1. Choose or Create the Artwork to Be Screen Printed
The best way to prepare artwork to be screen printed is to have it copied onto a transparency. Most copy shops do this for a very small fee. Original artwork can be painted directly onto a transparency or onto any piece of sturdy, clear plastic. Beginners should create simple designs with fairly clear, thick lines since screen printing delicate, fine-lined artwork can be tricky.

The objective is to create what artists call a “film positive” of the artwork, which is 100 percent black on a clear background. Whether it is printed or hand-drawn, the artwork blocks the emulsion on the screen and the emulsion is washed off the design, allowing the ink to pass through the screen and transfer the design onto the T-shirt or other object that is imprinted.

2. Gather the Materials Needed for Screen Printing
Once the artwork to be screen printed has been selected and prepared, it is time to gather the rest of the necessary materials and equipment.

Object to Be Printed
The screen printing can be done on paper, on canvas, or on just about anything made from fabric, like a T-shirt, a tablecloth and napkins, a scarf, a tote bag, or simply a piece of fabric that is framed and hung as art. The object should be clean and ready to absorb the ink.

Screen Frame
The screen frame is usually made of wood and is very tightly covered with a fine mesh material. This is the screen through which the ink is transferred onto the object to be printed. Metal screens are the most durable and stand up to many washings and printings.

Black Paper, Plastic, or Fabric
This flat black object should be large enough on which to place the frame. It is the surface on which the screen is placed to burn the image onto the screen.

Photosensitive Emulsion and Activator
The sensitizer and emulsion come separately and must be mixed together and applied to the screen. Users must make sure to mix enough to thoroughly cover the screen.

Screen Printing Ink
Users need to buy enough screen printing ink to transfer the design to the object being printed. It might be fun to choose several different colors and make several versions of the screen print art.

Squeegee
A squeegee is an important tool in screen printing. It is used to apply and spread the ink through the screen onto the T-shirt or other object. Squeegees are available in several different sizes, and they are made from a single piece of vinyl or from a comfortable wooden holder with a rubber blade.

3. Prepare the Frame and Screen
Some people make their own mesh screens for printing by taking an old wooden picture frame and covering it tightly with an organdy silk screen fabric, or even cut-up old gauzy nylon curtains. Users should make sure that the fabric is stretched as tight as possible and is secured thoroughly with a staple gun applied all around the frame. It is important to keep the fabric straight so that the holes in the mesh of the fabric allow the ink to pass through it evenly.

A commercially prepared screen that has already been used should be prepared for printing by washing it thoroughly with a mild abrasive to ensure that none of the holes are clogged with dirt, grease, or previously used ink. The screen should also be allowed to dry thoroughly.

4. Spread the Photo Emulsion onto the Screen
First, users should mix the sensitizer and the emulsion thoroughly according to the directions on the containers. The emulsions are light-sensitive liquid chemicals that are applied to the screen, and they become more sensitive as they dry.

The side of the screen that comes in contact with the object to be printed is known as the substrate side, while the side where the ink is placed and pushed through the screen is called the “inkwell” side. Both sides need to be covered with the emulsion mixture, and it is best to begin on the substrate side. Some people prefer to place the screen on top of a piece of black fabric or plastic. Users should pour some emulsion on the screen and spread it thinly and evenly, making sure that all of the holes are covered.

Next, users should place the screen in a dark place to dry (a closet works well). Some people like to point a fan at the screen to help it dry faster. Users need to make sure that the emulsion on the screen has dried completely, and this can take as little as a couple of hours or as long as overnight.

5. Burn the Image onto the Screen
The next steps are to attach the artwork to the screen and expose it all to light in order to burn the image onto the screen, so that the ink can pass through the screen and be transferred to the object being printed.

Attaching the Artwork
Once the emulsion on the screen is completely dry, users should lay it down on top of a clean piece of black cloth or sturdy paper, with the substrate side facing down and the inkwell side facing up. They should then lay the template with the design on it down on the inkwell side of the screen and attach it with tape. Alternatively, they could also lay a piece of clean glass on top of the artwork, while making sure that the glass is bigger than the design while still fitting inside the frame.

