Brother International PR1050X Operation Manual - Page 253

APPENDIX Creating Beautiful Embroidery The various precautions concerning the thread, embroidery frames and stabilizers (backings) that must be observed in order to create beautiful embroidery are described below. Threads Embroidery thread can be costly, therefore caring for it should be a priority. No matter how well a thread is manufactured, it must be appropriately stored if it is to sew properly. This is especially true when one considers the time that lapses between delivery to the thread user and the moment the thread is actually used on the embroidery machine. It is important that embroidery threads be stored in an environment that is free of damaging agents such as excessive heat, light or moisture. Choice of thread is a major factor in improving production time. The thread run ability, strength, consistency and weight all affect output. These qualities determine how well the machine will sew and the number of thread breaks during sewing. Thread breaks have an important influence on production. Each thread break reduces output by at least 0.07% a day (7.5 hours), assuming that it takes 20 seconds to rethread a needle. For every reduction of 14 thread breaks per a day, output can be improved by more than 1.0 %. Stabilizers (backing) Embroidery threads are best stored in an area that is as clean and dust-free as possible. It is also important that the storage area be free of smoke, fumes and gases. Certain gases may cause the thread to yellow. These fumes originate from such appliances as gas heaters or from gas or diesel engines. Backing and topping serve to stabilize and support the product being embroidered so the stitches can be sewn with the least amount of interference or instability. They serve as stabilizers for your embroidery work. Without the proper type of stabilizer, the fabric may move too much within the embroidery frame causing poor alignment of Direct sunlight is also extremely destructive for embroidery threads. Boxes of thread should not be left open and exposed to direct sunlight. If possible, skylights and windows should be diffused. The best type of lighting for embroidery thread is tungsten-filament or fluorescent tubes. It the embroidery. At times, topping will be required in order to manage fabrics with a pile-like surface, such as towels, corduroy and piqué knit. There are many types of backing and toppings with various weights for the various fabrics that you may be sewing. 7 is important to remember that prolonged exposure to these harmful sources may also cause the colors of cardboard boxes and other objects to fade. There are four types of stabilizers (backing) that can be used in embroidery: cut-away, tear-away, Temperature and humidity also pose a threat to water soluble and self-adhesive. In these four embroidery threads. The ideal conditions are types, various weights, sizes and textures are between 59 °F and 77 °F (or 15 °C and 25 °C). available. When selecting the stabilizer type for a Humidity should be between 40% and 60%. particular fabric, consider the design size in These conditions should be kept as constant as addition to the stitch count and stitch type used in possible in order to prevent mildew from forming. the design. Excessive temperatures can also cause lubrication problems that ultimately result in thread breaks. Damp conditions can affect paper bobbins as the Finally, make sure that the stabilizer is not cardboard will swell and the thread can become oversized. It is also important to realize that even if the overall storage conditions are good, there may be "spot problems" where a thread is exposed to a stretched. Some backings may not stretch vertically or horizontally but may stretch diagonally. DO NOT USE THESE TYPES. This type of backing will stretch during sewing and may heat source or bright lights. Ensuring that thread cause the design to shift. does not become damaged requires that stock be frequently rotated and that threads are not left in the same place for an extremely long time. 251