic needle threader.  If it won't work, you can thread the needle by hand (the thread goes from front to back)
   * Raise the presser foot after threading the needle and put the end of the thread through the hole in the foot   * Raise the presser foot after threading the needle and put the end of the thread through the hole in the foot
 +
 +<callout title="Thread supplies" type="info" icon="true">The hackspace has large spools of embroidery thread in many colours, kept in the black drawers by the craft bench. These should be used with the 3d printed stand. If you’re using your other threads, please check the user guide for suitability. Old thread is likely to snap. If you find the thread is breaking repeatedly, please don’t continue to use it. It will give a poor result to your work and may damage the machine.</callout>
  
 === Setting up and installing the embroidery frame === === Setting up and installing the embroidery frame ===
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 <callout title="Stabiliser material" type="info" icon="true">Putting stabliser material under your fabric is important to get a good finish on your work, and to reduce the risk of needle breakage and damage to the machine.   You should always use stabliser material.  Various types are available online.  Locally, Fabricland in Broadmead sell tear-off and water soluble stabliser.</callout> <callout title="Stabiliser material" type="info" icon="true">Putting stabliser material under your fabric is important to get a good finish on your work, and to reduce the risk of needle breakage and damage to the machine.   You should always use stabliser material.  Various types are available online.  Locally, Fabricland in Broadmead sell tear-off and water soluble stabliser.</callout>
  
-Cut out a piece of stabiliser a few cm bigger than the frame you're using.  Place this on the outer hoop with the small triangle on the rim of the frame facing upwards.  Lay the fabric you're going to embroider on top (good side up), and then place the inner ring on top.  The small triangle on the inner ring should align with the one on the outer ring.  Push the inner frame into the fabric, and tighten the bolt.  You may need to stretch the fabric gently while you do this; the aim is to have a drum like sound if you tap the fabric.+Cut out a piece of stabiliser a few cm bigger than the frame you're using.  Place this on the outer hoop with the small triangle on the rim of the frame facing upwards.  Lay the fabric you're going to embroider on top of the stabiliser (good side up), and then place the inner ring on top.  The small triangle on the inner ring should align with the one on the outer ring.  Push the inner frame into the fabric, and tighten the bolt.  You may need to stretch the fabric gently while you do this; the aim is that the fabric is held taut in the frame and should have a drum like sound if you tap the fabric.
  
 If you require precise placement of the embroidery piece, you can use the embroidery sheets included with the frames to {{brother_innovis_750e_operation_manual.pdf#page=45|precisely align the position}}. If you require precise placement of the embroidery piece, you can use the embroidery sheets included with the frames to {{brother_innovis_750e_operation_manual.pdf#page=45|precisely align the position}}.
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 === Embroidering the pattern === === Embroidering the pattern ===
  
-With the frame installed, lower the embroidery foot.  Press the illuminated start button. Pressing this again will pause the process.+With the frame installed, lower the embroidery foot.  The illuminated start button should change from red to green. Press this to start embroidering. Pressing this again will pause the process.
  
  
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 The machine will prompt you when to change thread colour.  Only the upper thread needs to be changed, as the lower thread shouldn't be visible on the good side of the work. If it is, see [[#Adjusting thread tension|adjusting thread tension]]. The machine will prompt you when to change thread colour.  Only the upper thread needs to be changed, as the lower thread shouldn't be visible on the good side of the work. If it is, see [[#Adjusting thread tension|adjusting thread tension]].
  
-=== Troubleshooting ===+==== Troubleshooting ====
  
-== Running out of thread ==+=== Running out of thread ===
  
 If you run out of either the upper or bobbin thread the machine will detect this and stop.  Replenish the thread, and press the ad-just button on the touch screen.  You can then step back a few stitches to re-sew the missing stitches and continue.  This is described in more detail in the {{brother_innovis_750e_operation_manual.pdf#page=65|user guide}}. If you run out of either the upper or bobbin thread the machine will detect this and stop.  Replenish the thread, and press the ad-just button on the touch screen.  You can then step back a few stitches to re-sew the missing stitches and continue.  This is described in more detail in the {{brother_innovis_750e_operation_manual.pdf#page=65|user guide}}.
  
