Do you stay by your embroidery machine while it is stitching? Bonnie’s Facebook group gave some amusing answers!
Our high-tech embroidery machines do sometimes seem to have a mind of their own. Ideally, when we press START, the stitching commences and all should be right with the world. Of course, that doesn’t always happen.
There are many reasons that stitching malfunctions happen. We can have needles break, thread nests, and tension issues. Power outages, bumping the embroidery arm, and the project popping out of the hoop can all wreak havoc.
For those reasons, and dozens of others, 75 percent of those who responded said that they stay by their machines while they are stitching. Reasons ranged from machines not liking to be left alone to machines seeming to know when you walk out of the room and even getting quite jealous when they are all by themselves.
Embroiderers also chose to babysit their machines so that they didn’t stitch some of the project to the back of the hoop. Machine poltergeists were another issue. Basically, anything can happen when the machines know you aren’t looking, and many have learned that the hard way. One stitcher equated it to texting and driving; glance away and stuff happens.
The biggest benefit of staying in the same room or within earshot is that you can often head off major malfunctions, when you hear a change in the stitching tempo, by stopping the machine.
Only 13 percent of those who responded said they mostly stay while the machine is stitching. However, they stated they will leave during long stitch stretches or just long enough to get something and come right back.
Nearly nine percent will come and go but not stay away for long. Video and baby monitors were used by some, a genius solution.
Only three percent seldom if ever stick around, especially when stitching long runs like freestanding lace. Some embroidery machines will even send cell phone notices when the machine stops, or the bobbin is low.
Do you leave your machine unattended when it is stitching?
Debbie Henry
Sew Inspired by Bonnie
Pat - August 04, 2024
I use a baby monitor.
Debbie Henry - July 06, 2024
Wow, Kathleen, that is a hard lesson for sure!
Debbie Henry - July 06, 2024
I’m with you, Robin!
Debbie Henry - July 06, 2024
Good advice, Karen!
Kathleen - July 03, 2024
Learned never to leave embroidery machine unattended. Catastrophe occurred when needle broke, cut hole in design and broke an integral part on my machine. If I need to step away, I pause machine. Not taking chances, too costly.
ROBIN L FARLEY - July 02, 2024
I tend to stay in the room or stay at the machine. I will admit, the kitchen is right next to my sewing room so I might grab a cold beverage but I’m only gone a few seconds. I’ve learned the hard way that leaving your machine running , unattended just isn’t a good thing. Don’t you just hate the sound of a needle breaking or a birds nest…the sound of our machines can scare the heck out of us! With the high cost of these machines I’ll choose to stay a few steps away or be right there!
Karen S - July 02, 2024
Always stay within ear shot or next to machine