Embroidery machine

FabLab Leuven now also has an embroidery machine. With an embroidery machine, you can quickly and automatically apply detailed text, logos, and patterns to fabric. You can use the device to personalize clothing and accessories, create unique gifts, or add names to shirts.

To embroider a file on the embroidery machine, you need a .PES file. This file specifies how and in what order the stitches should be made. You create it by 'digitizing' an image (such as a logo or drawing) using specialized embroidery software. At FabLab Leuven, we use an Inkscape extension called InkStitch for this purpose.

In case you have never made a .PES file before, you can check the manual inkstitch(opens in new tab) and follow the instructions. This way you will quite easily get a solid file.

For extra information there is a manual on the several kinds of stitches(opens in new tab) you can use for embroidering a file. This is nice to know in case you want to go deeper than only the basis.

Please make sure to bring the fabric or garment you wish to embroider yourself. Please note, however, that use is at your own risk; we cannot be held liable for any damage to your fabric or garment. The FabLab stocks 40 different colors of embroidery thread, and you are required to use this specific thread when using our embroidery machine. We charge a reasonable fee for this, which will soon be available in our price list.

Do you want to use the embroidery machine, ideally you come on Mondays or Fridays to our FabLab. Then there will be someone there to give you the necessary explanation. You want to be sure this person is present, you give us a call on beforehand.