Embroidery Terms

In this episode of the Embroidery Prophet Podcast, Hope Yoder reveals 20 essential embroidery terms into plain, jargon-free language to help beginners and commercial embroiderers navigate the craft. Throat Plate & Bobbin: The metal plate above the hoop and the silver thread case below, both essential for making a stitch. Rotary Hook: A spinning part inside the machine that catches the top thread. Hooping & Mighty Hoop: Securing fabric tightly; "Mighty Hoop" is a popular brand of magnetic hoops. Tension: The balance of how tightly the top and bottom threads lock together. Essential MaterialsStabilizer (Backing): Placed under the fabric to prevent stretching and puckering. Topper: Placed on top of the fabric so stitches don't sink into it. Thread: Needs special high-shine thread; durable polyester is preferred commercially over weaker rayon. Placement & DigitizingFlats vs. Hats: Flat items (like shirts) versus tubular items (like caps). LC (Left Ch…