Jazz Up Stock Designs

Feb 1, 2008

If you're looking for a specific design, such as this fire helmet, think beyond the graphic itself and try combining it with related objects.

There's probably not an embroiderer among us who doesn't rely on stock designs. Whether you're based out of your home, retail location or in a large industrial area, you probably use them on a regular basis. Today, there is a multitude of companies that offer thousands of stock designs.

Because so many of us rely on stock designs, embroiderers must differentiate themselves from the competition. Here's how:

1. Touch up simple text with a stock design element. In this case, the stock design merely serves as an accent. Rather than using a stock design that dominates the embroidery, go for one that simply enhances other elements. For instance, use a line to separate elements. Instead of adding a standard column, dress up the design with a decorative row of stitching from your favorite stock design catalog.

2. Get the bigger picture. As you scroll through the mind-boggling assortment of stock designs available, look beyond a single graphic as an entire design. Rather, look at one design as part of a bigger picture. Visualize how that single design would look paired with related designs.

3. Everything in its place. Show your creative side by positioning designs in unusual places, such as between the buttons or on the cuff of a denim shirt. Though cuffs have traditionally been reserved for monograms, branch out a little and try a stock design there. — From the EMB archives

8 Tips for Embroidering with Metallics
Think of metallic embroidery thread as the equivalent of the foil effect popular on screen printed T-shirts sold at retail today. It adds a similar trendy look whether used in concert with other apparel decoration applications or alone.
June 09, 2008

Digitizing Designs for Terrycloth
Don't forget these important tips when creating a digital embroidery design file to sew out on towels and other deep-pile fabrics.
Monogramming bath towels and bathrobes can be a lucrative niche for embroiderers. Upscale department stores and linen shops are eager to set up arrangements with embroiderers who can monogram towels as wedding gifts.
May 22, 2008

New Threads Provide Paint for the Embroidery Palette
The latest embroidery threads include unique materials designed to create special eye-catching effects, improve production efficiency and open new markets.
It's easy to marvel at the technical sophistication of today's computerized embroidery machines and overlook the more mundane role of thread in the embroidery process.
April 29, 2008

Embroidery Backings: What Goes Where?
When deciding which stabilizer to use, you also need to consider the material to be embroidered.
Previously, we explained the need for backings or stabilizers behind the fabric while it's being embroidered (see "Stabilizers: The Foundation of Embroidery"). Now we want to focus on the what and the where.

Stabilizers can be broken down into two major categories: cutaways and tearaways. While there are many weights and types of each of these, I recommend keeping the decision of which to use as simple as possible.
April 14, 2008

To Patch or Not to Patch
When a customer requests patches, first determine whether you should handle the order yourself or outsource it.
April 01, 2008