If the emulsion being used is highly photosensitive, it may be best to do this step in a fairly dark room so that the emulsion does not begin to react to the light until the artwork is securely in place.

Exposing the Screen to Light
Next, they should place a lamp with a 200- or 250-watt bulb about a foot or two above the screen. Professional screen printing lamps are also available for purchase, while some people like to take the frame with the artwork attached outdoors so that the UV rays of the sun burn the image. With the exposure to light, the emulsion hardens, and the area of the screen that is covered by the design does not harden. Usually 10 to 15 minutes is enough time for this process to be complete.

6. Rinse the Screen
Once the photosensitive emulsion has hardened, users should remove the artwork and rinse the screen under very cold water. This can be done in a sink, in a shower or tub, or outdoors with a garden hose. The emulsion that was under the design flakes off. It may be necessary to gently rub the area where the emulsion is being removed, using a hand or the scratchy side of a kitchen sponge. Once the screen is thoroughly rinsed, the design should be visible as a see-through part of the screen, like a stencil made out of mesh.

7. Print
For the printing stage, it is a good idea to put masking tape or painter’s tape along the edges of the screen to prevent any sloppy leaks. Users should place the fabric or object to be printed down on some newspapers to protect the surface underneath. It is important to work on a flat surface so that the image is not distorted. If it is a T-shirt that is being printed, users can place some layers of paper or cardboard inside the shirt to prevent the ink from leaking through to the other side of the shirt.

When users are ready to begin the printing process, they can lay the screen down with the substrate side touching the fabric to be printed. Next, they can pour a small amount of ink horizontally across the top of the screen and use a squeegee to pull the ink down across the image, pressing the ink through the screen onto the fabric underneath. They can then move the squeegee up and down and back and forth to ensure that the ink is pressed through the screen thoroughly and evenly. The screen should be held in place, or else the image may not come through crisply. At this point, the artwork should be in printed form.

8. Cure and Clean Up
Some screen printing ink manufacturers recommend “curing,” which is placing the printed object in an oven preheated to 400 degrees F for just about 30 seconds. Other ink makers recommend ironing the back of the printed fabric to help set the ink. Users should be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the ink being used.

We hope you have found this guide useful and remember, if you are ever in need of any screen printing services. Imagescapes Embroidery is here to help.

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The top colors for Spring 2017 fashion are:

PANTONE 17-4123 Niagara

Comfortable and dependable, Niagara leads the PANTONE Fashion Color Report as the most prevalent color for spring 2017. Niagara is a classic denim-like blue that speaks to our desire for ease and relaxation.

PANTONE 13-0755 Primrose Yellow

By contrast, Primrose Yellow sparkles with heat and vitality. Inviting us into its instant warmth, this joyful yellow shade takes us to a destination marked by enthusiasm, good cheer and sunny days.

PANTONE 19-4045 Lapis Blue

Conveying even more energy is Lapis Blue. Strong and confident, this intense blue shade is imbued with an inner radiance.

PANTONE 17-1462 Flame

A red-based orange, Flame, is gregarious and fun loving. Flamboyant and vivacious, this wonderfully theatrical shade adds fiery heat to the spring 2017 palette.

PANTONE 14-4620 Island Paradise

Island Paradise is a refreshing aqua that calls to mind a change of scenery. A cool blue green shade that speaks to our dream of the great escape, Island Paradise is emblematic of tropical settings and our desire to unwind.

PANTONE 13-1404 Pale Dogwood

Continuing the tranquil mood, Pale Dogwood is a quiet and peaceful pink shade that engenders an aura of innocence and purity. The unobtrusive Pale Dogwood is a subtle pink whose soft touch infuses a healthy glow.

PANTONE 15-0343 Greenery

Bringing forth a refreshing take, Greenery is a tangy yellow-green that speaks to our need to explore, experiment and reinvent. Illustrative of flourishing foliage, the fertile attributes of Greenery signals one to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate.

PANTONE 17-2034 Pink Yarrow

Tropical and festive, Pink Yarrow is a whimsical, unignorable hue that tempts and tantalizes. Bold, attention getting and tempestuous, the lively Pink Yarrow is a captivating and stimulating color that lifts spirits and gets the adrenaline going.

