Location: Makerspace
Use options:
Cost:
Always tap the Lockout Key (key symbol on touchscreen) when changing thread, winding bobbins, changing accessories, etc.. A lock logo will appear on screen. This deactivates all the buttons and keys. To unlock the machine, tap the Lockout Key again.
Always dispose of broken needles in the sharps container.
Never use a broken or cracked bobbin the machine as this could damage the machine or cause injury. If a new bobbin is needed, please check the drawer in the Sewing Machine table or ask a Makerspace Monitor for assistance.
Our embroidery machines may be used without training. If you do not know how to use the machine, please ask a Makerspace Monitor for a quick tutorial, review the User Manual, or watch the instructional video below.
| Fabric | Thread |
Needle |
|---|---|---|
| Fine | Embroidery Thread |
Size 12/80 |
| Medium | Embroidery Thread |
Size 14/90 |
| Heavy weight | Embroidery Thread |
Size 14/90 |
Click the help icon (blue question mark) in the upper right hand corner of the taskbar to open the on-screen instruction manual for more details.
Embroidery Editor allows you to combine and edit embroidery designs, plan a project, and print templates with the ease of the computer. This program has already been installed on the Makerspace computer and a USB Flash drive is provided to move your design from the computer to the embroidery machine.
On the Home tab, in the Place group, click "Design".
Locate the place where the file(s) is saved. There are two ways to import designs
From files saved on Makerspace PC:
All designs that are built into the embroidery machine are also available for use and located in the ‘Design Folder’ for your ease.
From files saved on the USB flash drive
The Makerspace USB flash drive is already formatted. We recommend using it and not your personal flash drive.
Additional designs can be found on the USB flash drive located in the EMB folder.
All designs should be saved to the EMB → Embf folder.
Click the design file you would like to use.
The files are categorized by the design hoop size. This can always be changed later.
On the Home tab, in the Place group, click "Monogram".
On the Style tab, in the Font group, select the font style you want to use.
In the Font group, click the arrow under "Size", and select the font size (S, M or L).
Click the Monogram box and type letters for Monogramming from the keyboard.
Press Enter key. The letters will be imported to the editing window.
On the Home tab, in the Place group, click "Two Letters" or "Three Letters".
Click the desired letters, and the letters will be displayed in the edit box.
To add a frame, click the desired frame in the Frame group.
Click "OK" to place the monogram design in the editing mode.
Once your file is imported or monogram created you can now edit the design
Select a hoop - On the Home tab, under Select Hoop, pick the hoop you want to use. (The hoops size is based on the size you would like your design to be. Your design should fit in the hoop.)
Move the Design - Left-click and drag the design to the desired location
Rotate the Design - Right-click and drag the design to the desired rotation.
Duplicate the Design - In the Edit tab, click “Copy & Paste” to make a duplicate of the same design.
Select Multiple Designs at Once - Hold down the Ctrl key and click more than one design to select multiple designs. Hold down the Ctrl key and click the selected design to deselect the design.
Delete a Design - On the Edit tab, in the Edit group, click the arrow under "Delete" and select "Delete" to delete the selected pattern. Select "Delete All" to delete all the patterns on the Editing window.
Flip a Design - Select the pattern to flip. On the Edit tab, in the Edit group, click "Vertical Mirror" or "Horizontal Mirror" to flip the selected pattern.
Resize a Design - Select the pattern to change its size. On the Edit tab, in the Edit group, click the upper or lower arrow of "Resize". To increase the size of the selected pattern, press the upper arrow. To decrease the size of the pattern, press the lower arrow.
Change Thread Color
Click the Embroidery pattern of which you want to change the color of the thread.
On the Edit tab, in the Edit group, click “Colors”.
Select the brand of thread from the Thread Chart menu. Thread chart of the selected brand will be displayed below the menu.
Click the color you wish to use from the list to change the color.
The entire image of the design will be displayed in the editing window.
Click "OK". The color is applied to the layer.
Click "Cancel" to cancel the change.
Arc a Monogram - Select the monogram pattern to make it in arc. On the Edit tab, in the Arrange text group, click "Upper" to make a monogram in an upper arc. Click "Lower" to make a monogram in a lower arc. Click "Tight" to decrease the spacing between monogram letters. Click "Loose" to increase the spacing.
Change Sewing Order
OR
On the Edit tab, in the Arrange group, click "Sewing Order".
Sewing Order mode is ON. The embroidery designs cannot be edited in Sewing Order mode.
Order the layers by dragging the items in the Design List.
Click "Sewing Order" again after changing the sewing order. Now Sewing Order mode is OFF, and embroidery designs can be edited.
Once your design is done being edited and you are ready to embroider, first print a full size template and embroidery information of the design to ensure accuracy. Lay the print out on the fabric and hoop to determine if the size and shape is correct.
Do this by clicking the Menu icon button in the top left-hand corner. Click the right arrow of "Print", and select "Print Setup".
Enter a comment for the template if necessary. Select either "Outline" or "Color" and click "OK".
Click the Menu icon and select "Print".
Save the design by clicking the Menu Icon in the top left-hand corner, and then “Save as”.
Select the USB Flash Drive, EMB Folder, and then “Edited Designs Folder” as the file location.
Change the name of the file to something other than the current name.
Free Software: Ink/StitchInk/Stitch is an extension of Inkscape, an open-source digital design software. It allows for saving files as Janome embroidery files (.jef) and .dst files that work with the Embroidery Machine. To use Ink/Stitch:
Import the image or document into Ink/Stitch (File -> Import)
Files that can be imported into Ink/Stitch
Vector files (.svg)
Embroidery files (.jef, .dst, and more)
2D CAD files (.dxf)
Adobe Illustrator files (.ai)
Image/document files (.jpg, .jpeg, .png, .pdf)
Convert the image to a path (Path -> Trace Bitmap)
This allows the program to create a path for the embroidery machine to read
Path > Trace Bitmap
Multicolor
Colors (images with color)
Grays (black and white images)
Click image > Apply
If there are disconnected parts on the image where the embroidery machine would have to raise the foot and travel to a different location, split the image path into individual pieces
Draw a path along the gaps in the image and press enter when the path is complete
Select the image, hold shift, and select the newly drawn path
Divide the image along the drawn path (Path -> Division)
Continue the process for all necessary path divisions
The file can then be saved as an embroidery file (.dst or .jef)
Open Embroidery Editor to check if colors and layers are correct. (Different colors should be separate layers.)
For troubleshooting help, go to: Extensions -> Ink/Stitch -> Troubleshoot -> Troubleshoot Objects
Ink/Stitch sometimes has a difficult time understanding how to digitize some imported images. Check their tutorials for different embroidery techniques and possible solutions.
Janome Memory Craft 500E