3-D Embroidery Adds Pizzazz to Childrenswear

A new embroidery process can provide a unique look that may be just the thing to dazzle your customers.
July 8, 2008

Fuwari 3-D embroidery not only produces dimensional embroidery but also a soft, velvety feel.

By Steve Coakley

A new look for childrenswear and other items is now possible using a novel embroidery technique. A patented process called Fuwari 3-D embroidery not only produces dimensional embroidery but also a soft, velvety feel.

Endless Applications
Embroidery designs on kid’s clothing frequently feature fluffy creatures such as ducks, kittens, teddy bears and tigers, which makes this textured look especially effective for decorating T-shirts, one-piece snappies and hooded sweat shirts. However, it also can be used for embellishing quilts, blankets, diaper bags or even home furnishings such as a lamp shade for a baby’s nursery.
 
DJ Anderson, Bulldog Embroidery, Houston, Texas, who purchased one of the first Fuwari systems on the market, has had great success using it not only for kidswear but logos, team mascots and much more. He has been marketing it to schools as an alternative to chenille with solid success. The possibilities are endless, he notes.

“With the Fuwari 3-D system, you can highlight certain features that would not normally stand out,” he says. “One example would be to embroider a lion’s head and only do the mane in Fuwari. It creates a lot more dimension.”

How It Works
This unique process involves embroidering a design using a special adhesive bobbin thread along with a special topping. The design also must be digitized specifically for this process. The design is sewn as usual and then heat is applied to melt the adhesive on the bobbin thread. This locks the threads in place.

Once the design has been heat sealed, it is run through a special cutter, which literally shaves off the tops of the embroidery threads. The result is a wonderfully soft, fluffy 3-D design that looks and feels like velour.

Steve Coakley is Fuwari Division Manager for RNKDistributing, Knoxville, Tenn. You can contact him via e-mail at info@RNKDistributing.com or call (865) 549-5115.  For a video demonstration, go to youtube.com/rnkdistributing.