Book
Machine Embroidery With Confidence: A Beginner's Guide
Nancy Zieman
Why we picked it
A plain-spoken beginner's course in machine embroidery. It walks through the tools you need, setting up the work area, machine types, choosing designs, positioning with templates, software, stabilizers, hooping and troubleshooting, then applies those skills to hats, shirts, blankets and towels. A glossary helps new staff learn the vocabulary. This 2005 edition predates current machines and software, so pair it with your own machine's manual for model-specific steps.
Design Doctor
Not sure your artwork will stitch well?
Upload it to Design Doctor for a free readiness check. You get a score for embroidery, patches, vector and print, with plain-English notes on what to change before you order.