Hoops
Good hoops make hooping faster and more consistent. Magnetic hoops like Mighty Hoops reduce setup time and minimize garment damage. Worth the investment if you run volume.
Mighty Hoop Full Kit
Complete set of Mighty Hoops for Ricoma machines. Covers most standard jobs from caps to large backs.
View on HoopmasterMighty Hoop Starter Kit
A smaller set if you're starting out or want to test Mighty Hoops before going all-in.
View on RicomaMighty Hoop for BIA Machines
Magnetic hoop compatible with BIA embroidery machines. Same fast hooping, fewer poke marks.
View on AmazonStabilizers
Stabilizer choice depends on your garment and design. Using the wrong type leads to puckering, poor registration, or tear-out. Here's what we stock.
Cut-Away Stabilizer
Use for stretchy fabrics like polos, performance wear, and knits. Stays in place permanently for clean results.
View on AmazonTear-Away Stabilizer
Good for stable wovens like dress shirts and canvas bags. Easy to remove after stitching.
View on AmazonTear-Away for Hats
Specifically designed for caps. Firm enough to handle hat frames but tears cleanly.
View on AmazonWater-Soluble Topping
Use on top of terry cloth, fleece, or any fabric where stitches might sink in. Dissolves after washing.
View on AmazonQuick Stabilizer Guide
- T-shirts & polos: Cut-away underneath
- Hats & caps: Hat-specific tear-away
- Towels & fleece: Cut-away underneath + water-soluble on top
- Dress shirts & jackets: Tear-away works fine
Thread
Polyester thread handles washing and wear better than rayon for most commercial jobs. This set covers the colors you'll actually need.
Polyester Thread Set (63 colors)
A solid starter set with the most common colors. Good sheen, durable, and works on most machines without fuss.
View on AmazonBobbins
Pre-wound bobbins save time and run more consistently than self-wound bobbins. Fewer tangles, more predictable tension.
Magna-Glide Pre-Wound Bobbins (White)
Class L pre-wound bobbins with consistent tension right out of the box. A shop staple for high-volume embroidery.
View on AmazonMagna-Glide Pre-Wound Bobbins (Black)
Same reliable Class L pre-wound bobbins in black. Use for dark garments where white bobbin thread might show through.
View on Amazon3D Foam
Puff foam goes under your design to give letters and logos a raised, dimensional look. Popular for hats and structured garments.
New Brothread 3D Puff Foam
Lightweight embroidery foam in multiple color options. Works on hats, backpacks, and more. Trims cleanly after stitching.
View on AmazonMaintenance
Regular oiling and greasing keeps your machine running smoothly and extends its life. Don't skip this—it's cheaper than repairs.
Machine Oil
Light oil for hook assemblies and moving parts. Apply regularly based on your machine's manual.
View on AmazonSynthetic Grease
For rails, bearings, and heavier-duty lubrication points. A tube lasts a long time.
View on AmazonPrecision Oil Applicator
Needle-tip bottle for precise oil application. Reaches tight spots without over-oiling or making a mess.
View on AmazonNeedles
Change needles more often than you think. Dull or damaged needles cause thread breaks, skipped stitches, and fabric damage. Keep spares on hand.
Groz-Beckert DBxK5 Needles (Ricoma)
Industry-standard German needles for Ricoma machines. Reliable, consistent, and purpose-fit for Ricoma commercial embroidery machines. Stock multiple sizes.
View on AmazonGroz-Beckert DBxK5 Titanium Needles (Ricoma)
Titanium-coated version of the DBxK5 for Ricoma machines. Lasts longer than standard needles and handles dense designs and coated fabrics better.
View on AmazonBlanks
Common blanks we recommend for embroidery. Good starting points for new operators and reliable staples for production shops.
Gildan 8800 Performance Polo
A workhorse polo for embroidery. Holds designs well, available in a wide range of colors, and priced right for production runs.
View on S&S ActivewearYP Classics 6245CM Dad Hat
Unstructured low-profile cap with a curved brim. A staple for embroidery shops — easy to hoop, great for smaller left-chest style designs.
View on S&S ActivewearYP Classics 6606 Trucker Cap
A clean, structured trucker cap with a front panel that sits flat for consistent embroidery. Good for learning cap work and customer orders alike.
View on S&S Activewear