Changes

==Creating an embroider design==

==Creating an embroider design==

Embroidery designs can be made using either PE-design next 9 or ink/stitch. The two options are great software’s to use and are about the same difficulty in learning.

Embroidery designs can be made using either PE-design next 9 or ink/stitch. The two options are great software’s to use and are about the same difficulty in learning however the PE design software needs to be purchased.

===PE-DESIGN NEXT 9===

===PE-DESIGN NEXT 9===

This method is easier to use, however it gives the user less control over the results if you want to import pictures. The program is found on the computer attached to the sewing machine.

This method is easier to use, however it gives the user less control over the results if you want to import pictures. The program is found on the computer attached to the sewing machine in the uottawa makerspace.

[[File:PE-design.png|thumb|407x407px|PE-design interface]]

[[File:PE-design.png|thumb|407x407px|PE-design interface]]

#Begin by creating a new file

#Begin by creating a new file.

#You can insert shapes into the work area (the big white box in the center) by selecting a shape and then holding and dragging to draw the shape you want. If you do not see the shapes button, switch over to the Home tab.

#You can insert shapes into the work area (the big white box in the center) by selecting a shape and then holding and dragging to draw the shape you want. If you do not see the shapes button, switch over to the Home tab.

#Change the colours. Click on the shape then in the '''Attributes''' tab, then click on the spool and select the colour you want it to be in the side panel. You can do this too to change the colour of the outline. '''Note:''' Make sure all your colours are consistent throughout. (Don’t have 3 different shades of blue if you want the same blue throughout the print) The more colours you add, the longer it will take to embroider and more spool changes you will need to do.

#Change the colours: Click on the shape then in the '''Attributes''' tab, then click on the spool and select the colour you want it to be in the side panel. You can do this too to change the colour of the outline. '''Note:''' Make sure all your colours are consistent throughout. (Don’t have 3 different shades of blue if you want the same blue throughout the print) The more colours you add, the longer it will take to embroider and more spool changes you will need to do.

#Changing Stitch Pattern. You can also change the stitch pattern in the attributes tab to get different effects to your design.

#Changing Stitch Pattern: You can also change the stitch pattern in the attributes tab to get different effects to your design.

#Optimizing for Sewing Order. Since the embroidery machine can do only one colour at a time, it is important to optimize the file to do all the same colours at once. We can do this by grouping the same coloured layers together in the sewing order panel on the left.

#Optimizing for Sewing Order: Since the embroidery machine can do only one colour at a time, it is important to optimize the file to do all the same colours at once. We can do this by grouping the same coloured layers together in the sewing order panel on the left.

#Finishing up. Save your work.Go to the '''Home''' tab. Plug in your machine to the computer. Send your design to the machine.

#Finishing up. Save your work.Go to the '''Home''' tab. Plug in your machine to the computer. Send your design to the machine.

#After making your file, you can simulate the path the needle will take. This takes a long time so it's easier to check only a portion at a time to narrow down any bugs that might be in your file.

#After making your file, you can simulate the path the needle will take. This takes a long time so it's easier to check only a portion at a time to narrow down any bugs that might be in your file.

#Save your file as a .pes file (as well as a .svg file to make any changes later on). Copy and paste the .pes file onto the machine drive (It should show up as being connected to a USB port). If it doesn't show up, it means your file is too large (width and height).

#Save your file as a .pes file (as well as a .svg file to make any changes later on). Copy and paste the .pes file onto the machine drive (It should show up as being connected to a USB port). If it doesn't show up, it means your file is too large (width and height).

==== SATIN STITCHING IN INK/STITCH ====

 

====SATIN STITCHING IN INK/STITCH====

Satin stitching gives a shiny finish to your embroidered piece, however it works best with smaller sections or lines.

Satin stitching gives a shiny finish to your embroidered piece, however it works best with smaller sections or lines.

There is a wonderful tutorial on using Ink/Stitch to make satin stitching on https://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/InkStitch_-_satin_columns from the University of Geneva.

There is a wonderful tutorial on using Ink/Stitch to make satin stitching on https://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/InkStitch_-_satin_columns from the University of Geneva.

 

NOTE: If you are making a satin stitch from a few lines on the same path, occasionally the default parameter will be to satin stitch the individual lines separately with very loose zig-zag pattern despite following all the steps in the wiki above. Uncheck "Lines to Satin" to solve this problem.

'''NOTE:''' If you are making a satin stitch from a few lines on the same path, occasionally the default parameter will be to satin stitch the individual lines separately with very loose zig-zag pattern despite following all the steps in the wiki above. Uncheck "Lines to Satin" to solve this problem.

