"While there are loads of helpful embroidery tools to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the top five in order to help you get started on your killer embroidery stash."
Machine embroiderers: Brace yourselves!
It’s time we reveal our five favorite machine embroidery accessories of all time. While there are loads of helpful embroidery tools to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the top five in order to help you get started on your killer embroidery stash.
With these tools, practically anything is possible! So, let’s check out exactly what these must-have accessories can achieve in order to determine which best suits your needs.
#5) Robot Frame
Shoe embroidery can be difficult, if not impossible, without this specialty device. That’s why the Robot Frame has earned a spot on this list.
The Robot Frame consists of two adjustable clamps that are able to get a strong hold on unusually shaped goods during the embroidery process. Click here to see how to use the Robot Frame to embroider your next pair of shoes.
Although this device is the most expensive on this list, it’s a necessary investment if you plan on offering professional shoe embroidery.
In fact, there’s nothing else like it on the market...
...besides its sister model, the Manual Robot Frame.
While the Robot Frame is best for a firm hold on very thick shoes like cleats, those who plan to stitch on other types of shoes like boots or canvas shoes can opt for the manual robot frame.
This frame consists of a lever that clamps down the material to embroider all types of items such as shoes, bags, and boots for less than half the price.
#4) Gen2 Cap frame
The Gen2 Cap Frame probably ranks number one in the heart of anyone who has used it.
While you can create cap embroidery on standard cap embroidery hoops, the Gen2 cap frame opens up a window of opportunity if you’re really serious about embroidering hats.
Designed with clips to hold the stabilizer during the hooping process, the Gen2 hoops caps faster and easier than traditional hoops, making it great for businesses who plan on specializing in caps.
This hoop opens up the embroidery area to allow you to get closer to the bill without experiencing any issues, such as needle or thread breaks.
Regular cap embroidery hoops are also limited when it comes to embroidering certain caps. With the Gen 2, you have the open area of the frame to easily work with tricky caps like visors.
Be sure to sign up for our cap guide, where we talk to you all about how to avoid 7 costly mistakes when embroidering caps. There’s even a bonus video on how to do 3D Puff embroidery!
#3) Hoopmaster
The Hoopmaster is perfect for those who struggle with design placement and need to crank out consistent bulk uniform orders.
Embroiderers use the Hoopmaster’s placement guides to know exactly where to place their designs, according to the shirt and hoop size.
If you’re looking for quick and easy design placement and hooping, the Hoopmaster will surely cut the time it takes to complete bulk orders and keep your production flowing.
This device is custom made for your hoops and can be purchased with either standard hoops or Mighty Hoops, depending on the hoop you plan on using the most.
#2) Mighty Hoops
Coming in at a very close second are Mighty Hoops.
As its name suggests, these hoops are very mighty! If you own these powerful hoops, you’ll probably argue that they deserve the number one spot.
The perfect solution for embroidering thick materials, these powerful hoops work like regular hoops, except they cling together instantly when they meet.
This eliminates any stress on your hands and reduces the possibility of hoop burn (marks left behind on your fabric from traditional hoops). In fact, they practically hoop the material themselves.
Available in a wide range of sizes, these hoops will make your job a whole lot easier if you plan on embroidering thick and delicate materials, such as:
- Jackets
- Bags
- Satin
and plenty more!
Since these types of materials are more prone to hoop burns, Mighty Hoops save you a ton of time in getting rid of hoop marks after.
If you experience hoop marks often, check out this video where we show you how to get rid of them!
Some embroiderers love these hoops so much, they even use them on regular items, such as polos and towels, to cut production time.
#1) 8-in-1 hoop set
Number one is an absolute MUST in every machine embroiderers’ arsenal.
Although we pretty much can’t live without everything else on this list, you’ll get the most “bang for your buck” with the 8-in-1 hoop set.
This set consists of one master bracket and eight specialty hoops of different sizes, that allow you to embroider on an extensive list of items. See a few examples in this tutorial!
These hoops are a lifesaver because you can “float” the material over the hoop using adhesive stabilizer, rather than hooping it traditionally. This allows you to easily embroider hard-to-hoop items and areas with limited space, such as
- pockets
- sleeves
- cuffs
- baby clothes
…and more.
The set also includes embroidery hoops that allow you to embroider on the back and sides of caps.
While we appreciate its versatility, above all, these hoops also work to prevent machine embroidery issues such as puckering. Usually, when you embroider knit materials, the material tends to stretch when it’s hooped, causing the fabric to bunch up around the embroidery design.
However, when you float your material using the 8-in-1 hoop, you’re able to maintain the material’s original properties to ensure the best quality embroidery.
Check out our embroidery cheat sheet to find out which materials are the best for your design!
Bottom Line
Always remember the golden rule of embroidery: If you can hoop it, you can embroider it!
With the right tools and materials, you can embroider on virtually anything. To view more machine embroidery accessories, visit our online store!
For more machine embroidery insights, connect with other professionals on our Facebook group, Embroidery and Custom Apparel Mastery.
Are you curious how Ricoma can help your custom apparel business?
Schedule a call for a Quick 30 minutes "Embroidery Talk" with our specialists to see if you're really ready to start or expand your business. Our specialists can help you...
- Find helpful resources to kick start your embroidery education
- Answer any questions regarding pricing your items for profit and sourcing materials
- Help you compare and contrast different machine types and branch in the industry
- Help you determine which machine would suit your business based on your current and future goals
