Step-by-Step How To Use A Brother Embroidery Machine Guide

So, you want to use a Brother embroidery machine? This guide will show you exactly how to do it, step by step. We will cover everything from setting up your machine to finishing your first project and keeping your machine in great shape.

Getting Your Machine Ready

First things first, let’s get your machine out of the box and ready to go. This is the Brother embroidery machine setup process.

When you open the box, take everything out carefully. Find the power cord and the foot control pedal if your model has one.

Put your machine on a flat, strong table. Make sure it has enough space around it.
Plug the power cord into the machine, then into the wall.
Turn the machine on. The power switch is usually on the side.
The machine screen will light up. It might ask you to pick a language. Follow the simple steps on the screen.
Find the embroidery arm. Attach it to the machine. This is usually a simple slide-and-lock action. Look in your machine’s manual for the exact steps for your model. Machines like the Brother PE800 tutorial often start with this basic setup.
Make sure the embroidery hoop is nearby. You will need it soon.

That’s the basic setup. Your machine is now ready for the next steps.

Finding the Right Supplies

Before you start sewing, you need the right stuff. This includes fabric, thread, and a special material called stabilizer.

Picking Your Fabric

You can embroider on many kinds of fabric. Cotton, linen, denim, and even some knits work well. Thicker fabrics are often easier for beginners. Make sure your fabric is clean and pressed smooth.

Choosing embroidery thread for Brother Machines

Using the right thread is very important for good results. Brother machines work best with good quality embroidery thread.

Rayon or Polyester: These are the most common types of embroidery thread. Rayon is very shiny, while polyester is strong and keeps its color well, even after washing. Polyester is often a good choice for items that will be washed a lot.
Weight: Embroidery thread usually comes in 40 weight. This is standard. You can use other weights for special effects, but 40 weight is best for most designs.
Brand: Brother recommends using Brother brand embroidery thread for the best results. However, many other good quality embroidery thread brands will work fine. Just avoid very cheap thread, as it can break often or cause lint buildup.

Keep your threads organized by color. Good thread makes a big difference in how your finished work looks.

Embroidery machine stabilizer types

Stabilizer is a material you put under or sometimes on top of your fabric. It gives the fabric body and stops the stitches from making the fabric pucker or stretch while the machine is sewing. Think of it like a hidden helper for your stitches.

There are different kinds of stabilizer:

Cut-Away: This type is used for stretchy fabrics like knits or unstable fabrics. After sewing, you cut the extra stabilizer away from the back of your design. It stays under the stitches to support them through washing and wearing.
Tear-Away: This is good for stable fabrics like cotton or denim. After sewing, you can simply tear the extra stabilizer away from the back. It’s quick and easy. Be careful not to pull your stitches.
Wash-Away (or Water Soluble): This dissolves in water. It’s used on top of fabrics with a nap (like towels or velvet) to keep stitches from sinking into the fabric. It can also be used as a backing on fabrics where you don’t want any stabilizer left, like lace or sheer fabrics.
Heat-Away: This type melts away when you iron it. It’s less common but useful for fabrics that cannot get wet.

Choosing the right stabilizer depends on your fabric and the design. A heavy stitch design on a light fabric needs a strong stabilizer, like cut-away. A light design on stable cotton might only need tear-away. Sometimes, for towels, you use tear-away on the back and wash-away on the top.

Here’s a simple table to help you pick:

Fabric Type	Design Density	Recommended Stabilizer Type(s)	Notes
Stable Wovens (Cotton, Linen, Denim)	Light	Tear-Away	Easy to remove
Stable Wovens (Cotton, Linen, Denim)	Heavy	Cut-Away (Medium to Heavy)	Provides more lasting support
Stretchy Knits	Any	Cut-Away (Medium to Heavy)	Essential to prevent stretching/puckering
Terrycloth, Fleece	Any	Tear-Away (Back) + Wash-Away (Top)	Keeps stitches on top of the fabric fibers
Sheer Fabrics, Lace	Any	Wash-Away	Leaves no residue

Using the correct stabilizer is a key step to getting nice-looking embroidery. Don’t skip this step!

