EMBROIDERY
Embroidery is sewing a design, type or logo onto a garment with special thread. This technique gives garments a higher perceived value and works particularly well on heavier weight garments such as fleece.
EMBROIDERY PROCESS: This is a semi-automated process where a digitizing program translates the artwork into computerized instructions which will guide the embroidery machine for sewing the design on to fabric. DESIGN AND DIGITIZE IMAGE: Create or adapt a design for embroidery, bearing in mind that simpler designs with open areas translate best into stitches. Designs with open areas will allow fabric to drape more naturally. Once completed, the design must be digitized to translate it into stitch data for the embroidery machine. This may be done in-house using software compatible with your embroidery machine, or outsourced to a reputable digitizing firm. If outsourced, ensure that the digitizer knows the type of garment so that the digitizing (embroidery) program takes that into consideration. Other important considerations include the type of backing being used inside the garment and materials which maybe placed on top of the garment since these can impact the end result. Send the digitized image to your embroidery machine. STABILIZE AND HOOP: Select the appropriate stabilizer for your item’s fabric, apply temporary spray adhesive, and smooth the stabilizer onto the item. Next, place all layers firmly in your embroidery machine’s hoop, which holds the fabric securely and moves as the item is sewn. The fabric should be smooth and flat, but not stretched out of its original shape. Insert the hoop into your embroidery machine. STITCH THE DESIGN: Once you insert the hooped item and send your digitized file, the embroidery machine does most of the work. It will stop when it’s time to change thread or if other action is needed. When the machine finishes sewing, remove the hoop, unhoop the fabric, and trim any excess thread from the stabilizer. Some items may need a light steam pressing to smooth any creases caused by the hoop.
EMBROIDERY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
• COMPUTER: A computer with specialized software that translates digital imagery, e.g., a GIF or JPEG, into stitch data to guide the embroidery machine, or the services of a digitizing company that will translate the image into stitch data for a fee. • EMBROIDERY MACHINE OR SEWING MACHINE: A wide range of machines are capable of doing embroidery, ranging from low-cost, consumer-grade sewing machines to automated, multi-needle industrial machines capable of producing complex, highly detailed stitched graphics. • SUBSTRATE: Many fabric items are suitable for embroidery, from t-shirts to fleece. Very lightweight or highly elastic fabrics can be challenging to embroider, with a greater tendency to pucker or wrinkle. Plush fabric such as fleece require densely stitched embroidery to prevent the fabric from showing between stitches. • STABILIZER: Even low-end home embroidery machines can make several hundred stitches per minute, putting tremendous strain on most fabrics. A stabilizer supports the fabric during stitching to prevent shifting, stretching or distortion.
comfortcolors.com
Page 1Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator