Tech Tip: Achieving Crisp 3-D Embroidery

July 1, 2009

Crisp 3-D embroidery requires plenty of cutting stitches and density so the foam easily tears away from the design.

Puffy foam embroidery continues to be a popular option for those customers looking for something different to give dimension to their designs. One of the biggest challenges with this process, however, is preventing the foam from sticking out between the stitches in 3-D designs. Some simple solutions in both the digitizing and embroidery stages can help correct this problem.

First, before you try editing the design (or having your digitizer edit it), use a blow dryer to keep the foam in its place. Use a thin, pointed object such as a needle or a toothpick to push as much foam as possible under the thread. Then set the blow dryer on high and wave it over the design to shrink it a bit. Don’t get too close to the design because the foam will melt if it is exposed to too much heat.

If a lot of foam is poking through, ask your digitizer to see if the design has enough “cutting stitches,” which are running stitches around the design’s outline. It’s possible that there aren’t enough stitches to perforate the foam for easy removal after the design has completed sewing out. Or, there may not be enough density in the satin stitches. By adding density, the foam will tear away better. — From the Impressions archives

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