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Added a bunch of pictures that needed to be added as well as informative sections
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Throughout this section we clearly identify what an embroidery machine is, what it does, how it can be used, different applications, the different kinds, and much more. The main goal is to familiarize yourself with the machine by taking you through the entire process step by step. Firstly, we are going to show you how to use the dedicated software (PE-Design), then once you have a design you are satisfied with, we will then show you how to upload and start your embroidery project. We hope to open your eyes to a new engineering skill that may be of use in your future career.
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==What is embroidery==
 
==What is embroidery==
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[[File:Embroidery-close-up.webp|thumb|[https://www.tree64.com/embroidery Embroidery close-up]]]
 
Embroidery is the process of adding thread to a cloth to add a pattern or image. Using an embroidery machine, you can write text with thread on cloth surfaces or draw images to make logos or patches! You can also embroider different colours by layering.  
 
Embroidery is the process of adding thread to a cloth to add a pattern or image. Using an embroidery machine, you can write text with thread on cloth surfaces or draw images to make logos or patches! You can also embroider different colours by layering.  
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==Creating an embroider design==
 
==Creating an embroider design==
Embroidery designs can be made using either of the following programs:
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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.
    
===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.
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[[File:PE-design.png|thumb|407x407px|PE-design interface]]
    
#Begin by creating a new file
 
#Begin by creating a new file
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===INK/STITCH (Inkscape Extension)===
 
===INK/STITCH (Inkscape Extension)===
 
This is a free and open source way to create embroidery designs. It also gives the user more control and detailing from imported pictures, however it is more complicated to use. You can find the extension on their website at https://inkstitch.org/ along with information on how to download and install it. They provide tutorials for different functionalities too. If you don't have Inkscape installed on your computer, you can install in at https://inkscape.org/.  
 
This is a free and open source way to create embroidery designs. It also gives the user more control and detailing from imported pictures, however it is more complicated to use. You can find the extension on their website at https://inkstitch.org/ along with information on how to download and install it. They provide tutorials for different functionalities too. If you don't have Inkscape installed on your computer, you can install in at https://inkscape.org/.  
 
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[[File:Ink.stitch.png|thumb|400x400px|Inkscape with stitch extention]]
 
#Create a new document on Inkscape.
 
#Create a new document on Inkscape.
 
#Ensure that your document's page size is less than 4" x 4" as that is the maximum embroidering area.
 
#Ensure that your document's page size is less than 4" x 4" as that is the maximum embroidering area.
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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.
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[[File:Satin stitch.png|thumb|Satin [https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-work-basic-satin-stitch-1177555 stitch]]]
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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.
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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.
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== Different kinds of Embroidery machines ==
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There are 2 different types of embroidery machines that other you may find other ones categorized under, the free-motion embroidery machine, and the computerized embroidery machine. In both types of machines, we can find many pros and cons, whether it’s the cost, required time, complexity, etc.
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=== Free motion ===
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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.
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=== Computerized ===
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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.
    
==Using the Embroidery Machine: Brother HE240==
 
==Using the Embroidery Machine: Brother HE240==
 
The embroidery machine is very finicky and needs everything to be right to operate properly.
 
The embroidery machine is very finicky and needs everything to be right to operate properly.
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[[File:Machine.jpg|thumb|Brother HE240]]
    
'''Precautions before use:'''
 
'''Precautions before use:'''
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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.   
 
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[[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.'''
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The bobbin is found in the bottom of the machine and needs to be refilled every time it runs out, otherwise the machine will not sew, and an error message will pop up on the machine's screen.  
 
The bobbin is found in the bottom of the machine and needs to be refilled every time it runs out, otherwise the machine will not sew, and an error message will pop up on the machine's screen.  
 
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[[File:Rewinding the bobbin.png|thumb|[https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=ca&lang=en&prod=hf_he240eus Rewinding the bobbin on the Brother HE240]]]
 
If the bobbin is empty, you must follow the steps on rewinding the thread onto the bobbin.  
 
If the bobbin is empty, you must follow the steps on rewinding the thread onto the bobbin.  
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==Setting up the Print Bed==
 
==Setting up the Print Bed==
 
Take the plastic hoop off the embroidery machine:
 
Take the plastic hoop off the embroidery machine:
 
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[[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
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Press on the pocket.  
 
Press on the pocket.  
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[[File:Computer icon.png|left|thumb|224x224px|Pocket icon]]       
    
When you see this screen, it is ready to embroider.  
 
When you see this screen, it is ready to embroider.  
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[[File:Uploaded documents.png|left|thumb|236x236px|Uploaded documents]]
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==Making Adjustments to Size and Position==
 
==Making Adjustments to Size and Position==
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===Changing the position===
 
===Changing the position===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>picture
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Using the arrow keys you can easily change the position, rotate, or even mirror the desired design.
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[[File:Changing the position.png|left|thumb|440x440px|Changing the position]]
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===Changing the size===
 
===Changing the size===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>picture
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[[File:Resizing buttons.png|thumb|342x342px|Resizing buttons]]
 
   
When you are done making the adjustments, press the back button until you are back to design screen with your design on it.
 
When you are done making the adjustments, press the back button until you are back to design screen with your design on it.
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*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.
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==Multi-Coloured Embroiders==
 
==Multi-Coloured Embroiders==
 
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[[File:Multicoloured embroidery job.png|thumb|170x170px|Multicoloured embroidery job]]
 
*If your design has different colours, you will need to rethread the upper thread with the next colour and hit the Go button again after lowering the foot.
 
*If your design has different colours, you will need to rethread the upper thread with the next colour and hit the Go button again after lowering the foot.
 
*The machine will tell you which colour to embroider in what order on the screen:
 
*The machine will tell you which colour to embroider in what order on the screen:
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<nowiki>*</nowiki>picture
      
==Finishing up==
 
==Finishing up==
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#When your design is finished embroidering the machine will tell you. Press okay then press then scissors button.\
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#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!
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[[File:Finished job.png|alt=Scissor button|left|thumb|180x180px|Scissor button]]
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==Troubleshooting==
 
==Troubleshooting==
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==Replacing the Needle==
 
==Replacing the Needle==
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[[File:Replacing the needle.png|thumb|[https://support.brother.com/g/b/manualtop.aspx?c=ca&lang=en&prod=hf_he240eus Replacing the needle]]]
    
#Bring up the foot by pushing up on the lever. (Very important)
 
#Bring up the foot by pushing up on the lever. (Very important)
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