30,000 BC To 2026 Is Just A Stitch In Time

30,000 BC to 2026- well, that's a lot of time.

Over that immense span of time, fossilized remains that show evidence of hand-stitched clothing, boots and hats. Apparently a frequently requested and classic form of decoration, embroidery, has been the "go to" deco of choice for years.

As a process, embroidery involves stitching thread into a garment or accessory, creating a dimensional effect with minimal wear and tear. The durability and beauty of the stitch make this a popular deco method. Embroidery processes vary. For example, "direct to garment", means stitched directly into the fabric. Embroidery can be woven into a patch which is applied to a garment through heat & pressure. Sequin, puff and chain stitch are also ways to embroider.

February is National Embroidery Month. Throughout the month we'll explore this popular decoration method in my posts. Follow our social media for videos, the icons are at the bottom of our website home page.

Here's a gallery of embroidered imagery:

What are some key factors in determining if this is the right method for your next project?

• We start by reviewing your logo file to determine the number of stitches required for a quality reproduction, that avoids challenges. For example, complex logos with small lettering, details and shading are difficult to recreate. Take care with TM and R marks, those icons often must be omitted or enlarged to work properly.

• Thread can add bulk to a design. Textured fabrics with pile like fleece and sweaters or hard fabric surfaces often on a cap with structure behind the front panel may stitch differently than softer fabrics. A patch might be a better option.

  
  

• Keep in mind that embroidery isn’t suitable to recreate all logos & artwork. Our design team has the experience to modify your logo for digitizing design. Be assured, we'll keep the integrity of your brand standards intact.

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• Gradients for example, will need to become solid transitions of color rather than the fade captured by print or web art.

• The next step in the process is digitizing, referring to the file necessary for the machine to know the direction, thread and stitch to use for emboridery. Not all digitizing is the same. Too few stitches in the logo will result in looking incomplete. Too many stitches will significantly increase the price per unit. A logo that is too large will be massive on your team wearing size XS and S sizes.

  
  

  Expertise matters. 

• Embroidery is one of the most flexible and durable mediums for decoration, however the amount of stitches not only increases cost, but determines the appearance of your logo long term with wash & wear. A logo that stitches directly to the garment, even with changing the tension on the fabric, is likely to pucker over time with a lot of fill/stitches in the logo.

• Often allowing the fabric to show through your logo will help to reduce the stitch count.

  
  

To learn more about unique ways to use embroidery simply visit our showroom & design studio for one-on-one time with our award winning team. We'll apply our visionary assurance, united purpose to your next collaboration.