• Identify Your Embroidery Machine Needs

• Discover Embroidery Machine Types

• Select Embroidery Machine Features

• Buy the Right Embroidery Software

• Don't Forget Hand-Embroidery Tools

• Find Embroidery Supplies on eBay Australia

• Buy Embroidery Supplies With Confidence

• Need More Help?

• Legal Disclaimer

Identify Your Embroidery Machine Needs

Identify Your Embroidery Machine Needs

The first thing to decide is what type of embroidery you would like to do. Is it something you'd like to dabble in every now and then for fun, or are you more interested in creating professional pieces to sell?

If you are simply looking to add a few embroidery designs to your sewing creations, consider upgrading to a combination sewing-embroidery machine which is great with its selection of preprogrammed designs.

If you are more artistic, you might like to create your own unique embroidery pieces. Buy yourself some patterns as well as an embroidery machine that will digitise your renderings via a scanner system.

For those with a bit of an entrepreneurial streak who are interested in creating original works of embroidery to sell, consider a commercial or industrial embroidery machine. These machines can withstand plenty of use, and can also be used on heavier materials such as denim fabrics and upholstery fabrics.

Discover Embroidery Machine Types

Discover Embroidery Machine Types

Owning the perfect embroidery machine is possibly the most important item in your embroidery endeavors. There are a few great brands on eBay Australia, such as Bernina, Brother, Janome, Husqvarna and more.

• Embroidery only machine: For someone who already has a sewing machine, or simply wants to embellish existing items, this machine is an ideal addition.

• Sewing-embroidery machine: Use one great machine to do all your sewing and embroidery! This is an ideal upgrade for sewers who wish to add embroidery to their skill set.    

• Commercial or industrial embroidery machine: These machines are suitable for heavy use. Multiple heads allow you to embroider the same design on several items at once, and multiple needles save time by letting you thread all the colours you need before starting the design.

Select Embroidery Machine Features

Select Embroidery Machine Features

Embroidery machines have a wide selection of features. Simple to use machines will include features like automatic needle threaders or an easily changeable bobbin. You will also find some of the latest cutting-edge computer technology available on certain embroidery machine models, particularly commercial or industrial embroidery machines.

• Mirror-image capability: This features enables symmetry and balance in the pattern-creating process.     

• Embroidery hoops: While embroidery is being applied to fabric, embroidery hoops help to hold the fabric steady. Embroidery hoops come in various sizes.

• Computerised embroidery machines: These machines have lots of stored memory, offering an incredible selection of embroidery designs and capabilities. Also, create your own designs by connecting the machine to your computer.

• Scanner: Scans your unique designs and converts them into easy-to-embroider stitches. 

• Bobbin: The spool that holds the thread.     

• Presser foot: Used to hold the fabric steady while you sew or embroider.

• Walking presser foot: This is a variation on the above that moves with the machine and keeps silk, satin, and other fine fabrics in place.

Buy the Right Embroidery Software

Buy the Right Embroidery Software

If you use a computerised embroidery machine then you'll also need embroidery software too. Besides making the art of embroidery more enjoyable, software also increases the number of patterns you own exponentially. There are various types of digitising software to fit various embroidery machines.

• Commercial software: Delivers all that you need to create your own embroidery designs.

• Machine-specific software: Commercially created embroidery designs you can download and use yourself.

• Independent-vendor software: This is an add-on to the above that allows you to convert existing software to a friendly format that you can use on your embroidery machine.

• Independent designers: Designs intended for use with specific machines; brand-specific hardware and software are required.

Don't Forget Hand-Embroidery Tools

Don't Forget Hand-Embroidery Tools

There is a special charm and wonderful talent involved in hand embroidering which you just can't get from a machine.

Embroidery kits and patterns will help you get started. There are a wide variety of decorative designs in embroidery patterns from florals to fruits. Embroidery kits normally contain many difference accents and designs.

Other hand-embroidering tools you'll need include needles, ribbon floss, ribbon trims, scissors, and transfers. Beginners may also like to read embroidery books and magazines for more instruction on this age-old craft.

Find Embroidery Supplies on eBay Australia

Find Embroidery Supplies on eBay Australia

Once you know what type of embroidery supplies you need, go to the Crafts portal, click Embroidery, and start searching for item listings on eBay Australia.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You'll find links for Design CDs, Kits, Patterns, Transfers, Threads, Floss and more.

• Keyword search: Search eBay Australia listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find machine embroidery designs, type "machine embroidery design" (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay Australia's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Australia Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay Australia will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Embroidery Supplies With Confidence

Buy Embroidery Supplies With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay Australia and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay Australia (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay Australia are not covered by eBay Australia protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay Australia item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay Australia sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay Australia and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorised payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,500.

• eBay Australia Security & Resolution Centre: Visit the Security & Resolution Centre to learn how to protect your account and use eBay Australia's quick and efficient resolution tools.

Need More Help?

Need More Help?

Visit our help pages or start a thread on one of our Community Discussion Boards - If you have a quick question that needs answering, try posting it on our community Answer Centre - there's bound to be a seasoned eBay Australia veteran with just the information you're looking for!

Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

Buying Guides are intended merely as a guide or review for members when considering what products or services they may be interested in bidding on or purchasing. eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the accuracy of the information or content contained in these Buying Guides. Furthermore, eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the nature or performance of the products or services appearing in the Buying Guides. Content, trademarks and brands referred to and contained in the third-party links provided are the property of their respective owners, and eBay has no control over and accepts no responsibility for their content. eBay is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the use of any particular product or service.