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This 2019 DIY project is an embroidery add-on for a conventional sewing machine, not a standalone embroidery machine. An Arduino-controlled XY gantry moves a fabric hoop beneath the sewing machine’s needle, using a mix of 3D-printed pieces and common CNC components. It is an inventive experimental build, but its documentation does not establish validated performance, long-term reliability, or a complete, ready-to-copy design.
How the DIY embroidery add-on works
In the project, the sewing machine supplies the needle and stitch-forming mechanism; a separate XY stage moves the hoop holding the fabric. That division lets the machine trace embroidery patterns by positioning the fabric rather than by automating a dedicated embroidery head. Hackaday’s August 2019 report describes a tablet interface communicating over Bluetooth with an Arduino that controls the gantry (Hackaday).
The creator’s OpenBuilds record identifies the main control hardware as an Arduino Nano, CNC shield, and Bluetooth RS232 module, with an Android tablet as the user interface. A retro-reflective detector mounted inside the sewing machine detects when the needle is up. The creator said this arrangement worked more reliably than putting a detector on the embroidery foot (OpenBuilds build record).
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Sewing and Embroidery in One: The SE700 Brother sewing and embroidery machine is the ideal machine to start your sewing and embroidery journey with a host of built-in designs, fonts, patterns, and cutting-edge technology
- Wireless Lan Enabled: Transmit embroidery files from your PC to your embroidery sewing machine via the free downloadable software Design Database Transfer(1), or connect via the built-in USB port
- Artspira Mobile App for Customization: Make custom embroidery patterns by drawing on your mobile device, or download patterns from the collection and transfer them to your SE700 wirelessly
- 4" x4" Embroidery Field: This computerized combo home sewing machine with embroidery is built with a 4" x 4" embroidery field with an included hoop, embroidery arm, and 8 sewing feet
- Large 3.7" Touchscreen: The 3.7-inch LCD color touchscreen enables easy on-screen editing of embroidery designs, and allows you to preview your designs before stitching
What makes the design interesting—and what remains uncertain
The project’s appeal is its combination of printed parts with readily available CNC-style electronics instead of a purpose-built commercial embroidery carriage. The creator described the three-wheel plastic gantry plates and end supports as feeling solid, while noting that their longevity remained unknown.
The demonstration also has a practical limitation: the creator reported that the design slipped slightly in the hoop. Other trials shown at the end of the video turned out well, but neither that nor the project’s “build complete” status on OpenBuilds establishes independently tested accuracy, dependable long-term operation, or commercial readiness. The available record does not provide a complete, validated bill of materials or comprehensive assembly instructions.
Rank #2
- Upgraded new generation of machine: S-1001 Commercial Embroidery Machine in compact size and light weight with great features: Precise operating system; Auto thread trimming; Auto color changing; Self-lubrication system; Thread break detection; Newly-Added physical buttons; Laser embroidery positioning; Less noise with more stable structure; Easier maintenance; Max 100 million stitches memories etc.
- Friendly learning curve: You can search and join our group “Smartstitch embroidery machine club”, our professional support team with best customer service and thousands of experienced users will make your learning curve for S-1001 commercial embroidery machine shortly and friendly.
- Completed Training and Technical Support: Fear not! Smartstitch provides operation manuals and video trainings to ensure you can get started with our S-1001 commercial embroidery machine soon. After the purchase, please contact us immediately when you receive the machine, our experienced engineers will help you to use the machine on line, and local technical support is available also.
- Full Embroidery Application with Starter Pack: S-1001 commercial embroidery machine can stitch on denim, canvas, leather, vinyl, caps, shoes, bags and anything an industrial machine can stitch on by DST/DSB files from your computer to the machine with the USB/WiFi. The starter pack comes with our machine including machine embroidery threads, stabilizers and bobbin threads.
- Returning Note: After unpack our commercial embroidery machine, please keep the wooden pallet for the machine, inner boxes for the accessories, metal buckles and fixed bolts, intact for some days. In case you want to return the machine, we need the pictures and videos to ensure all the accessories are put back in the boxes, the machine is intact with no damage and fixed in wooden pallet to allow us to resell the machine.
