Mary's 10 Tips for Machine Embroidery

Summary

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Cutting and marking - mark the outline of the pattern on a piece of fabric and cut it out roughly. Mark the placement by basting horizontal and vertical lines.

Match design to fabric - a design with large areas of very dense stitching will work best on a firm medium to heavy woven fabric; on light or stretch fabrics choose a less dense design or consider appliqué.

Stabilisers

Tear-away type for firm fabrics
Iron-on type for stretchy fabrics
Temporary spray adhesive with tear-away type instead of an iron-on
Water-soluble ones for fine fabrics, also used on top of fleece or towelling to prevent stitches sinking in and used without fabric to make free-standing lace
Sticky type for items that won't fit in a hoop or pile fabrics
Heat-away type when you want no trace to remain but fabric is not washable
Paint-on type to make fabrics such as lawn crisp

Threads

Rayon embroidery thread - 40 for most digitised designs; 30 for outline and some cross-stitch designs; 60 for delicate designs
Polyester embroidery thread can be used instead of rayon
Cotton embroidery threads have a soft sheen. 50 weight can usually be used instead of rayon 40 for a subtle look and is excellent for free-standing lace
Metallic threads - some are more temperamental than others. Beware of using them on garments you wear next to the skin, as they can be very scratchy!
Acrylic/wool threads are best used on designs digitised specifically for them
Bobbin threads are available from several manufacturers

Needles - an embroidery needle size 75 works well with many threads.

Hooping and aligning - fabric should be held taut in the hoop but not stretched. Use the fine adjustment on the machine to position the start point.

Testing - always test the chosen design on a scrap of fabric using the same interfacing, stabiliser, threads and needle.

Appliqué - polyester organza works well as a background fabric.

Less is more - the under-stated look is often the most effective. Pockets and cuffs are an excellent place to practise your skills.

Education – books on the subject are rare but there are other resources.

Dealers - take full advantage of any courses that are offered.
If there is a club for customers then try to attend, as you can learn a lot by exchanging ideas.

Internet - this is a vast source of ideas, products, techniques and free designs.
Try http://www.secretsof.com/embroiderytips/index.html as a starting point.