• Identify Your Embroidery Machine Needs

• Discover Embroidery Machine Types

• Choose Embroidery Machine Features

• Get the Right Embroidery Software

• Explore Hand-Embroidery Tools

• Find Embroidery Equipment on eBay

• Buy Embroidery Equipment With Confidence

Identify Your Embroidery Machine Needs

Identify Your Embroidery Machine Needs

First, determine the type of embroidery you'd like to do. Are you a dabbler, or are you interested in creating professional pieces to sell?

If you just want to add a few embroidery designs to your sewing creations, consider upgrading to a combination sewing-embroidery machine and its array of preprogrammed designs.

Artistic types may want to create their own unique embroideries. Obtain patterns and an embroidering machine that will digitize your renderings via a scanner system.

If you have an entrepreneurial streak and are interested in creating elaborate original works of embroidery to sell, look for a commercial embroidery machine that can withstand high use or be used on heavier materials like denim fabrics and upholstery fabrics.

Discover Embroidery Machine Types

Discover Embroidery Machine Types

The optimal embroidery machine is perhaps the most important item in your embroidery endeavors. You can find great brands on eBay for all your embroidery needs, such as Bernina, Pfaff, Babylock and Brother and some of the more commercial machines from Tajima and Melco.

• Embroidery only: An ideal add-on for someone who already has a beloved sewing machine, or for someone who just wants to embellish existing items.    

• Combination: Sew and embroider on one machine! A great upgrade for sewers who want to add embroidery to their skill set.    

• Commercial: Best for heavy use. Multiple needles save time by letting you thread all the colors you need before starting the design. Multiple heads allow you to embroider the same design on several items at once.

Choose Embroidery Machine Features

Choose Embroidery Machine Features

Today’s embroidery machines offer a wide selection of options. Pick a machine that’s simple to use, with features like automatic needle threaders or an easily changeable bobbin. Or take advantage of the cutting-edge computer technology available on embroidery machines from brands like Janome and commercial machines from brands like Tajima.

• Computerized embroidery machines: These machines have enough stored memory to offer an impressive array of embroidery designs and capabilities. Also try hooking the machine into your computer to create your own designs.     

• Mirror-image capability: Enables symmetry and balance in the pattern-creating process.     

• Embroidery hoops: As embroidery is being applied to fabric, embroidery hoops hold the fabric steady. Sizes vary. You can find an array of embroidery hoop sizes on eBay.    

• Scanner: Scans your unique designs and converts them to easy-to-embroider stitches.     

• Presser foot: Used to hold the fabric steady while you sew or embroider.

• Walking presser foot: A variation on the above that moves with the machine and keeps silk, satin, and other fine fabrics in place.

• Bobbin: The spool that holds the thread.

Get the Right Embroidery Software

Get the Right Embroidery Software

Embroidery software is an important accessory if you use a computerized embroidery machine. Software not only makes the art of embroidery more enjoyable, it also increases your patterns exponentially. On eBay, you can find an array of digitizing software to fit machines from Husqvarna Viking to Pfaff and Bernina.

• Commercial software: Delivers everything you need to create your own embroidery designs.

• Machine-specific software: Commercially created embroidery designs you can download and use yourself.

• Independent-vendor software: An add-on to the above that lets you convert existing software to a friendly format you can use on your embroidery machine.

• Independent designers: Designs intended for use with specific machines; brand-specific hardware and software are required.

Explore Hand-Embroidery Tools

Explore Hand-Embroidery Tools

There’s a special charm and talent involved in hand embroidering that you don’t get from a machine. Embroidery kits and patterns are just the things to get you started.

You can employ a wide variety of decorative designs in your embroidery patterns, from fruits to florals, by using embroidery packs containing several accents and designs.

Needles, ribbon floss, ribbon trims, scissors, and transfers are other hand-embroidering necessities. Embroidery books and instructional guides on this age-old craft are especially recommended for beginners. Embroidery supply storage cases and totes will keep you organized as well.

Find Embroidery Equipment on eBay

Find Embroidery Equipment on eBay

Once you know what type of embroidery product you want, go to the Crafts portal, click Embroidery, and start searching for item listings on eBay.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You'll find links for Embroidery Machines, Digitizing Software, Embroidery Kits, Embroidery Patterns & Transfers, and more. As you dig deeper into the site, you'll also be able to narrow down your choice by brand. Some of the most popular embroidery machine brands in the category are Bernina, Pfaff, Brother, Janome, Babylock, and Husqvarna Viking. Crewel Embroidery is also becoming a very hot trend as we see embroidery on all sorts of apparel.

• Keyword search: Search eBay listing titles for specific words. For example, if you want to find an embroidery designs, type "embroidery designs" (without quotation marks) into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Embroidery Equipment With Confidence

Buy Embroidery Equipment With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,000.

• eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.