PANTONE 18-0107 Kale

Evocative of the great outdoors and a healthy lifestyle, Kale is another foliage-based green that conjures up our desire to connect to nature, similar to the more vivacious Greenery. And, just as we see in nature, this lush and fertile natural green shade provides the perfect complementary background to the more vibrant tones in the palette.

PANTONE 14-1315 Hazelnut

Rounding out the spring 2017 colors is Hazelnut, a key neutral for spring. This shade brings to mind a natural earthiness. Unpretentious and with an inherent warmth, Hazelnut is a transitional color that effortlessly connects the seasons.

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When determining what shirt is right for your project, material is the first essential element to consider. Cotton is, by far, the most common material used to make garments, and manufacturers use a variety of terms to let you know what type of cotton they are using. 100% Preshrunk Cotton and 100% Ringspun Cotton are the two most common types used. Manufacturers also use synthetic fibers including Polyester, Rayon and Spandex in garments as well. Sometimes these fibers will be blended with the natural cotton to yield a different type of shirt.

Preshrunk or “Open Cotton” shirts are the least expensive option you can choose for your project. The typical weights for a t-shirt in this category are 5.0 – 6.5 ounces and would be considered “Heavyweight”. Because this type of cotton is just one step above raw cotton, it cannot be woven as fine or as soft.

Ringspun Cotton shirts are lighter weight and have stronger fibers because they are made with a higher grade of cotton. Sometimes called combed ringspun cotton, this way of making a shirt creates a tighter weave and softer feel.

Polyester is great at keeping us cool and is often marketed as a moisture wicking fabric or High Performance Shirt. There lots of terms manufacturers use to brand this fiber – for instance, Cool-max or Clima-cool – but they are generally made from 100% poly or a mixture of it and other synthetics.

Brand, fit and style options are often a matter of personal preference. However one thing is certain, there is no shortage of options to choose from when selecting shirts for your screen-printed project. Our staff is happy to advise you on what shirt will best fit your project and your budget. We also welcome you to come to our studio to see and feel the difference for yourself.

Need Help Choosing the right T-Shirt for your project? Imagescapes is always happy to assist.

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1. Pinch and Saw the Tip Method: For needles smaller than size #10, snip the very end of your embroidery floss or thread so the thread is not puffy and frayed (a clean cut is necessary for this method). Next, pull the thread between your thumb and forefinger (so the tip of the thread is barely visible between the two). Lay the eye of your needle up on the tip of the thread, using a gently sawing motion, move the needle down between the skin of your thumb and forefinger. With this method, you will “saw” the thread into the eye of your needle. If this doesn’t work, turn your needle over and try the other side.

2. Fold and Pinch Method: Take your thread and fold your thread around the shaft of your needle. Slide your thread off, pinch the fold, and stick the thread in the eye of your needle. Next, pull your thread through the needle so the folded over part is all the way through (situate the length of the tail however you like it). You might have to hold the pinched fold close between your finger and thumb and lay the eye on the folded thread and gently “saw” the needle down onto the thread. This method works great with  needle size #10 and larger needles. It also works with size 11, depending on the thread you’re using.

3. Assisted Method: If the first two methods prove to be too difficult. Acquire a fine needle threader and use it (simple). There are many brands available which you can find in the needlework section of most hobby, craft, and sewing places.

We hope you have found this article useful. Imagescapes Embroidery (located in Apex, North Carolina offers professional embroidery and screen printing services for your company.

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Have you ever been to a business event and noticed certain individuals with eye-catching and professional looking work shirts with the company or group logo embroidered right on the shirt? Have you ever considered a professional embroidery service for your own company? If you have ever wondered what are the benefits of professional embroidery, keep reading on. In this article, IMAGEscapes provides 3 great advantages of professional embroidery for your business!