Picking and Loading Your Design

Your machine comes with built-in designs. You can also buy designs or create your own using software.

Finding a Design

Look through the designs built into your machine. Use the touchscreen to see what’s available. Models like the Brother PE800 have many designs to choose from.

If you want to use a different design, you will likely get it from a USB stick or connect your machine to a computer with using embroidery software with Brother.

Using Software and Getting Designs

Using embroidery software with Brother machines lets you do many things:

Edit Designs: Change colors, size, or add text to built-in or purchased designs.
Combine Designs: Put different designs together.
Create Designs: Turn pictures into stitches (this is more advanced).

Brother has its own software, like PE-Design. There are also other software programs that work with Brother machines.

Once you have a design ready on your computer or bought online, you need to get it to your machine. The most common way for many Brother models is using a USB stick.

Loading embroidery design on Brother

Here’s how you typically get an outside design onto your machine:

Save the design file onto a USB stick. Brother machines usually read .pes or .dst file types. Check your manual to be sure.
Turn on your embroidery machine.
Put the USB stick into the USB port on your machine. This port is often on the side.
On the machine’s screen, look for an icon that looks like a USB stick or says “USB”. Tap it.
The screen will show the design files on your USB stick.
Tap the design you want to use.
Tap “Set” or “OK” to load the design onto the machine’s memory for sewing.

The design will now show on your screen. You can usually move it, turn it, or make it bigger or smaller using the screen controls. Make sure the design fits within the size of your embroidery hoop.

Getting the Fabric and Hoop Ready

Now it’s time to prepare your fabric and put it in the hoop. This step holds your fabric steady so the machine can sew accurately.

Cut your fabric large enough to fit in the hoop with a few inches extra on all sides.
Cut a piece of your chosen stabilizer also large enough for the hoop.
Take your embroidery hoop apart. It has two parts: an inner ring and an outer ring with a screw or lever.
Place the outer ring on a flat surface.
Put the stabilizer over the outer ring.
Put your fabric over the stabilizer. Make sure the fabric is smooth and flat, with no wrinkles. The right side of the fabric should be facing up.
Place the inner ring inside the outer ring, on top of the fabric and stabilizer. Push it down firmly. You might need to loosen the screw on the outer ring first.
Once the inner ring is seated, tighten the screw on the outer ring. Pull the fabric and stabilizer taut like a drum, but not so tight that you stretch the fabric out of shape (especially knits). The stabilizer should also be smooth.
Wipe away any wrinkles from the fabric and stabilizer within the hoop.
Attach the hooped fabric to the embroidery arm of your machine. It will click into place. Make sure it is secure.

Your fabric is now ready to be embroidered.

Threading Brother embroidery machine

Putting the thread through your machine correctly is super important. If the machine is not threaded right, the stitches won’t look good, and the thread might break often. Brother machines have numbered guides to help you.

Threading the Top Thread

Make sure the machine is on, but the needle is not down. You can usually raise the needle using a button on the machine.
Place your chosen embroidery thread spool onto the spool pin. Use the right size spool cap to hold it in place.
Follow the numbered path on the machine. Go through guide 1, then 2, then down the channel (often marked 3).
Go around the tension discs (usually hidden inside the machine, but you guide the thread around them as shown by the numbers).
Go up the channel to the take-up lever (usually marked 4). Make sure the thread goes through the hole or hook on the take-up lever.
Go back down the channel (marked 5).
Follow the path down to the needle area (marked 6).
Use the built-in needle threader if your machine has one. This is a very helpful tool! Lower the presser foot first, bring the threader down, hook the thread, and push it through the needle eye. If you don’t have one, thread the needle manually from front to back.
Pull a few inches of thread through the needle eye.
Bring the thread under the presser foot and through the small opening in the needle plate. Pull it towards the back of the machine.

Putting in the Bobbin

The bobbin holds the thread that makes the stitches on the back of your fabric. Brother machines use a drop-in bobbin system.

