Welcome to Lesson 2 of the HTVRONT E15 Embroidery Machine tutorial series. In the previous lesson, we completed the unboxing and physical setup of this 15-needle embroidery machine. Now it's time to move from assembly to action — this article will guide you through your very first garment embroidery project, step by step.
You'll learn how to remove the pre-installed cap attachments, thread all 15 needles using the quick threading method, install the bobbin thread, complete the initial machine startup, install the garment hoop, prepare your fabric, and run your first embroidery design. Let's get started.
Key Takeaways
Everything you need is included in the box — Starter Kit, Tool Kit, and Garment Hoop Kit come with your E15 embroidery machine.
Remove the pre-installed Cap Hoop and Cap Driver first — garment embroidery uses the Garment Hoop instead, which is easier to set up for your first project.
Use the quick threading method — tie new thread to the pre-installed thread and pull it through the machine rather than threading from scratch.
Start at 600 SPM or lower — a slower speed helps you observe and learn with confidence on your first run.
Always select the correct hoop type on the touchscreen — choosing the wrong frame can cause collisions or needle damage.
Everything You Need Is Included
Before you begin, let's confirm that you have everything you need for your first embroidery project. The following items are included in the E15 embroidery machine package:
After unboxing, please check the included accessory list and prepare the following items:
Starter Kit — includes the 15-color thread set, stabilizer, test fabric, pre-wound bobbins, and essential consumables
Tool Kit — includes hex wrenches, screwdrivers, and mounting hardware
Garment Hoop Kit — includes the garment hoop bracket, adapter block, and embroidery hoop
In this guide, we cover five main sections:
Removing the Cap Hoop and Cap Driver
Installing the upper thread and bobbin thread
Completing the initial machine startup
Installing the Garment Hoop and preparing the fabric
Starting your first embroidery project
Part 1: Remove the Cap Hoop and Cap Driver
Let's begin by removing the Cap Hoop and Cap Driver. When the E15 embroidery machine arrives, the Cap Driver is already pre-installed for shipping. For your first embroidery project, we recommend using the Garment Hoop with the included test fabric. It's easier to set up and helps ensure your thread, bobbin, tension, and embroidery are all working properly before you move on to more complex cap work.
1. Remove the Cap Hoop
First, locate the release latches on both sides of the Cap Hoop. Press both release latches at the same time to unlock the Cap Hoop.
Once released, gently rotate the Cap Hoop. Rotate the cap to the right until the brim is parallel with the X-axis. Then hold the Cap Hoop with both hands and pull it straight outward to remove it.
2. Remove the Cap Driver
Next, we'll remove the Cap Driver. First, locate the mounting knob on the top of the Cap Driver. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen the screw.
Then locate the two mounting knobs at the bottom of the Cap Driver on both sides. Turn them clockwise to loosen them.
Hold the Cap Driver securely with both hands, and pull it straight outward to remove it.
⚠️ Safety check: After removing the Cap Driver, make sure the area in front of the machine and the X-axis movement area are completely clear of any objects or obstacles before proceeding.
Part 2: Install the Upper Thread and Bobbin Thread
Next, we'll install the upper and bobbin threads. The E15 embroidery machine uses 15 separate thread colors — getting this setup right is essential for clean, consistent stitching.
1. Quick Upper Threading
When you receive the machine, all thread paths are already pre-threaded for shipping. For your first use, we recommend using the quick threading method to replace the existing threads — it's faster and reduces the risk of threading errors.
First, remove the existing thread connections from the machine. Then place the 15-color embroidery thread set from the Starter Kit onto the thread stand.
Note: Place the thread spools on the spool holders in any order. The machine will match thread colors through the touchscreen later in the setup process.
Pull out enough thread length for threading. Tie the old thread and the new thread together with a small, secure knot.
Note: Make sure the knot is small and secure. A bulky knot will snag inside the thread path; a loose knot will come apart during pulling.
Trim the excess thread, leaving about 4–5 cm after the knot. This helps the thread pass through smoothly and prevents tangling.
Next, remove the old thread from the needle eye. Then gently pull the old thread, so the new thread follows the same path through the machine.
Note: Do not pull the thread through the needle eye. The knot should travel through the thread guides and tension discs — not through the needle itself.
When the knot reaches the thread holder above the presser foot, gently lift the thread retainer by hand to allow the knot to pass through smoothly.
Once the new thread reaches the needle area, cut off the knot. Then rethread the needle and leave a proper thread tail. Secure the remaining thread in the thread holder spring above the needle.