Downloads and license
OpenBuilds lists an Arduino Nano code archive and a SketchUp model file as downloads, and gives the project license as CC BY-NC. Those details do not establish that every component design, the Android app, or all assembly information is included. Treat the listed files and stated license as the documented scope; do not assume the entire project is an unrestricted, fully packaged open-source design.
Important mains-voltage warning
The creator says the sewing machine requires control of 230 VAC mains and describes the DIY power controller as fully isolated. The same build record warns that the controller should only be built by someone qualified in the field and tested with PAT testing equipment, and disclaims its suitability for other builds. That is the creator’s warning, not an independent safety certification or assurance that copying the controller is safe. Mains-voltage work should not be attempted without the appropriate expertise and testing.
Rank #3
- ARTSPIRA MOBILE APP: Access 50 free embroidery designs, make custom embroidery patterns by drawing on your mobile device, or download patterns from the collection and transfer them to your PE900 wirelessly
- WIRELESS LAN ENABLED: Transmit embroidery files from your PC to your embroidery machine via the free downloadable software Design Database Transfer(1), or connect via the built-in USB port
- 5" x 7" EMBROIDERY FIELD: PE900 has a generous 5” x 7” maximum embroidery area perfect for stitching larger designs, and a 7.4” space from needle to arm
- COLOR SORT and JUMP STITCH TRIMMING: Stitch efficiently with Advanced Color Sort, which adjusts the order in which multi-color embroidery designs are stitched, reducing color changes. The Jump Stitch Trimming function automatically trims any excess thread jumps within the color
- 193 BUILT-IN DESIGNS: Featuring 193 built-in embroidery designs including scrollwork, florals, and quilt patterns, plus 13 lettering fonts (9 English, 3 Japanese, and 1 Cyrillic)
If you are sourcing parts
The project documents an Arduino Nano with CNC shield and readily available electronics modules, but does not specify an exact retail kit, board revision, driver modules, or compatibility requirements. If you are looking for an Arduino Nano CNC shield kit, verify its contents and compatibility against the particular build instructions you intend to follow; the phrase alone does not identify a confirmed drop-in bundle. Filament for printed parts, an embroidery hoop, and sewing-machine consumables are possible supply categories, but the project does not name recommended materials, brands, or sellers.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What this project is—and is not
The DIY Embroidery Machine V2, posted by OpenBuilds member sausagePaws in 2019, is best understood as a documented experiment in adding computer-controlled hoop movement to a sewing machine. Its drawings and code may help readers investigate the approach, but the evidence does not support treating it as a proven machine design, a complete construction plan, or a direct substitute for a commercial embroidery machine.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Beginner Focused】Designed specifically for beginners and home DIY users. Easy to learn and suitable for those starting embroidery at home with no prior experience.
- 【Home Size Area】4 x 9.25 inch embroidery area offers comfortable space for shirts, hoodie, bags, and gifts, without being overwhelming for home use.
- 【Embroidery Only】This is an embroidery-only machine and does not function as a sewing machine. A focused design that helps beginners learn embroidery more easily.
- 【Large Touchscreen】 7-inch color touchscreen provides clear guidance and simple navigation, making operation easier for beginners and everyday home projects
- 【Simple Control System】Powered by Institch OS2, designed for intuitive operation and smooth learning. Ideal for users who want a simple embroidery experience at home.
Rank #4
- WIRELESS LAN ENABLED: Transmit embroidery files from your PC to your embroidery machine via the free downloadable software Design Database Transfer(1), or connect via the built-in USB port
- ARTSPIRA MOBILE APP: Make custom embroidery patterns by drawing on your mobile device, or download patterns from the collection and transfer them to your PE545 wirelessly
- 4" x 4" EMBROIDERY FIELD: This Brother embroidery machine is built with a 4" x 4" embroidery field and includes a hoop
- LARGE 3.7” TOUCHSCREEN: The 3.7-inch LCD color touchscreen allows you to drag and drop to position your embroidery pattern, make edits, and preview your designs before stitching. Plus view built-in tutorial videos
- 135 BUILT-IN DESIGNS: The PE545 features 135 built-in embroidery patterns including kids' designs, holiday, floral, and many more. Plus 10 Built-in fonts (7 English and 3 Japanese) allow you to personalize your creations
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