-== Upper thread snaps ==+=== Upper thread snaps ===
  
 **This should only happen rarely, if ever**. If the thread does snap please work out what's gone wrong rather than keep resuming the piece and hoping it will fix itself. **This should only happen rarely, if ever**. If the thread does snap please work out what's gone wrong rather than keep resuming the piece and hoping it will fix itself.
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   * That the thread isn't old and fragile   * That the thread isn't old and fragile
   * You're using the right type and size of needle for the fabric you're using, and that the needle isn't blunt or bent   * You're using the right type and size of needle for the fabric you're using, and that the needle isn't blunt or bent
-  * The upper [[#setting thread tension|thread tension is correctly set]] +  * The upper [[#adjusting thread tension|thread tension is correctly set]] 
-  * That the stitch density isn't too high.  This means that your pattern is trying to stitch repeatedly in the same place. See [[#inkscape|the section on making your own designs]]+  * That the stitch density isn't too high.  This means that your pattern is trying to stitch repeatedly in the same place. See [[#Digitising designs for patches/badges|the section on making your own designs]]
   * That the fabric is correctly attached to the frame and is taut.   * That the fabric is correctly attached to the frame and is taut.
  
-== Tangles +=== Tangles (birds' nests) below the fabric ===
  
 +This can be caused by a blunt needle, or by incorrect tension.  If these don't fix things, it may be the needle timing. The machine may need timing to be checked by experienced user or serviced.
  
-== Adjusting thread tension ==+=== Puckering ===  
 + 
 +This can be caused by movement of fabric due to it not being hooped correctly or the type of stabiliser is not correct for the fabric being used. 
 +Also check the upper thread tension. 
 +If you're using your own design, check for digitiser issues (choice of underlay settings may be unsuitable for stabilising fabric, the angle of the stitches in the fill areas, the density of the stitching in the fill areas the order of which fill areas are stitch (start in the middle and work outwards)). Helpful video on this: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cqV-rXPcMg]] 
 + 
 +==== Adjusting thread tension ====
  
 Setting the correct thread tension ensures that the bobbin thread cannot be seen on the good side of the work, and that the stitches are tight.  Usually only the upper thread tension needs to be adjusted. Setting the correct thread tension ensures that the bobbin thread cannot be seen on the good side of the work, and that the stitches are tight.  Usually only the upper thread tension needs to be adjusted.
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 If the upper thread tension is too loose, the stitches will be slack.  You can increase the tension with the plus key. If the upper thread tension is too loose, the stitches will be slack.  You can increase the tension with the plus key.
  
-The bobbin thread tension was set when the machine was serviced, and is unlikely to need adjustment. If, exceptionally you need to adjust the bobbin thread tension, please:+The bobbin thread tension was set when the machine was serviced, and is unlikely to need adjustment. If, exceptionally, you need to adjust the bobbin thread tension, please:
  
   * **Do not adjust the cross head screw on the bobbin holder**  This doesn't adjust the tension and may damage the bobbin holder   * **Do not adjust the cross head screw on the bobbin holder**  This doesn't adjust the tension and may damage the bobbin holder
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   * Make gradual adjustments (30 degrees or so) and check the tension after each adjustment.   * Make gradual adjustments (30 degrees or so) and check the tension after each adjustment.
   * Turning the screw clockwise increases the tension   * Turning the screw clockwise increases the tension
-  *  
  
  
 +==== Demo Video ====
  
-The manuals below show all the information in detail including the patterns, their suggested colours and the numbers to find them on the machine.+{{youtube>k1mliIUqopU?medium}}
  
-Basic workflow: 
-  - cut fabric and stabiliser to be a bit larger than the embroidery hoop 
-  - place in hoop and tighten so the tension is similar to a drum 
-  - switch on machine and follow onscreen instructions for startup 
-  - put bobbin thread in the bobbin case at the bottom of the machine - same colour is fine for all layers of colour it shouldn't show through and will save time on change the thread between colours 
-  - thread the 1st colour through the system 
-  - raise the needle 
-  - place embroidery hoop on the machine 
-{{ :equipment:craft:hoop_in_machine.jpg?nolink&400 |}} 
-8. load pattern - from USB or the machine 
-{{ :equipment:craft:selecting_design_on_machine.jpg?nolink&400 |}} 
-9.  move pattern to the location you want (needle starts in the centre of the pattern) 
-{{ :equipment:craft:position_design_on_fabric.jpg?nolink&400 |}} 
-10. lower the needle and press play 
  
-11. change colour colour when required+==== Tips ====
  
-12. the machine will say when the pattern is finished and its safe to remove the hoop+Do a small test piece using the same fabric, stabliser and thread before starting a large piece of work.  This will let you check the tension is correct and that everything is working properly. Youtube video on it: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR5TOaJ5mLs&t=43s]]
  
-==== Demo Video ==== 
  
-{{youtube>k1mliIUqopU?medium}}+If you press the ? button on the machine, it will take you step by step through the loading process.
  
-==== Manual ====+You may want to press the green button to pause the needle so that loose threads can be cut or removed as you go along to prevent them getting embedded in your design.
  
