Commercial embroidery machines use thread to create monograms, slogans, logos and other types of personalization. Learning embroidery machine repair may help you land a job with a large commercial enterprise or pave the way for you to start your own business to service both commercial and home embroidery machines.

No Formal Education Required

The path to becoming an embroidery machine repair person is largely self-directed. While no specific degree is available in this field, an individual wishing to pursue a career in embroidery machine repair can learn a great deal from studying training videos and online resources.

Study embroidery machine basics on your own to learn the terminology, function and the principles of machine operation. Go through the free basic training program, “Embroidery Bootcamp” by TexMac for the manufacturer Happy Embroidery Machines.

Obtain the “Universal Embroidery Machine Repair” DVD from EmbroideryTrainingVideos.com. Go through the 4-hour DVD several times until you are knowledgeable about the concepts and terminology. Seek opportunities to apply the information in your own job.

Choose a specific type machine for which you would like to become an expert. Study those specific online training videos offered at EmbroideryTrainingVideos.com. Sign up for the “Embroidery and DTG Newsletter” available through this website to keep up to date on industry and machinery news.

On-the-Job Training

If possible, include hands-on training at a commercial embroidery plant to validate your credentials. Contact the manufacturer of the embroidery machinery you work with most often. Ask for an opportunity to work in its factory for a three-month to one-year period. Pursue the goal of being able to say you are “factory trained.”

Learn Sewing Machine Repair

If your goal is to become an embroidery machine mechanic who services small and home-based embroidery businesses, consider learning sewing machine and serger repair as well. You will be able to offer repair services to a broader customer base. Learning how to repair sewing machines and sergers will help you with the basics of embroidery machine repair.

As with embroidery machine repair, you can begin learning about sewing machine repair with video tutorials that are available free online. Look at both generic and brand-specific repair. You may be able to get hired by a fabric store or sewing machine retailer and receive on-the-job training. It depends on your location and the need for people who can provide sewing machine and embroidery machine repair services.

The Fix Sewing Machines Institute of Temple, TX (about 30 minutes from Waco) offers in-residence and video training programs for all types of sewing machine repair, including contemporary and antique machines, sergers and embroidery machines. Video courses can each be purchased separately. “The Elements of Embroidery Machine Repair” currently lists for $49.95. There’s also a video course geared to the development of your repair business.

Trade Associations

Joining a trade association can help you build a professional network, stay current with industry news and provide leads on employment opportunities.

The Embroidery Trade Association has employment listings on its website. The association is mainly geared toward machine manufacturers and suppliers to the industry.

The Vacuum and Sewing Dealers Trade Association has job announcements as well as listings of businesses for sale. Attending the annual convention will give you an opportunity to talk with a variety of people associated with the sewing machine industry.

The National Network for Embroidery Professionals (NNEP) was founded decades ago with the small business owner in mind. The NNEP hosts three events a year in various locations, giving embroidery professionals the opportunity to network with vendors, suppliers and other business owners. The NNEP also offers professional development courses related to the machine embroidery business.