Patch Perfect
An Impressions reader recently submitted a suggestion for easing the process when making your own patches.
August 31, 2009

Tips for Embroidery on Performance Fabrics
It seems like nearly all new products introduced today are made of some type of moisture-wicking performance knits. The most common shirts are being replaced with these new fabrics. While they may be nice for the wearer, many embroiderers have found moisture-wicking fabrics to be downright wicked to deal with.
August 31, 2009

New vs. Used Embroidery Machines
In tough times like these, people look for savings in every way they can. They move cautiously and take fewer risks. Interestingly enough, it also is during economic downturns that many people become self-employed by launching a new business.
August 03, 2009

Regular Maintenance Avoids Embroidery Machine Repairs
“Never put off until tomorrow what you could do today.” That pearl of wisdom is one of Thomas Jefferson’s most famous quotes. The great American writer and humorist Mark Twain gave Jefferson a little twist: “Never put off until tomorrow what you can put off until the day after tomorrow.” I would like to add yet another variation: “Never put off until tomorrow what you can avoid entirely.”
July 20, 2009

Prevent Those Pesky Thread Breaks
My first job in the embroidery industry was as a machine technician. More specifically, I was a phone support (or Help Desk) technician. Some of the toughest calls I would get were from people dealing with thread break issues with their machines.
July 06, 2009

How to Heat-Apply Graphics on Servicewear and Uniforms
Whether you are buying a cappuccino or getting your oil changed, chances are the person assisting you is outfitted in custom workwear or servicewear of some type. It’s hard to say exactly when the first uniform was worn and by whom. Perhaps soldiers going into battle started the phenomenon. Or maybe it was railroad workers who wore bib overalls in the late 1800’s that popularized the trend. Either way, from traditional to non-traditional, workwear has become a staple of various sectors in our labor force.
June 22, 2009

Find Relief from (Thread) Tension Headaches
Thread tensioning is such a big part of the embroidery process. If it is set correctly, the machine will purr and the design will look beautiful. If the tension is off, it can make you pull your hair out and say things you shouldn’t.
June 22, 2009

Use Specialty Threads to Spice Up Embroidery
Embroidery legend Walt Floriani once said that embroidering with just one type of thread is like a chef trying to prepare a gourmet meal with salt and pepper as the only seasonings. Don’t limit yourself; take advantage of the many thread choices out there that can spice up your embroidery.
June 05, 2009

Embroidery Thread Basics
I once was working with a fellow who told me he would like embroidery if it weren’t for the thread. Obviously that person didn’t last long in the embroidery industry. After all, what is embroidery all about? Decorating a piece of fabric with thread. Sometimes we get so focused on stabilizers, digitizing and other things that the thread gets taken for granted.
May 11, 2009