== Different kinds of Embroidery machines ==

== Different kinds of Embroidery machines ==

=== Free motion ===

=== Free motion ===

For the case regarding the free-motion embroidery machines, we typically require a fair bit of hands-on work. However, we will typically find these machines doubling as a sowing machine to increase its resourcefulness. The machine works by moving a tightly banded piece of fabric along the horizontal plane beneath the needle. The needle will then piece through the fabric wile the fabric is moving to achieve the desired design. On this machine, the user must operate the machine using various building settings so that the fabric stays tight therefore, achieving the highest quality result. With this kind of machine there is only one needle the operator must stop the machine and interchange the thread for every different color desired in the design. This can be very time consuming.

For the case regarding the free-motion embroidery machines, we typically require a fair bit of hands-on work. However, we will typically find these machines doubling as a sewing machine to increase its resourcefulness. The machine works by moving a tightly banded piece of fabric along the horizontal plane beneath the needle. The needle will then piece through the fabric wile the fabric is moving to achieve the desired design. On this machine, the user must operate the machine using various building settings so that the fabric stays tight therefore, achieving the highest quality result. With this kind of machine there is only one needle the operator must stop the machine and interchange the thread for every different colour desired in the design. This can be very time consuming.

=== Computerized ===

=== Computerized ===

In modern embroidery machines we can see a lot more automation in this process. The embroidery machine comprises a frame that holds the fabric in tension, then the sewing needle moves automatically using the preprogrammed design as its guide. The machine can switch between different integrated needles to obtain different colors in the embroidery design. Within these machines there are many different needles which make it a great tool for the industrial market. These machines require no hands-on manipulation other than the initial threading of the needles. Since the machines are fully automated, this makes for a significantly faster process.

In modern embroidery machines we can see a lot more automation in this process. The embroidery machine comprises a frame that holds the fabric in tension, then the sewing needle moves automatically using the pre-programmed design as its guide. The machine can switch between different integrated needles to obtain different colours in the embroidery design. Within these machines there are many different needles which make it a great tool for the industrial market. These machines require no hands-on manipulation other than the initial threading of the needles. Since the machines are fully automated, this makes for a significantly faster process.

==Using the Embroidery Machine: Brother HE240==

==Using the Embroidery Machine: Brother HE240==

[[File:Machine.jpg|thumb|Brother HE240]]

[[File:Machine.jpg|thumb|Brother HE240]]

'''Precautions before use:'''

'''Precautions before use'''

*Make sure you are using a 75/11 needle

*Make sure you are using a 75/11 needle

The power switch is found on the side of the machine.  

The power switch is found on the side of the machine.  

You will be prompted a message after turning it on, hit OK

You will be prompted a message after turning it on, hit OK.

If the machine is not already threaded or is threaded with the wrong colour, follow the steps for threading the machine.

If the machine is not already threaded or is threaded with the wrong colour, follow the steps for threading the machine.

#Before threading, make sure the needle is in its highest position. If not, press the round button with a picture of a needle with a horizontal line through it that is underneath the Brother logo on the front of the machine. If the needle goes down instead of up, press that button once more.

#Before threading, make sure the needle is in its highest position. If not, press the round button with a picture of a needle with a horizontal line through it that is underneath the Brother logo on the front of the machine. If the needle goes down instead of up, press that button once more.

Note: It is advised that you use thread meant for embroidery. It would say embroidery on the spool, this yields higher quality results.   

'''Note:''' It is advised that you use thread meant for embroidery. It would say embroidery on the spool, this yields higher quality results.   

[[File:Threading the machine.png|thumb|[https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=ca&lang=en&prod=hf_he240eus Threading the machine]]]

[[File:Threading the machine.png|thumb|[https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=ca&lang=en&prod=hf_he240eus Threading the machine]]]

'''Now we are using the steps that are on the machine.'''

'''Now we are using the steps that are on the machine.'''

#The start button (The one with the arrow) should now be yellow, press it and it will start winding the thread around the spool. Once it’s nearly full, press the yellow button again to stop it.

#The start button (The one with the arrow) should now be yellow, press it and it will start winding the thread around the spool. Once it’s nearly full, press the yellow button again to stop it.

#Push the bobbin the other way as show and take it off the winder. Your bobbin is now refilled!

#Push the bobbin the other way as show and take it off the winder. Your bobbin is now refilled!

#Take the lid off the bobbin as you did before. Take the end of the thread

#Take the lid off the bobbin as you did before. Take the end of the thread.

#Take the end of the thread and place it under the plastic tab.

#Take the end of the thread and place it under the plastic tab.

#Then take the thread and loop it in around the plastic grove as shown.

#Then take the thread and loop it in around the plastic grove as shown.