-{{borther_innovis_750e_quick_reference_guide.pdf}}+Helpful beginners video: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Akr8M7b1Uk]]
  
-{{brother_innovis_750e_operation_manual.pdf}} 
  
-==== Materials ==== 
- 
-  * A piece of fabric a little larger than the embroidery frame that matches the size of the pattern you want to embroider.  
-  * A stabilizer material for embroidery to the fabric to prevent poor quality embroidery designs. Use a water soluble sheet on thin materials like organdy and fabrics with a nap like towels. 
-  * For the upper thread, use the embroidery thread or country thread. Ideally use newer threads and not those that have been hanging around for a while as they older ones are likely to snap in the machine. 
-  * For the bobbin thread, use the embroidery bobbin thread. Aim to use a bobbin that is mostly full. If the bobbin is coming near the end the tension will be off and will not give a good result. 
  
 ==== Consumables and Spare Parts ==== ==== Consumables and Spare Parts ====
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 {{ :equipment:craft:embroidery_hoops.jpg?nolink&400 |}} {{ :equipment:craft:embroidery_hoops.jpg?nolink&400 |}}
  
-==== Tips ==== 
-If you press the ? button on the machine, it will take you step by step through the loading process. 
- 
-You may want to press the green button to pause the needle so that loose threads can be cut or removed as you go along to prevent them getting embedded in your design. 
- 
-Helpful beginners video: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Akr8M7b1Uk]] 
- 
-It may be worth testing the tension before you start each time, in case someone has modified the tension or with new fabric/stabiliser/thread. Youtube video on it: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR5TOaJ5mLs&t=43s]] 
  
 ==== Patches/Badges making ==== ==== Patches/Badges making ====
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-=== Digitising designs for patches/badges ===+==== Digitising designs for patches/badges ====
  
 As mentioned above I've used Inkscape with the Inkstitch add-on, its not the best software in the world for this as most other embroidery software allows you to place individual stitches ( useful on the finer details and lettering) and allows you to quickly changes settings to parts of the design i.e. satin stitch width or the type of fabric being used. But unlike those pieces of software Inkstitch is free. As mentioned above I've used Inkscape with the Inkstitch add-on, its not the best software in the world for this as most other embroidery software allows you to place individual stitches ( useful on the finer details and lettering) and allows you to quickly changes settings to parts of the design i.e. satin stitch width or the type of fabric being used. But unlike those pieces of software Inkstitch is free.
  
 Inkstitch have a workflow here: [[https://inkstitch.org/docs/workflow/]]. There is also easy access to each of the stitch/fill types etc and a lot of useful information. Inkstitch have a workflow here: [[https://inkstitch.org/docs/workflow/]]. There is also easy access to each of the stitch/fill types etc and a lot of useful information.
 +
 +
 +<callout title="Inkstitch on Linux" type="info" icon="true">If you're running Inkstitch on Linux, using Wayland, you'll need to start inkscape using:
 +export GDK_BACKEND=x11 && inkscape
 +</callout>
  
 If you are working off a design or logo that is already created two methods I have found work reasonably well: If you are working off a design or logo that is already created two methods I have found work reasonably well:
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   * Lettering works best using the inbuilt inkstitch lettering   * Lettering works best using the inbuilt inkstitch lettering
   * It will take a few iterations to get the design finalised.   * It will take a few iterations to get the design finalised.
 +
 +Check that you're not repeatedly stitching the same place.  This can cause issues with thread snapping and needles breaking, as the embroidery can become too thick for the machine to pierce.
  
 These videos have been helpful: Part 1 [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPaGwjwpzWc]], Part 2 [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WPSHcJ03gI]] These videos have been helpful: Part 1 [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPaGwjwpzWc]], Part 2 [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WPSHcJ03gI]]
  
  
-==== Troubleshooting ==== 
- 
-  * Top thread breaking: old/cheap/inappropriate thread (use better thread, too much tension (see checking tension in tips), check it's threaded correctly, check needle is not blunt/bent/ or in backwards, stitch density too high, fabric not hooped correctly 
- 
-  * Bird nesting of thread beneath fabric: change needle, may be needle timing - can be seen in tension check - machine may need timing to be checked by experienced user or serviced. 
- 
-  * Needle breaking: stitch density too high, fabric not hooped correctly, needle bent or in backwards. 
- 
-  * Puckering: movement of fabric due to it not being hooped correctly or the type of stabiliser is not correct for the fabric being used, upper thread tension issues, digitiser issues (choice of underlay settings may be unsuitable for stabilising fabric, the angle of the stitches in the fill areas, the density of the stitching in the fill areas the order of which fill areas are stitch (start in the middle and work outwards)). Helpful video on this: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cqV-rXPcMg]] 
  
  
  • equipment/craft/embroidery_machine.1737651246
  • Last modified: 7 weeks ago
  • by david