| If you want to set up a home boutique, all you need to | | | | setting up a new unit and don't have a sewing |
| get started is a sewing machine. Now there are a | | | | machine, you can go for this type of machine. |
| number of computerized sewing and embroidery | | | | It is advisable to visit your local dealer for more |
| machines available on the market that would suit | | | | information about the types of machines and do your |
| every need and every budget. However, there are | | | | research before you go for purchase. |
| some basic things you need to know before you go | | | | Before you operate one, you also need to know about |
| and buy one. | | | | some technical terms and processes. |
| What are Sewing and Embroidery Machines: As the | | | | Hooping: Sewing and embroidery machines have a |
| name makes it clear, are machines with combined | | | | hoop that fits into the embroidery arm of the machine. |
| functions. They are more convenient than separate | | | | Placing the fabric on the hoop and fitting it into the arm |
| machines. With their function of computerized sewing | | | | is called hooping. While placing the fabric on the hoop, |
| using a vast range of designs which you can edit for | | | | care has to be taken that the cloth is taut and does |
| yourself, they allow you to add beauty and charm of | | | | not move during embroidery or the design will not be |
| themed detail to your sewn dresses. | | | | stitched out correctly. |
| How Much a Sewing and Embroidery Machine Costs: | | | | Stabilization: Stabilization is the process of placing a |
| The cost of these machines varies greatly and can be | | | | stabilizer under or within or over the fabric before you |
| anything between $300 and $8000. The cost of your | | | | begin. Stabilizer is an additional piece of material that |
| machine would depend on its features, the size and | | | | stiffens and supports the fabric for proper usage. |
| the design software you purchase to work with. For a | | | | There are different types of stabilizers that can be cut |
| home boutique, however, the lower ranges would be | | | | or torn or dissolved after you have finished. |
| good enough. | | | | Digitizing: Digitizing is the process of turning an image |
| Types of Sewing and Embroidery Machines: Some | | | | into a language understandable by the sewing and |
| are a misnomer as they do not do the work of a | | | | embroidery machine. It turns the image into a design |
| regular sewing machine. They are solely devoted to | | | | that the machine can embroider. However, you must |
| embroidering. If you already have a sewing machine, | | | | have the knowledge of computer graphics to do it; if |
| you can buy this type of sewing machine. | | | | you don't have you can purchase prepared designs. |
| Other machines, which are more costly, combine the | | | | Computerized sewing and embroidery machines are |
| functions of both. Usually these have a removable unit | | | | very easy to operate and allow you to show the full |
| which is taken out while doing sewing. If you are | | | | range of your creativity for your home boutique. |