Take the plastic hoop off the embroidery machine:

Take the plastic hoop off the embroidery machine:

[[File:Setting up the fabric.png|thumb|272x272px|[https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=ca&lang=en&prod=hf_he240eus Setting up the fabric]]]

[[File:Setting up the fabric.png|thumb|272x272px|[https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=ca&lang=en&prod=hf_he240eus Setting up the fabric]]]

#Pull the metal tab

#Pull the metal tab.

#Pull upwards on the plastic hoop to remove it

#Pull upwards on the plastic hoop to remove it.

#Once it is off, push the tab up to bring up the foot.

#Once it is off, push the tab up to bring up the foot.

#Slide the hoop off from under the foot

#Slide the hoop off from under the foot

'''Note:''' Make sure the piece of cloth is tightened evenly across the hoop and doesn’t have any creases. If the foot is down, push the lever up to bring the foot up.  

'''Note:''' Make sure the piece of cloth is tightened evenly across the hoop and doesn’t have any creases. If the foot is down, push the lever up to bring the foot up.  

Slide the hoop under the foot  

Slide the hoop under the foot.

Put the hoop in the arm. Push it in until it clicks into place. That’s it! Now the bed is ready  

Put the hoop in the arm. Push it in until it clicks into place. That’s it! Now the bed is ready.

==Loading a design onto the machine==

 

===Loading a design onto the machine===

Plug in the USB cable in into the back of the machine and connect the other end to your computer.

Plug in the USB cable in into the back of the machine and connect the other end to your computer.

Click on Send > Send to Your Machine and then select the first option in that list.  

Click on Send > Send to Your Machine and then select the first option in that list.  

==Preparing your design==

===Preparing your design===

Click on the computer icon to access the designs you loaded from the computer.  

Click on the computer icon to access the designs you loaded from the computer.  

When you see this screen, it is ready to embroider.  

When you see this screen, it is ready to embroider.  

[[File:Uploaded documents.png|thumb|204x204px|Uploaded documents|alt=|none]]  

[[File:Uploaded documents.png|thumb|204x204px|Uploaded documents|alt=|none]]

== Making Adjustments to Size and Position ==

== Making Adjustments to Size and Position ==

Press the '''Adjust''' button.  

Press the '''Adjust''' button.  

Then press the '''Layout''' button  

Then press the '''Layout''' button.

===Changing the position===

===Changing the position===

*Very sharp needle moving up and down

*Very sharp needle moving up and down

*Mechanical parts are moving all over the machine, touching them will cause the embroider to fail.

*Mechanical parts are moving all over the machine, touching them will cause the embroider to fail.

==Finishing up==

==Finishing up==

[[File:Finished job.png|alt=Scissor button|thumb|180x180px|Scissor button]]

[[File:Finished job.png|alt=Scissor button|thumb|180x180px|Scissor button]]

#When your design is finished embroidering the machine will tell you. Press okay then press then scissors button.

#When your design is finished embroidering the machine will tell you. Press okay then press then scissors button.

#Raise the foot.

#Raise the foot.

#Remove the hoop from the machine

#Remove the hoop from the machine.

#Loosen the screw on the hoop and take your embroidered design!

#Loosen the screw on the hoop and take your embroidered design!

==Troubleshooting==

==Troubleshooting==

**If the bobbin is empty: Refill the bobbin

**If the bobbin is empty: Refill the bobbin

**If the bobbin is full see: Thread the Bobbin

**If the bobbin is full see: Thread the Bobbin

*Machine displays: '''“⚠ Check and rethread the upper thread.”'''

*Machine displays: '''“⚠ Check and rethread the upper thread.”'''

**If the thread spool is empty: Thread the machine

**If the thread spool is empty: Thread the machine

**If the thread spool isn’t empty: Thread the machine

**If the thread spool isn’t empty: Thread the machine

*The needle Breaks: Replace the needle.

*The needle Breaks: Replace the needle.

**Check the bobbin case for any burrs or holes that could have been caused by the needle. Sand those spots until smooth to ensure bobbin thread will not get caught inside the machine.

**Check the bobbin case for any burrs or holes that could have been caused by the needle. Sand those spots until smooth to ensure bobbin thread will not get caught inside the machine.

**Check to make sure the bobbin case is inserted into the machine correctly. The arrow on the bobbin case should align with the white dot on the machine.

**Check to make sure the bobbin case is inserted into the machine correctly. The arrow on the bobbin case should align with the white dot on the machine.

==Replacing the Needle==

==Replacing the Needle==

#Now that the needle is out, you need to put in a new 75/11 embroidery needle. The flat end of the needle needs to be facing away from you when sliding it back up into the machine. (Same orientation as show in the image)

#Now that the needle is out, you need to put in a new 75/11 embroidery needle. The flat end of the needle needs to be facing away from you when sliding it back up into the machine. (Same orientation as show in the image)

#Make sure the needle cannot go up any further then tighten the screw.

#Make sure the needle cannot go up any further then tighten the screw.