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What is the best stabilizer to use?
thanks,
Norma

Hi Norma, there are MANY stabilizers out there, for different purposes. What type of embroidery are you going to be doing?

I am new to machine embroidery - just got my Brother PE700ii delivered this past weekend
I tried to use ot on Sunday, but I did not have the proper supplies. I will probably
start off making t-shirts and towel decorations for now.

I get most of my stabilizers at joanns when they have the notions on sale. I use an iron on Totally Stable by sulky and a polymesh cut away for t shirts. I use a water soluble fabric like stabilizer H 2 Gone and a plastic like one from sulky for towels.

http://www.rnkdistributing.com/StabilizingSolutions.pdf

This link explains stabilizers. I took my machine out of the box and used 2 layers of muslin and practiced with the built in designs. This allows you to get used to the machine and see how everything works. If you listen to your machine running you will recognize the sounds it makes when it screws up.

Besides stabilizers you will need a selection of needles, proper one for the job and bobbin thread or pre would bobbins. Kim

I should change the needle with different types of material?
How many kinds of needles are there?

Just like different needles on a regular sewing machine, there are different types for embroidery.

Sharps - for most of your work, on woven material
Ball points - for working on knits
Upholstery - for use on upholstery or heavy demin (I can usually get by with the sharp needle here.)
Metallic - for using decorative, shiny, "metalic" embroidery thread.

Like I said, most of your work will probably need the Sharp Embroidery needle. You'll also learn to listen for a change in the stitch noise, as an indication of when your needle is getting dull and needs replaced.

NormaBeth, did you purchase your machine from a dealer where you can get classes? It sounds as if you are new to this whole thing. I admire your willingness to jump right in but you will need some basic information. Barring finding anything local, here is one source that many of us have used. http://www.embroiderylibraryprojects.com/
There are many other sites that have great information and I am hoping that others will reply with their favorites.
The key to remember is to test first on something similar to what your project will be. It is a step that is so easy to overlook, but is important and helps bring to light issues that are better dealt with NOT on your actual project.