The Embroidery Process Made Simple
Imprinting designs and logos onto garments is popularly done through embroidery. Generally, an embroiderer loads a digitized image file onto an embroidery machine. The embroidery machine then stitches colored threads to create the image.
Embroidery machines use digitized files
The first step in embroidery is to digitize the embroidery image into a file, which can be read by the embroidery machine. Creating a digitized file is where the image is converted into a computer file which directs the embroidery machine how to stitch the image. The quality of this digitized file will determine the quality of the final embroidery. So it is important to make sure you have a high quality digitized file before starting the actual embroidery. Some images will be difficult to digitized so make sure to discuss this with your embroiderer. Using graphics programs, such as Adobe Photoshop or Corel Draw, to obtain computer generated graphics will result in a better quality digitized image. And as I said, this will result in better quality final embroidery.
Editing the Design
After the digitized design has been created, additional edits can be done using other software programs. These programs allow the embroiderer to rotate, crop or duplicate portions of the image to enhance the digitized file. This is the time to nail down the design color and add any text that is desired. Special effects can also be created, giving the digitized image more depth or adding a shadow. The embroiderer can even add or remove stitches to really perfect the finished product.
Loading the design
Once the design has been edited and is as good as it can be then the design file will be loaded into the embroidery machine to begin the stitching process. The design will be transferred to the machine via cables, CDs, USB, or special memory cards.
Fabric Stabilization
Stabilization is required to avoid wrinkling and other stitching problems. Each machine will have it’s own way of stabilizing the fabric. This often involves placing additional material underneath and around the garment to secure it. Also, the garment can be tied-down during the stitching, through hooping around the edges
Stitching the Design
Once all the other processes have been completed and both the customer and embroiderer are happy, then the specific thread colors will be loaded into the embroidery machine and it can begin stitching. The work is always carefully monitored. The machine will have been programmed prior to the start to sew in a certain color sequence and speed.
Completion
After embroidery completion, the embroidery will review the garment to make sure the quality is good and also to remove any excess threads.
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