Embroidery - long lasting and a wonderful branding option
We offer embroidery as a branding option onto most of the items we sell.
Embroidery is a long standing branding style used mainly for headwear, golfers, shirts, t-shirts.
We also add embroidery onto jackets, ties, beanies and hoodies.
We really like embroidery, but let's be honest about it's quirks and style limitations so that you know how to get the most out of this branding style.
What are the limitations of embroidery
Embroidery is a lovely branding option but you need to be aware of it's limitations.
- Font or letters should be at least 4mm high, the bigger the clearer the writing
- Applies only to none-stretchy fabrics
- Works better on Structure caps
- Color matching requires accurate samples to be provided
- As with letter size, details are better seen on larger pieces
- Colors in the design is limited to 15 colors
- Designs with many spots of color, will take longer to stitch out and will effect the price of the embroidery. Example of this would be the spots on an embroidered dalmatian, or where colors transition often, or in clean text where letters are spaced apart too far to make a jump stitch.
- Backing Visible on sheer or light weight fabrics. Fabric needs to be stabilised before it's embroidered on, sometime we can use water soluble topping, but for other items that need a backing, this is a permanent addition to the item in some cases. luckily tear away backing leaves little trace of being there, other than adding volume to the embroidered area.
- Puckering - when fabric pulls together, due to the stitches tension. Happens with knit and light fabrics if no backing is applied.
- Fabric thickness - heavy canvas or leather may be a challenge to stitch on.
- Design distortion, on curved items like caps, the design is straight, but from the viewing angle it may appear to curved due to the construction of the cap. We can adjust the design to compensate for this.
- Gradients - because embroidery is a solid colour, gradients can only be mildly achieve by altering the density of the stitches and how they blend in with the next color. Remember that embroidery has it's own very unique style, which should be embraced. Photo realism is not going to be possible. But a beautiful representation of the photo can be.
- Garment shrinkage, just like puckering, garments that are not per-washed may shrink, leaving the stiff embroidery distorted or this may cause fabric to crinkle. We only supply pre-washed / preshrunk garments, so not worries there.
- Lead time - embroidery is a labor of love, some would say. It's slow and takes time. This is the trade off for a long lasting branding option where large orders may take slightly longer than wanted. But the wait is worth it we promise.