Open the bobbin cover plate (usually clear plastic near the needle plate).
Put the filled bobbin into the bobbin case. Make sure the thread is going the correct way – usually clockwise if you look at the bobbin. There is a small diagram on the machine to show you.
Guide the bobbin thread through the small slit or guide path on the bobbin case.
Pull the thread gently. It should unwind smoothly.
Close the bobbin cover plate. You do not need to pull the bobbin thread up through the needle plate opening before you start sewing; the machine will do this for you on the first stitch.

Getting the thread right for threading Brother embroidery machine is a skill you’ll quickly master with practice. Always double-check the path.

Embroidery machine thread tension

Thread tension is how tight the top thread and the bobbin thread are as they meet in the fabric. Correct tension makes stitches look smooth and even on both the front and back of your project.

Perfect Tension: The top thread pulls a small loop of the bobbin thread to the back of the fabric, and the bobbin thread pulls a small loop of the top thread to the back. The stitches look the same on the front as the back, with no loops or skipped stitches.
Top Thread Too Loose: You will see loops of the top thread on the fabric’s surface.
Top Thread Too Tight: You will see the bobbin thread pulled up to the top surface of the fabric.
Bobbin Thread Too Loose: You will see loops of the bobbin thread on the back of the fabric.
Bobbin Thread Too Tight: You will see the top thread pulled down to the back surface of the fabric.

Most Brother machines set tension automatically based on the stitch type. However, if you are having problems, you might need to adjust it.

Adjusting Top Tension: There’s usually a tension setting on the screen or a dial on the machine. Increase the number to make the top thread tighter, decrease it to make it looser. Make small changes and test on scrap fabric.
Adjusting Bobbin Tension: The bobbin tension is usually set at the factory and should not need changing unless you are using very special threads. If you must adjust it, it involves a tiny screw on the bobbin case. This should only be done if necessary and with care.

Incorrect embroidery machine thread tension is a common cause of stitch problems. Always test on a piece of scrap fabric with the same layers (fabric + stabilizer) before starting your actual project.

Starting the Embroidery

Everything is set up: machine ready, supplies gathered, design loaded, fabric hooped, and machine threaded. Now it’s time to sew!

Select your design on the screen. You should see it inside a picture of your hoop.
Use the screen to move the design within the hoop picture. Center it where you want it on your fabric.
Make sure the hooped fabric is attached correctly to the embroidery arm.
Lower the presser foot. Brother machines usually have a button for this or you lower a lever. The machine will not start if the foot is up on most models.
Press the Start button (usually a green button).

The machine will now begin sewing the design. Watch it go!

The machine will stitch one color at a time.
It will stop when it finishes a color. The screen will tell you it’s time to change the thread.
Change the top thread to the next color needed for the design. Follow the same threading Brother embroidery machine steps as before.
Press Start again. The machine will continue with the next color.
Repeat this for all the colors in your design.

While it’s sewing, keep an eye on the thread. If it breaks, the machine will usually stop. Reknot the thread, thread the machine again, and the machine will usually let you go back a few stitches to restart.

After the Embroidery is Done

The machine has finished sewing all the colors. What’s next?

The machine will stop.
Raise the presser foot.
Unhook the embroidery hoop from the embroidery arm.
Take the fabric out of the hoop. Loosen the screw on the outer ring and gently lift the fabric out.
Remove the stabilizer from the back of your fabric.
- If using Tear-Away: Gently tear the stabilizer away from around the stitches. Be careful near the edge of the design.
- If using Cut-Away: Use scissors to carefully cut the stabilizer about 1/4 to 1/2 inch away from the edge of the design. Don’t cut too close!
- If using Wash-Away: You will wash this away later according to the product directions. For now, just leave it.
Turn your fabric over to the back. Trim any bobbin threads connecting parts of the design.
Turn your fabric to the front. Trim any jump stitches – these are the threads that go from one part of the design to another when the machine moves without sewing. Be careful not to cut the actual stitches.

Now your embroidered piece is ready! You can use it for your project, whether it’s a shirt, bag, or wall hanging.

More About Using Your Machine

Let’s dive a little deeper into some topics we touched on.

