EmbroiderySetup
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Machine embroidery guides

Choose the right guide for your project.

Start with the fabric or the full cut your hooping method needs. Then check the stabilizer type, package size, or machine limit before ordering.

Updated October 29, 2026

Illustration comparing cut-away backing, tear-away backing, wash-away material, and topping over fabric.
The layer name is only the starting point. Choose the material by the job it must do for the fabric and design.

Choose by fabric

When the fabric name is unclear, choose by behavior: stretchy, slick, plush, or woven. See the stabilizer-by-fabric guide for the starting layers.

01

T-shirts and knits

Start with stretch, visibility, and the backing that remains with the garment. Add a topping only when the surface needs it.

Read the knit guide

03

Finished caps

The PE800 and SE700 do not list a Brother cap frame. A flat patch stays inside the normal field.

Read the cap limits

Choose by project or hooping problem

For infant knits, see the baby onesie and bodysuit guide.

For slick synthetics and piqué polos, read the performance polo setup guide.

For canvas, denim, totes, and aprons, read the woven-item project guide.

Hooping

Items that are hard to hoop

Compare sticky stabilizer and temporary spray for holding an item on hooped backing.

Read the floating guide

Size the material

Once the material is chosen, measure the full rectangle your hooping method needs. The roll-width worksheet compares full pieces, leftover area, and cost per usable cut without guessing a universal hoop margin.

Roll-width worksheet

Enter inches or centimeters, then compare a roll or precut pack by the pieces it can actually supply.

Open the worksheet

Check whether a design fits

Compare a design’s measured dimensions with the usable stitching field, including a 90-degree rotation check, in the embroidery design fit calculator.

Water-soluble stabilizer and thread questions

Wash-away

Backing or topping?

Film and fabric-like wash-away products solve different jobs. Start here when the design names a water-soluble layer.

Read about water-soluble layers

Compare

Simthread vs Brothread vs Brother thread

Owner reports differ. Read the discussion with its limits before choosing a spool.

Read the owner reports

Choose or check the machine

Machine

Brother model comparisons

Compare PE800 and PE900, then SE600, SE630, and SE700 by field and listed transfer features.

Open the comparison table

Hoop

Hoop compatibility

Record the machine model, accessory identifier, attachment, clearance, and sewing field before buying a frame.

Open the Brother model lookup

Need the material decision first?

Start with the stabilizer guide when you are not sure whether the project needs backing, topping, or a water-soluble format.

Choose by project