First of all, embroidery is the art of stitching your design onto a shirt using high tech computerized embroidery machines. The finished product is polished, durable and professional which makes embroidery one of the preferred methods of logo apparel decoration for several reasons:

Advertisement For Your Business

For many years, custom embroidered shirts have been a great way to get your business’ name out there, think of it is as walking advertisement. Solid colored button down shirts or plain polo’s are too simple and boring. Custom professionally embroidered shirts are a fantastic way to stand out from the crowd and send the message that your employees are all a team working together. Imagine the statement your company would make with your logo embroidered on the front of the shirt!

Add Uniqueness To Your Business

A well embroidered design will always give a good impression; you want a design that gives you a professional look and has a carefully design with high value. This adds uniqueness to your business! Also, the embroidered design must be consistent from piece to piece. As the customer, you have full control over the design, after-all, your company design is a representation of your company.

A Durable Product

Professional custom embroidery designed shirts are an expense, but well worth the investment. One of the advantages of these products is the quality and durability. A quality embroidered design is very hard wearing and is designed to stand heavy laundering and the colors will not fade on high temperatures. In fact, it is more likely for a shirt to wear out before the embroidered image does. The stitching is tough and hard-wearing and will not be ruined by common wear and tear! Your money will be well spent on such durable materials.

There are many reasons why embroidery is important for your business. IMAGEscapes is a custom embroidery and screen printing workshop that takes pride in creating unique embroidered and screen printed designs for all your apparel and gift item needs.  Our custom embroidery and custom screen printing is considered the state of the art in value, quality and service. Inquire about our custom professional embroidery services today and your business can experience the benefits!

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Embroidery has been around for a very long time. In fact, did you know that Egyptians used embroidery for decoration purposes on the hems of royal robes? Embroidery was also used in tapestries during the Middle Ages! Embroidery has always been considered an art form, one which is certainly worth learning. ImageScapes Embroidery has put together this guide to help you get started on your embroidery journey, find out what the 5 hand embroidery must have tools are:

#1: Lighting and Magnification

This is one of the most important necessities because the last thing you want to do is strain your eyes due to poor lighting conditions (this would make your experience much less enjoyable). Magnifying is not necessary for everyone but it certainly does help too.

#2: Storage

Storage for your embroidery projects is necessary in order to keep your embroidery materials not only organized, but also to have effective management for your projects (plus, it also helps keep your work area clean).

#3: Use The Right Needle

A needle is the most basic tool you will use during this process. Now, any needle can draw a piece of thread through the fabric, however, using the right needle for the task at hand will guarantee better results (it really does make all the difference in the world!).

The most common needles used in embroidery are the following:

• Tapestry Needle– The tapestry needle has a much longer eye and a shorter shaft and a blunt tip.
• Milliner Needle– The milliner needle has a short (almost round) eye, and a very long shaft with a sharp tip.
• Crewel Needle– The crewel needle is the most basic needle for embroidery and it is is a sharp, tipped needle that has a medium-long eye which is slightly larger than the shaft of the needle.

#4: Frames and Hoops

This tool is helpful for a couple of reasons. One, it helps keep your embroidery fabric in place. Two, it helps avoid making your embroidery warped. Frames and hoops are available in both wood and plastic.

#5: Scissors

When it comes to scissors, you don’t want to use just any pair. Embroidery scissors are different from regular craft scissors. They are sharp and thin; they are designed this way to be able to get really close to the ground fabric to cut threads cleanly.

Of course, there are many other embroidery tools available but these 5 are the must haves you need to get you started on your very own embroidery project! Investing a little time and a little bit of money will allow you to create beautiful art. For more information or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Imagescapes Embroidery and Screen Printing, we are always happy to be of assistance.

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There are numerous screen printing companies out there that choosing the right one can seem overwhelming and difficult. When preparing for a new project, it would be wise to research reputable companies to ensure you will be working with a quality printer. Working with a good screen printing service offers many benefit that benefit just about any type of business. What kind of benefits you may ask? Imagescapes Embroidery and Screen Printing explores the benefits screen printing companies offer and provides a helpful guide in this article:

Experience: In this industry, most of the professional screen printing companies have acquired extensive experience. Thanks to their experiences, they have learned a lot about the potential challenges and pitfalls that they face as a business when developing custom t-shirt orders. Partnering with a truly professional company is the only way t guarantee your order will be fulfilled and delivered on time (especially for businesses placing large and/or detailed orders.