Getting More Designs

As mentioned before, you are not limited to the built-in designs. Loading embroidery design on Brother from outside sources is a great way to make unique projects.

Online Stores: Many websites sell embroidery designs. You buy them and download them to your computer.
Design CDs/DVDs: Some companies sell collections of designs on discs.
Using Software: As discussed, using embroidery software with Brother (like PE-Design) lets you make your own designs or change existing ones.

Remember to save designs in a format your machine can read (.pes, .dst, etc.). Always safely remove the USB stick from your computer before putting it in your machine.

Troubleshooting Brother embroidery machine

Even with careful setup, sometimes things go wrong. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.

Problem	Possible Cause	How to Fix It
Thread Breaking Often	Machine not threaded right	Re-thread the machine carefully, following the numbers. Check the bobbin path.
	Wrong thread or old thread	Use quality embroidery thread. Old thread can be weak.
	Needle is bent, dull, or wrong size	Change the needle. Use a sharp embroidery needle of the correct size for fabric.
	Embroidery machine thread tension is off	Check tension. It might be too tight. Test on scrap fabric.
	Fabric hooped too tight	Re-hoop fabric, making it taut but not overly stretched.
Stitches Look Messy / Loopy	Embroidery machine thread tension is off	Adjust tension. Top thread loops on top means top tension too loose. Bobbin thread showing on top means top tension too tight.
	Machine not threaded right	Re-thread carefully.
	Needle issue	Change the needle.
Fabric Puckering or Gapping	Wrong stabilizer or not enough stabilizer	Use a heavier cut-away stabilizer for unstable fabrics or dense designs.
	Fabric not hooped correctly	Ensure fabric is smooth and taut in the hoop, not stretched.
Design Won’t Load	Wrong file format	Make sure the file is .pes or .dst (check manual).
	Problem with USB stick or file	Try a different USB stick. Download the file again.
Machine Makes Strange Noises	Needs cleaning or oiling	See the cleaning section below.
	Something stuck in the machine (thread, lint)	Turn machine off, check for visible obstructions, gently remove.
Machine Won’t Turn On	Power cord not plugged in fully	Check power cord connection at machine and wall. Try a different outlet.
	Power switch not fully on	Ensure switch is completely flipped.

For specific errors shown on the screen, look up the error code in your machine’s manual. The manual for models like the Brother PE800 tutorial section often includes a list of error codes and what they mean. Don’t be afraid to refer to your manual!

Cleaning Brother embroidery machine

Keeping your machine clean is vital for it to work well and last a long time. Lint from thread and fabric can build up inside and cause problems.

Turn Off and Unplug: Always turn off and unplug your machine before cleaning.
Clean the Bobbin Area: This is where most lint collects.
- Remove the hoop and the needle.
- Remove the needle plate (you might need a screwdriver that came with the machine).
- Remove the bobbin case.
- Use the small brush that came with your machine (or a small, clean paintbrush) to brush away all the lint you can see. Get into all the nooks and crannies.
- Do not use canned air to blow away lint. This can push lint further into the machine where it’s harder to remove.
- Put the bobbin case and needle plate back.
Clean Under the Needle Plate: After removing the needle plate, brush away lint from the feed dogs (the little teeth that move fabric for regular sewing, though less active in embroidery) and the hook area.
Clean the Thread Paths: Brush away any dust or lint from the thread guides and the take-up lever area.
Wipe the Machine: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the outside of the machine and the screen. If needed, use a very slightly damp cloth (not wet!) but avoid getting water in any openings.
Oiling (Check Manual!): Some parts of your machine might need oiling. Only oil your machine if your manual says to and shows you where. Use only sewing machine oil. Different models, including Brother PE800, have specific oiling points or might be factory-lubricated and not require user oiling. Follow your manual exactly.

How often should you clean? It depends on how much you use your machine. A good rule is to clean the bobbin area after every few projects or whenever you change the bobbin many times. Give it a more thorough cleaning regularly.

