Embroidering For Promotional Products
Embroidery involves stitching a design into fabric through the use of high-speed, computer controlled sewing machines. Artwork must first be “digitized”. Digitizing is a specialized process of converting two-dimensional artwork into stitches of thread. A particular format of art such as jpeg, tif, eps or bmp cannot be converted directly into an embroidery tape. The digitizer must actually recreate the artwork using stitches. The digitizer then programs the sewing machine to sew a specific design, in a specific color, with a specific type of stitch. This is the process known as digitizing.
There are software programs that can convert various art forms into embroidery stitching. Software programs are available for digitizing of course but software is also available to create stitching patterns from photographs and fonts. The results of photographs that have been embroidered are quite remarkable.
There are a few techniques that can be used to enhance the embroidery. 3D foam can be used to give the stitching a 3D appearance. The embroidery is stitched over the foam. This technique is typically used in hats.
An appliqué technique can be used. Different colored and patterned fabric is sewn onto the background material. Less stitching is used with this process. The fabric can also be over-laid and the edges exposed to provide multi-colored and patterned borders.
Stabilizers are typically used for fabrics that stretch. The stabilizer helps keep the fabric being embroidered rigid to ensure the pattern does not get distorted. Stabilizers are used behind the fabric and can be removed after the embroidery is complete. Stabilizers come in different types that can be removed by heat, washed away, torn or cut away.
Popular products for embroidery are jackets, hats, towels and shirts.