It’s easy and fun to make patches using automatic embroidery machines for hats. The machines come with advanced features that make it easy even for novice users to master the skill quickly. Ensure that you check the user’s manual provided by the manufacturer to know how to run the machine. Simple mistakes can compromise its functionalism and cost you hundreds of dollars in repairs, especially in the setup.
This article will discuss how to make patches with an embroidery machine—perhaps for your new jacket? Towards the end of the article, we will discuss tips on maintaining this embroidery machine to get maximum utility.
What You Need to Make Patches with Automatic Embroidery Machines
The quality of the patches is dependent on the material you use and your skills. Here is an overview of the things that you require:
Sharp Needles
Purchase high-quality needles online and make sure they are sharp enough to penetrate the dense fabric. Confirm the details before ordering to avoid breakages when making the patches. The flat shank needles are ideal for home machines, while the round shank needles are specially designed to work well with commercial machines.
Pre-Made Patch Fabric
For the best results, it’s recommendable to purchase the heavy twill patch fabric with a crinoline backing. The light flimsy fabrics are not the best, resulting in poor quality patches. If you are unsure of which fabric to use, consult an expert to avoid losing your hard-earned money.
Stick Stabilizer and Sticky Stitch Peel
First, patches are not easy to the hoop, so purchasing a stick stabilizer and sticky stitch peel is recommended. The stabilizer will hold the fabric in position as you make the patches, thereby helping you achieve the desired patch patterns.
An Iron or Heat Press
The iron or heat press will help you eliminate creases before and after working on the fabric. Make sure that you set the temperature right to avoid burning the fabric or tampering with the design.
Fuse-N-Bond Heat Seal Film
The main role of the fuse-n-bond heat seal film is to ensure that your patches look professional. Like the fabric, make sure that the film is top quality by buying it from an accredited online store.
8 Steps Guide on How to Use an Embroidery Machine to Make Patches
There are different ways of making patches using an embroidery machine, but for now, we will discuss one process that is easy and results in top-quality patches.
Step 1
The first thing that you need to do is hoop the stick stabilizer and sticky stitch peel on the machine. After hooping the film, carefully score the wax paper and peel it off to reveal the sticky stabilizer under it.
Step 2
Choose one of the quality pre-made blank patches available and use the embroidery machine to stitch a straight outline on the patch. Most professionals use and recommend the four-square patch as it’s easier to work with and results in quality patches.
Step 3
This is one of the crucial steps, so make sure you do it correctly to get the best results. Take the patch and place it over the outline you created in step 3 above. Make sure that you center the patch, and it’s straight.
Step 4
You probably have a patch design in mind; use Google for ideas on the best patches in the market. Embroider the design selected on the patch. If possible, use either an 11 or 12 sharp point needle to transfer the design on the fabric well.
Step 5
Once you complete the process, remove the patch from the stabilizer and complete sewing the patch. You may have to heat seal the back to avoid changing the design. Create iron on the patch.
Step 6
Get a hold of the fuse-n-bond heat seal film and cut it as per the designed design. Ideally, the size of the film should be smaller than the patch.
Step 7
Set your iron to approximately 260 degrees, and with the paper facing upwards, press the iron on the form and hold that position for five seconds. Give the fuse-n-bond and the newly sewed patch ample time to cool off.
Step 8
Pull off the corner of the wax paper once the patch has cooled off completely. If done correctly, there should be no wax paper on the fuse-n-bond. Usually, this problem results from the iron temperature not being set correctly or you did not apply enough pressure. Again, make sure that the patch cools off completely and is at room temperature. Depending on the thickness of the fabric, it may take up to 15 minutes for the patch to cool.
Tips on How to Maintain an Embroidery Machine
There are many automatic embroidery machines for hats in the market that you can purchase online today. Make sure that you compare and contrast the features, capabilities, and prices to find one that suits your budget and abilities. We found an article online with reviews of different automatic embroidery machines to help you select the right one.
Cleaning
Over time, the embroidery machine will accumulate dust and other forms of debris. Commit to cleaning it every month to promote its efficiency. The frequency of cleaning is dependent on how often you use the machine.
If you use it daily, it’s prudent to clean it over the weekend. Check the user’s manual for specific instructions on disassembling and assembling the machine. From experience, removing little threads and bits of fabric from the machine can be difficult if you don’t have the required tools and expertise. Use a makeup brush to clean the bobbin case.
Don’t forget to clean the bobbin cage screw. You don’t need an advanced tool for this purpose. You can use a thin business card to remove the trapped debris in the screw.
Only use cleaning reagents that the manufacturer recommends. Harsh cleaning reagents can corrode the delicate internal parts, thereby lowering the performance of the entire machine. Desist the urge to complete the cleaning process quickly by using a blower to remove dust that’s trapped inside. This action will have a detrimental impact on the machine’s durability as the air will force lint and thread further deeper into the machine.
Blowing air using your mouth into the bobbin cage as you try to remove the link is also not recommendable as the moisture can cause rusting if trapped in the cage for long.
Always Cover Your Threads
Leaving the threads lying uncovered on the shelves is not wise. They will accumulate dust and make it difficult to put the thread into the embroidery machine. In addition, the dust will be transferred into the inner compartments of the machine, compromising its efficiency.
Bits of thread, lint, and dust can also affect the tension of your automatic embroidery machines for hats. If the tension is low, the machine will not stitch the fabrics properly, and you may have to repeat processes multiple times to achieve the expected results. Avoid all these challenges by purchasing a storage bin for storing your threads.
Cover the Machine When Not Using It
If you don’t plan to use the machine for the next couple of days or weeks, consider covering it to prevent dust accumulation on the surface. The cover will also protect the machine from moisture which, as earlier mentioned, increases the chances of the metallic parts rusting.
You can decide to either make your cover or purchase one online. Check the size of the cover to be sure that it will cover the entire machine. Visit sewing forums for ideas on making a cover for your machine
Always Turn the Machine Off When Not Using It
Ensure the machine is off and disconnected from the power socket when you are not using it. Otherwise, leaving it connected to the socket will result in mechanical issues such as the screen burning out. Note that it costs approximately $500 to replace a dang screen.
Apart from increasing the automatic embroidery machines for hats longevity, turning it off will save energy, and you will notice a significant decrease in your monthly energy expenses.
Needles Should be Changed More Often
The needles lose their sharpness and become weak after a while. Avoid the parts that break the needle from getting stuck in your machine by replacing the needles more often. Like the cleaning maintenance discussed above, the frequency of changing the needles is dependent on how you use the machine.
On the same point, make sure that you purchase the needles from an accredited store best known for selling top-quality needles. Remember that sturdy fabrics result in the needles getting nicks, burrs, bending, and gummy. Check the needle for signs of weakness, and if you realize it’s bent, change it immediately.
Purchasing quality automatic embroidery machines for hats is the first step to becoming a professional sewer. Make sure that you factor in all the features and take good care of the machine to get the most utility. Network with other sewing enthusiasts to get ideas for your next project. Happy sewing!