Repeat the same steps for the remaining 14 thread colors. Once finished, check that each thread is placed on the correct spool and follows the matching numbered thread path.
2. Install the Bobbin Thread
The bobbin thread is already installed when the machine arrives. For future use, we'll quickly show you how to install the bobbin thread step by step. Before installing the bobbin, make sure the machine is stopped.
First, open the bobbin case cover underneath the machine. Move the bobbin case latch downward and remove the bobbin case. Then, remove the empty bobbin. Take the pre-wound bobbin from the Starter Kit and place it into the bobbin case.
Note: Make sure the bobbin case groove faces down, with the bobbin thread tail pointing downward clockwise.
Pull the thread underneath the tension plate. Then guide the thread around the hook twice and leave approximately 5 to 6 centimeters of thread tail.
After installation, pull the thread gently to check the bobbin direction. When viewed from the back of the bobbin case, the bobbin should rotate clockwise.
Once everything is confirmed, gently place the bobbin case back into the machine. You will hear a click when it is installed correctly. Close the white bobbin cover and keep the remaining thread outside.
⚠️ Before moving on: Check all needles carefully. Make sure there are no broken needles, bent needles, damaged needle tips, or incorrect needle installation. For needle replacement instructions, please refer to Lesson 9.
Part 3: Initial Machine Startup
Now, let's complete the initial startup of the E15 embroidery machine. Before turning on the machine, make sure the X-axis area is clear.
Then find the power cord in the Tool Kit. Make sure the power switch on the back of the machine is in the OFF position.
Then connect the power cord to the power inlet on the machine and plug the other end into a power outlet. Make sure the embroidery arm is centered, then turn on the machine.
⚠️ Emergency Stop: During startup, an Emergency Stop warning may appear on the screen. If this happens, simply turn the red Emergency Stop Button clockwise to release it.
When the screen shows the prompt to find the Mechanical Home Position, tap Confirm. Since the machine is currently set for Cap Embroidery, make sure the area is clear. Then tap Confirm again — the machine will automatically move the embroidery arm and complete the mechanical home positioning process.
Part 4: Install the Garment Hoop & Prepare the Fabric
Next, we'll install the Garment Hoop and prepare the fabric for embroidery.
1. Install the Garment Hoop
First, prepare the following accessories from the Garment Hoop Kit:
Garment Hoop Bracket
Adapter Block
From the Tool Kit, prepare the 3 mm Hex Wrench. Use the 3 mm hex wrench to loosen the screws on the garment hoop bracket. Install the adapter block, then tighten the screws.
Next, take the two gray mounting knobs removed from the Cap Driver, and two matching mounting knobs from the Tool Kit.
Align the garment hoop bracket with the mounting holes on both sides of the X-axis.
Insert and hand-tighten all four knobs.
After installation, make sure the garment hoop bracket is firmly connected to the X-axis drive.
2. Hoop the Fabric
Next, let's prepare the embroidery hoop. From the Starter Kit, take out:
One piece of 30 × 30 cm fabric
One piece of 30 × 30 cm stabilizer
Note: The stabilizer must fully cover the embroidery area of the hoop. It provides the structural support the fabric needs for clean, even stitching.
From the Garment Hoop Kit, take out one 240 × 175 mm embroidery hoop.
First, rotate the adjustment knob to loosen the outer hoop.
Place the stabilizer evenly on top of the outer hoop. Then, place the fabric flat on top of the stabilizer. Press the inner hoop firmly into the outer hoop.
Note: Make sure the inner hoop is oriented correctly. The side flush with the handles should face up, and the recessed side should face down.
Then slightly tighten the adjustment screw to secure the fabric and stabilizer.
Next, hold the inner hoop in place with one hand. With your other hand, gently pull the fabric in all four directions until it is smooth and wrinkle-free.
Once the fabric is properly adjusted, rotate the adjustment knob to fully tighten the outer hoop. Make sure the fabric is evenly stretched and firmly secured.
Finally, attach the hooped fabric to the garment hoop brackets. The hoop is held in place with magnets. Make sure both side grooves are fully aligned and locked into position.
Part 5: Start Your First Embroidery Project
Finally, let's set up the design and start embroidering. The E15 embroidery machine's touchscreen makes this entire workflow intuitive — follow the steps below for a successful first run.
1. Set Needle Bar Display Colors
First, tap Color Setup. Then, open Set Needle Color and match the colors with the threads installed on the machine.
