Embroidery Machine Accessories: What You Really Need

You do not need every accessory from day one. Suitable stabiliser, the right embroidery needle, reliable thread and precise scissors matter more than a long shopping list. Add other tools only when they solve a specific problem or noticeably improve your workflow.

If you are unsure about stabiliser, the free stabiliser adviser uses your fabric and project to suggest a suitable method.

Our step-by-step machine-appliqué guide shows when to use the scissors and how to build up the fabric layers.

Choose embroidery accessories by task

Task	Priority	Useful tool
stabilise fabric	essential	stabiliser matched to the fabric and design, plus a topper if needed
stitch cleanly	essential	suitable needle, quality thread and the right bobbin thread
place accurately	project dependent	marking pen, masking tape or positioning aid
trim threads and appliqué	very useful	curved embroidery or appliqué scissors
use large thread cones	only when needed	external spool stand

The list below explains the individual tools in more detail. Before buying, always check compatibility with your machine, hoop and planned material.

An embroidery machine alone isn't enough to achieve consistently clean, professional results. Only with the right accessories can designs be precisely executed, fabrics reliably secured, and typical errors such as warping, thread breakage, or uneven edges avoided.

In everyday life, it quickly becomes apparent that certain tools save time, improve results, and make creative projects significantly easier. The following products have proven their worth in practice – and many wish they had known about them right from the start.

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1. Double-curved embroidery scissors

The special shape of these scissors allows you to cut threads directly under the embroidery foot without removing the embroidery hoop. Ideal for precise thread ends and tricky areas in tight hoops.

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2. Tender Touch (SULKY)

A soft, iron-on interfacing for the backing of embroidery on stretch fabrics. It protects the skin from scratchy threads—especially essential for baby or sportswear.

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3. Poly Flash (Gunold)

A state-of-the-art specialty yarn with a metallic effect—without the usual problems of traditional metallic yarns. Poly Flash runs steadily, resists fraying, and adds a reflective sheen to your designs.

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4. Embroidery software Creativate Elite (formerly mySewnet™ Platinum)

VSM's comprehensive embroidery software with cloud connectivity, automatic pattern recognition, and photo embroidery functionality lets you digitally create, save, and seamlessly send your own designs to the machine.

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5. Turning pliers

Small, long, narrow—and extremely practical: These pliers help you quickly and cleanly turn small ITH projects. They're also ideal for positioning filling material or for appliqués.

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6. Embroidery needles

Embroidery needles have a rounded tip and a larger eyelet to protect the thread and material. This is especially important for metallic and fancy threads – for clean stitches without thread breakage.

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7. Spray adhesive

Temporarily fixes fabrics to stabilizer without the need for a frame or pins. The adhesive is removable without leaving any residue and is ideal for jersey, appliqués, or difficult fabric combinations.

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8. External spool holder

Large cones often run unevenly on the machine. An external thread stand—such as the 10-spool multi-spool holder from Brother—ensures stable thread movement and facilitates color changes. It works regardless of the manufacturer.

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9. Leveling plate

This small plate compensates for height differences—for example, when starting on multi-layered fabric or thick seams. It also helps with safe needle changes. A small tool with a big impact.

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10. Aqua Trick Marker

A water-soluble marker for precise placement. Ideal for shirts, bags, or appliqués. The marking disappears completely with water – leaving no residue.

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Conclusion

With the right accessories, machine embroidery not only becomes easier, but also better. Whether it's better visibility, cleaner results, or less time wasted – these ten products are more than just "nice to have." They belong in every embroidery studio.