How to Embroider Bags and Totes

October 26, 2009
By Steven Batts, Contributing Writer

Embroidering on bags is a pretty wide-ranging topic because in our business, bags could refer to anything from a large suitcase to something as small as a purse. Because of this, there is no set way to embroider a bag. Each type of bag presents its own set of challenges. Some bags, such as drawstring backpacks and some totes, are relatively easy. Others, like gym bags and regular backpacks, can be quite challenging to embroider — especially by conventional means.

When using conventional hoops on these more challenging bags, the tight places and stiff materials can make it difficult to frame an item — and even harder to keep them framed. The hoops tend to pop apart. It is already bad enough when this happens right after you get a bag framed, but it is disastrous when it happens in the middle of sewing.

One trick I have used to prevent this is using spring-loaded clamps to help hold a bag together. Available at any home-improvement store, you can use these small squeeze clamps on the round edge of the hoop to keep it together. Of course, if the only innovation in framing bags were clamps, we would be in bad shape. Over time, there have been several innovations designed to assist with the embroidery of finished bags.

Making it Stick
Adhesive backing has helped in a lot of ways when attempting to embroider difficult-to-hoop items. Coupling this backing with any assortment of frames available in the marketplace, such as those from Hoop Tech, makes the task easier. Rather than trying to frame the bag and get the two rings to stay together, you can slide the bag over the flat piece of metal of these frames. The metal is open in the center and the adhesive backing is stuck to the bottom of the frame, allowing the bag to stick to the backing in the center of the frame.

The adhesive holds the bag in place while it is embroidered. It is a tearaway backing, so once the design is done, it will tear easily off of the frame. To embroider the next item, simply take another piece of adhesive backing and repair the hole.

Sometimes the bag's weight can cause it to be pulled away from the adhesive, particularly large bags. For these, you might try clipping those aforementioned spring-loaded clamps around the edge of the frame to help hold the bag.

Clamping Down
Hoop Tech makes a line of clamshell-style bag clamps that make hard-to-frame bag clamps downright bearable. You simply open the clamp, slide the bag in and clamp it down. These clamps come in various sizes to fit the needs of a range of bag sizes and styles.

The Gator Clamp, from EFP Inc., Randleman, N.C., mounts on the embroidery machine and is adjustable for different sizes and styles, thus eliminating the need for multiple clamps or parts. It features two arms that protrude from the back of the pantograph that clamps the bag. Each arm can be moved left and right to adjust to the width of the bag.

As with any accessory, you should consider the financial justification for buying devices such as these. They can make framing bags easier — especially the clamps. But if you don’t embroider many bags, then it would be hard to justify the cost. On the other hand, if you frequently embroider bags or if you are constantly turning away orders that involve bags, investing in these devices could pay off. If nothing else, you might consider putting some spring clamps in your bag of tricks.

Steven Batts, a consultant with 17 years experience in the embroidery industry, owns Righteous Threads, Greensboro, N.C., which offers digitizing, embroidery and machine maintenance services. Steven regularly leads seminars at ISS shows and is an industry speaker and consultant. For more information or to comment on Steven’s article, e-mail righteousthreads@gmail.com.

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