If you're diving into the world of embroidery with the Melco Summit, having the right embroidery tools and accessories is just as important as having a great machine. Whether you're stitching custom logos, personalizing gifts, or producing bulk orders, setting yourself up with the right supplies can make all the difference in efficiency and quality.
In this post, I'll break down the essential items you need to run a successful embroidery business, from hoops to software. Plus, if you're a Mac user, I'll share how you can run DesignShop on your computer using a simple app to keep your workflow smooth and your workspace less cluttered.
Embroidery tools to help you get started with your Melco machine:
Essential Hoops – Best hoop sizes for different projects
Threads & Colors – Recommended brands for durability and vibrancy
Backing & Stabilizers – Choosing the right one for different fabrics
Software (DesignShop) – Features and why it's essential
Running DesignShop on a Mac – How to make it possible with the help of the Parallels app
Wholesale Distributors – Where to buy your embroidery product essentials (shirts, hats, blanks, etc.)
Bonus Tips – My personal workflow tricks and troubleshooting advice
1. Hoops: The Right Size for the Right Job
Hoops are crucial for stabilizing fabric during embroidery. Investing in a variety of sizes ensures you can handle different projects with ease.
Some key hoops to consider:
Standard hoops for everyday embroidery
Mighty Hoops for thicker fabrics or tough-to-hoop materials. Honestly, this brand hoop is my favorite for most materials because the hoops are magnetic and will help you set up for embroidery quickly!
Cap frames if you plan on embroidering hats, you'll definitely need a special frame for the hats.
2. High-Quality Thread: Durability and Vibrancy
Thread choice impacts the look and longevity of your designs. Opt for polyester thread for durability or rayon thread for a soft, high-sheen finish. Some reliable brands include:
Madeira
Isacord
Floriani
3. Backing & Stabilizers: Support for Clean Stitches
Using the right backing and stabilizer ensures your designs hold up over time. Some must-haves include:
Cutaway stabilizer for stretchy fabrics
Tearaway stabilizer for stable fabrics
Water-soluble topping for high-pile fabrics like towels
Madeira has a really helpful guide on backings and stabilizers. Check it out here.
4. Software: DesignShop for Digitizing & Editing
Melco’s DesignShop software is essential for digitizing and editing embroidery files. The first thing I noticed about the software was that it was very similar to the software I use for my silhouette and my laser engraving machine. So, if you have experience in other design programs, you will pick up the software in no time. Keep in mind, you'll also have a lot of training resources from Melco to help you get started. YouTube is a great tool for educating yourself about the machine and software.
DesignShop features include:
Lettering tools for custom text
Advanced digitizing for detailed designs
Auto-digitizing for quick file conversion
5. Running DesignShop on a Mac with Parallels
If you're a Mac user, you might be wondering how to run DesignShop. The best solution is Parallels, which allows you to run Windows-based software on your Mac. Melco is working on a mac version... so for now, this subscription app is worth it until that happens. Learn more about it here.
Here's a quick overview:
Install Parallels Desktop on your Mac
Sign up for a subscription (they do offer a military discount with military email verification)
Install DesignShop as you would on a Windows PC with your software key
Optimize settings for smooth performance
6. Where to Buy Product Inventory: Shirts, Hoodies, Koozies, Hats, etc.
Finding quality supplies at wholesale prices is crucial for maximizing your embroidery business’s profitability. With a Sales Use Tax Certificate, you can purchase from reputable wholesale suppliers, including:
AllDayShirts – AllDayShirts sells wholesale blank t-shirts and apparel for you to crank out your embroidery or heat transfer orders. They can also create DTF transfers for your heat transfer creations.
FashionGo – FashionGo sells wholesale clothing and accessories and you can find some great blanks that are also trendy and fresh on their site.
TheParkWholesale – Owned by Faire, this company has great prices on apparel and accessories.
Amazon – A convenient option for bulk purchasing embroidery essentials
Epic Sports – Great for wholesale athletic wear and team apparel. They also have some great pricing on popular hats.
Final Thoughts
Having the right tools and software can take your embroidery business from frustrating to flourishing. Investing in quality hoops, thread, stabilizers, and the products you customize will help set you up for a thriving embroidery business. If you have any questions about the tools that I use or need some help with your setup, feel free to reach out. I'm happy to help!
Interested in investing in a Melco Embroidery machine? Visit this link to tell Melco I sent you and they'll be sure to help you find the best machine for your needs!
Are you using a Melco embroidery machine for your embroidery business? Let me know in the comments what your must-have accessories are!
Some links in this article are affiliate links. That means, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you purchase an item from those links. Thank you for your support. These affiliate links help me continue to share my story and experience as a craftpreneur!
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