Reliability: Another significant advantage of partnering with a professional screen printing company is knowing that your products will be produced with a clear time table. It is imperative to know exactly when your custom designed t-shirt will be ready and a good professional screen printer will be able to offer you reliable fulfillment and distribution.

Quality: Keep in mind that when choosing to partner with an established professional screen printing company, you choose a company that will ensure you are getting a high level of quality for whatever screen printing needs your business has. Remember, your custom t-shirts will essentially be an extension of your brand, which is why it is important to find a reputable and reliable screen printing company that will help your business put its best foot forward.

Customer Service: A good customer service experience includes everything from troubleshooting issues to consulting with you prior to your order being placed and everything in between. Working with a screen printing company that offers exceptional customer is extremely helpful; if you are unsure about the process or the screen printing needs of your business, speaking with a qualified professional is a great way to begin sorting out your options.

Pricing: Although there are plenty of other benefits of using a professional screen printing service, there is little surprise that this bottom line consideration is one of the most commonly cited ones. Working with an established professional screen printing service company means that they are able to operate in bulk and therefore, benefit from huge savings that they are able to pass along to their clients.

Choosing to partner with a professional screen printing service that has a great track record is your best option (regardless of what industry you are in). Ultimately, you want to make sure your company stands out in a positive way by working with a professional screen printing services for your next custom printing order. Imagescapes Embroidery and Screen Printing is one of the leading distributors for custom embroidered and screen printed apparel and they take pride in providing quality service above all else for their customers. Please make sure to contact them if you have any questions or you are interested in any of their professional services.

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Screen printing (also known as silk printing) can be a lot of fun, it’s easy, and you can use a lot of things you already have at home (it doesn’t take a whole lot to get a project done). If you have ever felt the desire to learn how to screen print as a fun and creative hobby, you have come to the right place because Imagescapes Embroidery and Screen Printing has put together this informative guide to walk you through the steps and help you get started!

First, gather the following things on this list which you will need:

• T-shirt
• Scrap fabric or old T-shirt
• A yard of chiffon or voile
• 2 plastic embroidery hoops (10-12 inches)
• A template or drawing
• Paintbrushes
• A dull Pencil
• Masking tape or painter’s tape
• Mod Podge
• Thick acrylic paint
• A plastic gift card or old credit card
• Cardboard and plenty of newspaper and paper towels (this can get messy)

Once you have all of these things, follow this step-by-step guide:

Step #1: Create the Screens

If you are planning to use different colors, you will need on per color. To crate a screen, cut a circle from the chiffon or voile about 4 inches wider than the hoop. Next, stretch the fabric as tightly as you can between the inner and outer hoops and tighten the screw to secure it. Trim any excess fabric, leaving a 1-inch border.

Step #3: Mask the Non-Design Areas

Once you have traced your design, flip the hoop over to the other side. Tape around the design and fill in the space between that border and the hoop with more tape to minimize the amount of Mod Podge needed. Repeat on the other side of the fabric.

Step #4: Apply Modge Podge

Use a fine paintbrush to apply Mod Podge along the lines of the design (with the hoop fabric side up). For larger areas, use a bigger brush. You can check if your blocked areas are completely filled by holding the screen up to the light and dabbing more Mod Podge over any holes you see and flip it to check the other side as well. Holding the frame in one hand, use a clean brush to smooth out any blobs of Mod Podge and avoid touching the wet screen. Finally, place the hoop (fabric side up) and allow to dry for approximately 15 minutes. Again, repeat with each screen for each color.

Step #5: Prepare Your Shirt

Now, it’s time to prep your shirt! Iron out any wrinkles, this will make your screen printing process a lot smoother. In order to keep the paint from bleeding through the back of the shirt, place a piece of cardboard or a few layers of newspaper on the inside. Keep this step in mind with anything that has a second layer.

Step #6: Try a Test Print

To complete this step, place the first frame fabric side down onto a piece of scrap fabric or an old T-shirt. Apply a 1/2 inch thick line of paint across one edge of the design. Next, hold the old credit card or gift card at a 45 degree angle to the screen. While pressing firmly against the screen, scrape the paint across the design.

