EMBROIDERY TIPS

Video

See the video here.

Backing

Embroidery is the process of using various colored threads and sewing them into a garment to produce a letter, design or logo. When a garment is embroidered, the machine literally punches thousands of holes in the fabric. To reinforce the area, backing is used to stabilize the fabric where the embroidery is placed. After the embroidery is completed, the extra, or unused backing is cut off of the inside of the garment. If there is a sharp edge or excess backing on the garment, simply use scissors and carefully trim it back.

Topping (Solvee)

If required topping is laid on top of the fabric (like sweaters or other knits) and prevents the stitches from disappearing into the fabric. The quality of the embroidery is improved enormously. In addition, the number of underlay stitches (foundation stitches) can be reduced.

After the first normal washing of the embroidered garment, the topping dissolves without traces, thus achieving a “clean” foundation for the embroidery.

Hoop Marks

"Hoops" are used to hold the garment steady and to hold the garment on the embroidery machine during stitching. The hoops squeeze the fabric tight to hold it stationary. When the hoops are removed, a 6" to 8" diameter mark can be seen in the fabric. To remove hoop marks:

Spray the hoop marks with a product called "Magic Sizing" which can be found with the spray starches at Walmart or your local grocery store, and brush or iron out the marks, depending on the fabric type.
'Magic Sizing' is a domestic silicon-based fabric conditioner used to make ironing easier - outside the USA similar products can be found amongst the spray starches but please remember to use fabric conditioner not spray-on starch which may leave white marks on dark garments.
Many customers find that simply spraying on water with a plastic mist bottle will do the trick.
For large volumes: Spray the hoop marks with water and leave for 5-10 minutes to soak then iron flat with an industrial steam iron.

Garment Care

Please refer to the garment label for care instructions. Since embroidery has been added, please:

Do not use bleach!
Wash in warm or cold water
Do not use fabric brighteners or fabric softeners
Wash on "delicate" cycle
First Time washing, DO NOT hang to dry. The garments need to be dried in a dryer to set or cure the dye in the thread.
If the garment requires ironing, iron the embroidery from the inside of the garment

With proper care, your embroidered garments should last for years!