Using Your Machine for Different Projects

Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can use your Brother embroidery machine for many creative projects:

Personalizing Clothing: Add names, monograms, or fun designs to shirts, jackets, hats, and more.
Making Gifts: Embroider towels, blankets, bags, or napkins for personalized presents.
Home Decor: Add embroidery to pillows, tablecloths, or wall hangings.
Quilting: Embroider blocks for quilts.
Patches: Create custom patches.

Think about the fabric and design when planning a project. Choose the right stabilizer and needle for best results. A good needle for embroidery is usually a sharp embroidery needle, size 75/11 or 90/14, depending on the fabric thickness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions people ask about using a Brother embroidery machine.

Q: My Brother embroidery machine screen says “Check Thread.” What does that mean?
A: This usually means the machine thinks the top thread has broken or come unthreaded. Re-thread the machine completely, making sure the thread goes through all the guides, including the take-up lever. Also, check the bobbin area for tangled thread or lint.

Q: Can I use regular sewing thread in my Brother embroidery machine?
A: It is best to use thread specifically made for machine embroidery. Embroidery thread is stronger and has a different finish (often shinier) than regular sewing thread. Using regular thread can lead to more thread breaks and lint buildup.

Q: How do I know what size hoop to use?
A: Your machine comes with one or more hoops. Choose a hoop that is slightly larger than your design. You cannot embroider outside the hoop area. Your machine screen will show you if the design fits in the selected hoop size. Models like the Brother PE800 often come with a 5×7 inch hoop.

Q: What is the difference between Cut-Away and Tear-Away stabilizer?
A: Cut-away stabilizer stays under your stitches permanently after you trim away the excess. It gives lasting support to stretchy or unstable fabrics. Tear-away stabilizer is meant to be easily torn away from the back of your project after sewing. It’s used for stable fabrics where you don’t need ongoing support.

Q: How do I clean lint from my machine?
A: Turn off and unplug the machine. Remove the bobbin case and needle plate. Use a small brush to gently sweep away lint from the bobbin area, feed dogs, and thread paths. Do NOT use canned air, as it can push lint deeper into the machine.

Q: My stitches are skipping. What could be wrong?
A: Skipping stitches can be caused by incorrect embroidery machine thread tension, improper threading Brother embroidery machine, a bent or dull needle, using the wrong size or type of needle for your fabric, or issues with the bobbin. Check all these things.

Q: Where can I find more help for my specific Brother model, like the PE800?
A: Your machine came with a detailed manual. This is the best resource for model-specific questions. You can often find a digital version of the manual on the Brother support website. Looking for a Brother PE800 tutorial online can also provide visual guides for common tasks.

Taking Care of Your Machine

Just like any tool, taking good care of your Brother embroidery machine will keep it running smoothly for years.

Always put the protective cover over it when you are not using it to keep dust out.
Use quality threads and needles.
Clean it regularly, as shown in the cleaning Brother embroidery machine section.
Get it serviced by a professional every few years, even if it seems to be working fine. This is like a check-up for your machine.

Starting Your Embroidery Journey

Using a Brother embroidery machine opens up a world of creativity. Don’t feel like you need to know everything at once. Start with simple designs and projects. Practice threading Brother embroidery machine, hooping fabric, and changing colors. Experiment with different embroidery machine stabilizer types and fabrics.

If you run into problems, use the troubleshooting tips or check your manual. Don’t let small issues stop you. Every project is a chance to learn.

Remember the key steps:
1. Set up your machine (Brother embroidery machine setup).
2. Gather your supplies (fabric, choosing embroidery thread for Brother, embroidery machine stabilizer types).
3. Get your design ready (using embroidery software with Brother, loading embroidery design on Brother).
4. Prepare your fabric in the hoop.
5. Thread your machine correctly (threading Brother embroidery machine, check embroidery machine thread tension).
6. Start sewing.
7. Finish your piece by removing stabilizer and trimming threads.
8. Keep your machine clean (cleaning Brother embroidery machine) and troubleshoot issues (troubleshooting Brother embroidery machine) as they come up.

Following these steps will help you use your Brother embroidery machine with confidence. Enjoy making beautiful embroidered items!