# What you need to start machine embroidery

Source: https://threadandfeed.com/blog/what-you-need-to-start-machine-embroidery
Published: 2026-10-09
Publisher: Thread & Feed

**Short answer:** Besides the embroidery machine, you need stabilizer (at least a cut-away, a tear-away and a water-soluble topping), 40 weight embroidery thread, bobbin thread or pre-wound bobbins, embroidery needles in 75/11, small curved scissors, a USB stick or app for designs, and practice fabric. Software and extra hoops can wait until you know what you like to stitch.

A new embroidery machine usually ships with a hoop, a few needles, a bobbin or two and some built-in designs. That is enough to turn it on, but not enough to stitch well. This list covers the supplies you need on day one, the ones that make a big difference within the first few weeks, and the ones you can safely wait on. It is written for single-needle home machines from Brother, Janome, Singer and similar brands, and it links to our charts for stabilizer, hoops and needles.

## The starter checklist

These items cover nearly every beginner project. Buy modest quantities at first and add more of what you use.

| Item | Why you need it | Starter choice |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stabilizer | Holds fabric steady and prevents puckers | Medium cut-away, medium tear-away, water-soluble topping |
| Embroidery thread | Top thread for the design | 40 wt polyester or rayon in a basic color set |
| Bobbin thread | Lighter thread in the bobbin | 60 wt or 90 wt bobbin thread, or pre-wound bobbins that fit your machine |
| Embroidery needles | Larger eye and special scarf for embroidery thread | 75/11 embroidery needles; 90/14 for thick fabric |
| Scissors | Trim jump stitches and stabilizer | Small curved embroidery scissors plus fabric shears |
| Design transfer | Load designs into the machine | USB stick or the maker's app if the machine supports wireless |
| Practice fabric | Test designs before the real item | Plain cotton, old T-shirts, towels |

## Stabilizer comes first

If you buy only one extra item, buy stabilizer. It is the difference between a flat, crisp design and a puckered one. A medium cut-away covers knits and sweatshirts, a medium tear-away covers stable cottons and denim, and a water-soluble topping keeps stitches on top of towels and fleece.

Our [machine embroidery stabilizer chart](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/machine-embroidery-stabilizer-chart) matches each type to common fabrics. Temporary spray adhesive or an adhesive stabilizer is a useful extra for items that are hard to hoop, like collars, pockets and small pieces.

## Thread, bobbins and needles

Embroidery thread is usually 40 weight polyester or rayon. Polyester is strong and colorfast, which makes it a good default for items that get washed often. Rayon has a soft sheen. Start with a set of basic colors rather than a huge kit, then add colors as designs call for them. Our guide to [machine embroidery thread weights](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/machine-embroidery-thread-weights) explains the numbers.

Bobbin thread is lighter than the top thread so it does not build up on the back. Pre-wound bobbins save time, but they must match your machine's bobbin class; see the [bobbin size chart](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/sewing-machine-bobbin-size-chart). For needles, embroidery needles in 75/11 handle most fabrics, with 90/14 for thick materials. The [needle and thread finder](https://threadandfeed.com/tools/needle-and-thread-chart) and our [machine embroidery needle guide](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/machine-embroidery-needle-guide) cover the details.

Note: Change the needle often. Embroidery puts thousands of stitches through the same needle, and a dull or burred needle is a common cause of thread shredding and skipped stitches.

## Designs, software and file formats

Built-in designs are fine for learning. When you start buying designs, check that the file format matches your machine; Brother machines read PES, Janome machines read JEF, and many design shops sell bundles in several formats. See [Brother embroidery machine file formats](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/brother-embroidery-machine-file-format) for more.

Also check that the design size fits your hoop. Our [embroidery machine hoop size chart](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/embroidery-machine-hoop-size-chart) lists standard fields such as 4x4 and 5x7, and the [embroidery hoop size guide](https://threadandfeed.com/tools/embroidery-hoop-size-guide) tells you which hoop a design needs. Editing or digitizing software is useful later but not required to start; many makers also offer free or app-based tools for lettering and simple edits.

## Nice to have, but not on day one

Wait to buy these until you know what you stitch most. Many beginners spend on large thread sets and software before they have learned to hoop well, which is the skill that matters most at the start.

- Extra hoops, especially a smaller one than the hoop that came with the machine.
- Magnetic hoops for thick or delicate items.
- A thread stand for large cones.
- Digitizing software for making your own designs.
- A cap hoop or cap frame if you plan to embroider hats.
- Storage for thread spools, kept away from sunlight.

[Compare beginner embroidery machines](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-embroidery-machine-for-beginners)

## Choosing the machine itself

If you do not have a machine yet, the main decisions are hoop size, whether you also want sewing stitches, and how you will transfer designs. In current listings, the Brother SE700 combo with a 4x4 hoop sells for roughly $580 to $680 depending on the bundle, while 5x7 machines like the Brother PE900 and SE2000 sell for roughly $1,180 to $1,700. Our page on [how much an embroidery machine costs](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/how-much-does-an-embroidery-machine-cost) covers the tiers.

Combo machines save space and cost if you want both sewing and embroidery, while embroidery-only machines leave your sewing machine free. See the [best sewing and embroidery machine combos](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-and-embroidery-machine) and [embroidery machine vs sewing machine](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/embroidery-machine-vs-sewing-machine) for help deciding.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I use regular sewing thread for machine embroidery?** It can work for simple designs, but embroidery thread is made to lay flat and fill smoothly. Most designs are digitized for 40 weight embroidery thread, so results are more predictable with it.

**Do I need special bobbin thread?** It is strongly recommended. Lighter bobbin thread keeps the back of the design thin and helps the top thread show cleanly. Use the type and size your manual specifies.

**Do I need software to start?** No. Built-in designs and purchased designs on a USB stick are enough to learn. Add software later for editing or digitizing.

**What should my first project be?** A simple design on medium-weight cotton with tear-away stabilizer is the easiest start. Move to towels and T-shirts once hooping feels routine.

## Machine guides for this topic

- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-embroidery-machine-for-beginners
- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-and-embroidery-machine
- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-brother-embroidery-machines