2. Select an Embroidery Design
Next, select your embroidery design. For your first project, we recommend using a built-in test design — it's pre-optimized and removes variables while you learn the workflow. Tap Pattern Select to open the design folder.
Select your design, then tap the orange ☑️ button to confirm. The machine will automatically enter the Pattern Edit interface.
3. Edit the Design
In the editing interface, you can adjust the design as needed. You can scale, rotate, flip, move, or make other adjustments. When finished, tap the orange ☑️ button to confirm.
4. Select the Hoop Type
Before embroidering, tap Frame Select and select the correct hoop type for your current setup.
⚠️ Critical: The selected hoop type must match the actual hoop installed on the machine. Selecting the wrong hoop type may cause hoop collisions, needle breaks, or damage to accessories.
5. Assign Thread Colors
Next, adjust the design colors as needed. Once the color settings are complete, tap the ☑️ button to confirm and continue.
6. Use Pattern Trace
Before starting embroidery, we recommend using the Pattern Trace function and selecting Perimeter Trace. The machine will automatically check the design boundaries and make sure the design fits within the hoop.
7. Start Embroidery
After confirming the design area, return to the main screen and adjust the embroidery speed. For your first embroidery project, we recommend setting the speed to 600 SPM or lower.
Once the speed is adjusted, tap the orange Ready button, then tap OK. The button will change to a green Embroidery button. Make sure the machine area is clear, then press the Start button below the touchscreen to begin embroidering.
First-run tip: Stay near the machine during your first stitch-out. Watch how the thread feeds, listen for any unusual sounds, and be ready to press the Emergency Stop button if anything looks off. This is the best way to build confidence before starting production work.
Congratulations on your first embroidery project with the HTVRONT E15!
Video Tutorial
Prefer to watch rather than read? Follow along with this complete garment embroidery project tutorial:
Watch a complete garment embroidery project using the HTVRONT 15 Needle Embroidery Machine (E15) in this second lesson.
Conclusion
You've now completed your first garment embroidery project on the E15 embroidery machine. From removing the Cap Hoop and Cap Driver to threading 15 colors, installing the Garment Hoop, and running your first design — you've covered every essential step of the workflow.
Take a close look at your finished test piece. Are the stitches even? Are the thread colors clean and vibrant? Is the tension balanced? If everything looks good, you're ready to start experimenting with your own designs and building confidence for real customer projects.
In the next lesson, we'll teach you how to embroider hats using the Cap Hoop and Cap Driver. For now, practice what you've learned — run the test design a few more times, try adjusting the speed, and get comfortable with the touchscreen workflow.
Why do I need to remove the Cap Hoop and Cap Driver before starting garment embroidery?
The Cap Driver and Cap Hoop are specifically designed for cap embroidery and are pre-installed for shipping. For garment embroidery, you need to use the Garment Hoop instead. Using the wrong attachment can cause collisions, needle breaks, or poor embroidery quality. Removing the Cap Driver also gives the X-axis and embroidery arm full clearance for flat garment work.
Can I skip the quick threading method and thread the machine from scratch?
Yes, but we recommend the quick threading method for first-time users. Since all thread paths are pre-threaded at the factory, tying the new thread to the old thread and pulling it through eliminates the risk of missing a thread guide or threading the wrong path. Once you're more familiar with the machine, threading from scratch is a good skill to learn.
What happens if I select the wrong hoop type on the touchscreen?
Selecting the wrong hoop type can cause hoop collisions, needle breaks, or damage to accessories. The machine uses the selected hoop type to calculate the design's movement boundaries. Always verify that the hoop type on screen matches the actual hoop installed on the machine before starting embroidery.
Why should I start at 600 SPM for my first project?
A slower speed gives you time to observe and react. At 600 SPM, you can watch how the thread feeds, hear the machine's normal operating sounds, and more easily catch any issues before they become problems. Once you're confident with the workflow, you can gradually increase the speed for production work.
Do I need to use the test fabric from the Starter Kit?
The included test fabric is recommended for your first project, but not required. It's a clean, pre-cut piece that works perfectly with the included stabilizer and hoop. Using it eliminates variables like fabric stretch or improper sizing, helping you focus on learning the machine. Once you've completed a successful test run, you can switch to your own materials.
What should I do if the Emergency Stop button activates during startup?
Simply turn the red Emergency Stop button clockwise to release it. This is a safety feature, not an error. The machine may prompt you to release the Emergency Stop during initial startup — just rotate the button and the warning will clear. Always make sure the embroidery area is clear before continuing.
Keep Learning
Want to learn more about the E15 and growing your embroidery business? These guides will help:
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