Step #7: You are Ready to Print!

Finally! (We know, it sure is a process to get to the actual printing part!)

Go over each section of the design only once (overlapping just a little is fine). Carefully lift the screen off your shirt. Make sure to use cold water to rinse the paint from the screens, inspect the print and add Mod Podge or tape to the screen as needed to fill any holes. Repeat with each screen for each color. Allow the Mod Podge to dry.

We recommend that you clean up as soon as you’re done making your prints. Rinse the screens thoroughly to remove the paint. If there are any stubborn bits, rub gently to get rid of them. Once you screens are dry, you can re-apply any tape that may have fallen off.

Step #8: Adding Another Color

If you are using multiple colors, you must first make sure the paint is dry on the first print (this process normally takes about 1 hour) before you can print the next color with the second screen.

Step #9: Set the Print

Once the paints are completely dry, place a sheet of paper or a clean cloth over the design and press with an iron set to the appropriate heat for your fabric.

Step #10: Enjoy!

Congratulations, you have successfully completed your first screen print! Now you can enjoy your beautiful work of art, this is the easiest and best of all the steps (and our personal favorite).

We hope you enjoy this experience and hope you found this article informative and helpful. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Imagescapes Embroidery and Screen Printing, who is always more than happy to answer any questions you may have or provide you with quality screen printing services!

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Embroidery has always been considered an art, but what crafters are doing with needle and thread today totally exceeds “traditional” embroidery by far. Today, they are using innovative designs and materials, taking embroidery to new artistic realms!

One of the basics that makes embroidery possible is the use of embroidery patterns. There are several different ways to do this and the choice of techniques can often depend on the weight or color of the fabric being used. Imagescapes Embroidery and Screen Printing explores different embroidery pattern transfer methods and provides 5 pattern transfer tips in this article:

Tip #1: Heat Transfer Pencils

Heat transfer pencils or pens are a great option for marking your embroidery design on fabric and will work on both light and heavy weight fabrics. They are available in blue or red and the ink is activated by the heat of an iron. Please be aware that these pencils are permanent and the markings will not wash out. The marked lines must be completely covered with the embroidery in order for them not to be visible.

To use a heat transfer pencil simply trace the design in reverse on a lightweight sheet of paper. The design must be traced in reverse because the pressing process creates a mirror image of the design marked on the paper. The easiest way to to do this is to print your patter, turn it over and then trace the design on the back side of the paper.

Once you have traced your pattern, place the paper against the fabric and press with a hot iron. Lift the iron off the paper before moving it to the next location, otherwise moving the iron back and forth will distort the image.

Tip #2: Use Light

You can transfer the designs directly onto your embroidery fabric using a light source such as a light box or window if your fabric is fairly thin. To transfer a design using this method, tape the pattern to the glass and cover the pattern with the fabric. You should be able to see the design very clearly through the fabric, mark the lines with a chalk based marking pencil or a water soluble transfer pen or pencil.

Tip #3: Transfer Paper

This method is oftentimes called the dressmakers’ carbon paper. Designs can be transferred to thicker fabrics using carbon or wax based transfer paper.

This lightweight transfer paper is coated on one side with a powdery colored ink and is made specifically for the use on fabrics that will wash out of the finished piece. When using these papers, use the light colored piece of paper to mark designs on darker fabrics and a darker color on lighter fabrics. Just in case the ink is a bit stubborn when washing it out, use the lightest color possible.

After you have determined what paper you will use, you are ready to transfer your design. First, lay the fabric (face up) on a hard surface, such as a table. Next, center the transfer paper over the fabric having the waxy ink towards the fabric and arrange the patter on top of the transfer paper. Finally, transfer the design to the fabric using an empty ball point marking pen or a stylus, making sure to press hard enough for the design to transfer successfully through the layers of paper.

Tip #4: Pouncing

Pouncing was a very common way to transfer embroidery designs to fabric long before transfer paper and iron-on inks were used. This is a very neat method and pouncing supplies can still be found in specialty needlework shops.

