Prepare Before you can start embroidering, you need to prepare your workspace. The desktop embroidery machine has several moving parts, so clear the area around it and remove any clutter. The machine should already be plugged in, but you will need to turn it on using the power switch on the right side. The training project will provide step-by-step instructions, but this section outlines key processes. Installing the Bobbin A bobbin is a small plastic wheel that holds the bottom thread of the embroidery machine. The embroidery machine combines the bottom thread from the bobbin with the top thread from the needle to create a secure stitch. Before you begin embroidering, you may need to wind the bobbin on the machine. This ensures the proper thread tension for steady stitching, and the training project will walk you through when to use this process. Whether you wind the bobbin yourself or use a pre-wound bobbin, you will need to properly install the bobbin into the machine. To install the bobbin, you will remove the bobbin cover and insert the bobbin case so that the thread unwinds to the left. Check out the video below to see an example of installing the bobbin on a Brother Innov-is machine. Safety Information Use a bobbin that has been correctly wound with thread, otherwise the needle may break or the thread tension will be incorrect. Upper Threading Before you can begin operating the embroidery machine, you must make sure that you thread your machine. The needle of the sewing machine holds the upper thread, which locks together with the bottom thread from the bobbin. The thread must be wrapped through the machine in a specific way to ensure the smooth transfer and thread tension from the spool to the needle. The video below walks through how to thread the Brother Innov-is embroidery machine. Safety Information Before installing the bobbin or threading the machine, make sure that you have pressed the presser foot button on the operational panel (pictured below) to lock all keys and buttons. This prevents injuries caused by the machine unexpectedly moving. Preparing and Hooping Fabric An embroidery hoop is a tool consisting of two concentric rings (often circular or rectangular) that is used to keep fabric taut while embroidering.  The hooping process begins with selecting a hoop that matches the size of your design, selecting a backing to stabilize your fabric during embroidery, and then physically hooping your fabric and backing together. Select a Hoop: The desktop embroidery machine has two sizes of hoops: 5" by 7", and 6" by 10".  Select a Backing:   BeAM offers four types of backing for stabilizing embroidery projects: tear away, cut away, wash away, and peel away. Make sure to cut the backing so that it is slightly larger (1" - 2" around) than the hoop you choose. Click to expand the section below, which contains information about each type of backing. Embroidery Backing Types (click to expand) Safety Information Only use fabrics with a thickness of less than 2mm (1/16 inch). Using thicker fabrics may cause the needle to break. Always use a backing material to stabilize your embroidery projects. Otherwise, the needle may break and cause injury. When loading material with multiple layers (e.g. a T-Shirt), make sure that only the layer you want to embroider is hooped. Installing the Hoop Once you have selected your hoop and your backing, you will need to place your fabric and backing securely in the hoop. Then, you will need to install the hoop onto the machine. The short video below demonstrates this process.   Let's Practice! Choose the correct hoop and backing for each project below.   [ Select ] Large hoop (6" by 10") Small hoop (5" by 7") [ Select ] Wash away Tear away Cut away [ Select ] Small hoop (5" by 7") Large hoop (6" by 10") [ Select ] Wash away Cut away Tear away [ Select ] Large hoop (6" by 10") Small hoop (5" by 7") [ Select ] Wash away Cut away Tear away