Embroidered apparel and fabric products give your logos and designs an element of class and durability. For that reason, corporate apparel is often embroidered. Embroidery offers many benefits as a decorating option including:

• Multiple Color Designs: An embroidered design can utilize multiple colors of thread at no additional cost.
• Texture: Embroidery adds texture to a design with optional techniques available to further enhance texture to make design elements stand out even more.
• Durability: Embroidery provides a high level of durability that can be especially important for apparel that is going to be laundered and worn routinely.
• Unique Threads: In addition to a wide array of thread colors, unique products ranging from metallic and glitter to rainbow-dyed threads provide even more innovative options for your designs. There is even a color-changing (photo-sensitive) thread option!
• Fabric Options: While embroidery is a great option for decorating apparel, it can be used on a wide variety of other fabric products including towels, canvas totes, computer and duffle bags, and more.

Basic embroidery concepts that can help in planning your embroidery project include:

• Digitizing: Converts graphic art (see art requirements) into a digital program that embroidery machines use to sew decorations on material.
• Backing: Found on the back or inside of garments, is used to establish a strong foundation for embroidery to enhance appearance and durability (also see fabric considerations)
• Topping: An optional top layer used on higher pile material like fleece to smooth uneven surfaces and enhance appearance of a design.
• Stitches: There are three primary types of embroidery stitches: Satin, Running & Fill. Satin stitches are the most often associated with embroidery and form the smooth lettering and design outlines. Running stitches are thin stitches for fine detail and outlines. Fill stitches are used to fill-in large areas of a design.

When choosing embroidery as a decoration option consider:

• Fabric: The type of fabric to be embroidered is a key factor to determining how a design is sewn. Soft or flimsy material may require different backing material or more underlying stitches than what is needed on stronger materials such as canvas, twills and some synthetics like that used for sports and computer bags. Select your garment or fabric product before your design is digitized to ensure the best possible outcome.
• Colors: While a wide range of thread colors are available, the actual colors can vary between embroidery houses, thread manufacturer and even product lots (a.k.a. batches). Color charts and thread samples are often the best means of matching colors.
• Thread: Rayon and polyester threads are most commonly used for embroidered products. Rayon provides a softer & smoother finish while polyester is more durable and color fast. Rayon is likely to be preferred for most apparel, however, polyester may be more suitable for baggage and some uniform applications.
• Design: While most designs can be effectively embroidered, very small fonts and detail may not lend themselves well to embroidery. In many cases, adjustments can be made to the design to resolve these issues.

Embroidery Techniques & Examples