When using this method, a paper pattern is pricked with pins at regular intervals. The design pattern is then secured to the fabric, and a powdered pigment is worked through the holes in a pouncing motion using a soft fabric pad.

Tip #5: Hot Iron Transfers

This is one of the easiest methods available because you can purchase these patterns ready to use and they feature a wide range of subjects, usually available printed in gray or blue ink. The designs are transferred to the fabric using a hot iron in the same manner as patterns traced using transfer pens and pencils.

Don’t be afraid to try some (or all) of the methods discussed in this article. Being a little adventurous will help you determine which options and techniques you prefer and expand your creativity. Most importantly, have fun!

Imagescapes Embroidery and Screen Printing takes pride in providing quality service above all else for our customers. For more information about embroidery pattern transfer methods or general questions about embroidery, do not hesitate to contact Imagescapes Embroidery and Screen Printing today!

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Are you new to the world of machine embroidery? First and foremost, welcome! Machine embroidery is a wonderful form of art. If you have invested money and time into getting equipment, tools and designs, you might now be wondering, what’s next? You have come to the right place!

Imagescapes Embroidery and Screen Printing provides 5 great tips for beginners to get started in machine embroidery in order to achieve success:

1.Read All You Can About Machine Embroidery:

Books are a great resource when it comes to just about any topic and machine embroidery isn’t any different. Machine embroidery books can be very helpful as you build sharpen your skills. But there are also a lot of other great resources too such as newsletters, e-books, magazines, internet and social media.

Newsletters are great because they are usually free and easily accessible just by signing up with your email address with your favorite embroidery-related shops. You can also find numerous e-books that some companies provide as an incentive for embroiderers to visit their websites and they are easy to download and can be accessed and read from just about anywhere (mobile device, laptop, tablet, etc.).

Magazines provide project inspiration as well as education in techniques and utilities such as stabilizers, threads and needles. Many magazines are also available electronically nowadays for instant download; sometimes they are free and sometimes you can obtain them at a reduced cost and publishers oftentimes even offer past volumes at a discount.

You can never really go wrong with the internet, it is vortex of resources! There are thousand of independent bloggers and most commercial websites have their own blogs as well. Today we also have they advantage of social media and many companies post sales and free designs through their social medial accounts so make sure to follow your favorite embroidery resources on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest!

2. Keep Good Notes:

Even the greatest scientists keep immaculate notes while doing research and beginning embroiderers shouldn’t be any different. Consider keeping an embroidery journal in which you document your projects and will help you learn what works, allowing you to easily mimic a project at a later date. Think of your notes as your embroidery recipes.

3. Take Classes:

Taking a class is not only educational but it can also be fun. Project classes further sharpen your skills and provide additional support from instructors and peers. Whether you take a class in person or online, embroidery classes are great for any level embroiderer because they help reinforce basic skills and machine functions.

Online classes and even YouTube tutorials are becoming more and more popular and the advantage of this resource is that you can view these instructional videos whenever, wherever and for as long as you want, plus you can use your own machine which is an opportunity to become familiar with your own tools and equipment.

4. Get to Know Your Dealer:

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or experienced embroiderer, your machine dealer is your single best resource because manufacturers require dealers to be technically adept users of the machines they sell, making your dealer a true expert! Although all machine embroidery machines basically do the same thing, each machine is unique and operates in different ways. Most dealers are happy to provide owner classes that will help their customers become familiar with options specific to their own machines.

You can gain the knowledge, enthusiasm and confidence you need in order to succeed. Dealers become personal cheerleaders and offer and endless supply of tips, ideas, support and encouragement.

5. Schedule Time to Sew:

Learning machine embroidery does not happen over night, it is a progressive process and like anything else, practice makes perfect. Which is why it is important to make time for your embroidery passion whether you read, do research, take a class or sew (even if you only spend 30 minutes a day).

Remember that the more you stitch, the better your skills, knowledge and experience will grow and you will be a pro in no time! The time invested will definitely pay off and don’t forget that the most important thing is to have fun during this process. In the meantime, if you have any questions about machine embroidery or have any embroidery needs, contact Imagescapes Embroidery and Screen Printing!

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