Hi there, and welcome to embroidery!

I hope you enjoy our many educational resources. Join our "machine embroidery novice" membership in your account profile so that we can keep you involved. Also join us on Thursdays in our events section for free live virtual embroidery gatherings with free designs, demonstrations, and specials. https://www.embroidery.com/online_Machine_Embroide... I think the e-book Machine Embroidery in 6 Easy Lessons would be something you'd enjoy as you learn: https://www.embroidery.com/Dime-Machine-Embroidery...

When you're embroidering I suggest you get a good supply of 11/75 sharp needles. You'll probably use these the most. You can also get 11/75 ball point needles.
Since your machine has been in the box for a while, I recommend oiling before use. If there's any dust or threads in it, clean that out before oiling. There may be a manual in the box that can give you instructions for how and when to clean and oil. If not, use this link and skip to page 104. Every other page is in French. If you speak English, you'll just need to skip pages to see all the relevant information. The book doesn't specify a number of stitches or interval for cleaning or oiling, but it suggests that it be done "periodically".
https://manuals.singer.com/Manuals/RetrievePDF/951

Hi Alice, I've been looking up information on this machine, So far as I can tell, you do need the software that would have come with it in order to send designs from a computer to the machine. Here's a link to the manual: https://www.futura-support.com/sites/default/files...

What I have gathered is that there are two software programs for the machine. One comes with a few designs and allows you to transfer designs to the machine. The basic Futura software you do need, and it's available second hand as well, generally selling for around $20.00: https://www.google.com/search?q=futura+xl+400+soft...


A second program is needed if you want to do more like scan and create your own new designs. The one from Singer is called Auto Punch-Photo stitch-and basic editing. I have seen it sold for about to three hundred dollars. I believe this is the software that you don't need and could instead use a different choice of software such as from Embrilliance or Dime Inspirations, and then use your basic Futura software to transfer designs from those programs to your machine.

Hi Diana,

The first thing I want to ask is which formats your pics are in so far? I believe the Futura software will allow you to open embroidery files of several formats, but not Image files such as png, GIF, or jpg, or PDF.

Hi Diana,

It sounds as if you are using software on your computer to convert downloaded designs into the format for your machine. Is that correct?

In which software are you having the issue with "open design?"

I'm not familiar with the process for Quartet yet, so I think that with further details, I can help you figure it out.

Hi Genoveve,

Thanks for the question. The monogramming functions are part of the embroidery unit. If you know how to do monograms in a freemotion embroidery fashion, you make your own monograms without it, just as you could with many other sewing machines.

also where can i get the embroidery unit for this type of machine?

Genoveve,

I'm sorry I missed that question from your last post. I'm not familiar with the embroidery units being sold separately. You might contact Singer directly for help: 1-800-474-6437

https://www.singer.com/Contact-Us

Thanks for the information on formats.

I'm sorry but the Snap Hoop Monster, which is carried at Embroidery.com, is not compatible with the Futura XL-400 at this time.

The hoops you have are the ones we are aware of that are available for the Futura XL-400. (If anyone else knows different, please chime in).

Singer does mention that your machine has 18 1/2" x 11" "multi-hoop" capacity. If you haven't explored that yet, it should be addressed on pages 88-95 of your user manual.

~Heather
[email protected].

That's great to hear. Thanks for the feedback, Bess.

~Heather
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Susan, I would recommend the .XXX format if you have a choice. Otherwise, should be able to use any of the other formats which are listed.

~Heather
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Hi Cyndy,

I checked with Embrilliance to make sure, and they told me:

If your machine is "driven" by the Singer Futura software, you need to use that to send designs to the machine. Our software will save embroidery designs to the computer or a USB drive that could be put in the machine, but it does not have the capability of the Futura software to send the correct stitching commands to move the embroidery arm.

You will still need a PC and Futura sofware to run the Futura machine from. Embrilliance would allow you to modify your designs, such as change the order of the embroidery, and even remove parts or add lettering and so forth (you could use a different computer or the same computer that is running your Futura), and then you would save that file open it in your Futura software in order to run on the Futura.

Thanks, Julia. I have added that machine to our database and updated it in your account preferences.

~Heather
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