The Embroidery Column


How to create durable, professional branding


Embroidery onto industrial workwear isn’t just about adding logos, it’s about creating durable, professional branding that can withstand the harshest environments. Natalie Greetham, Madeira UK’s marketing manager, explains how.


F


rom construction sites to manufacturing plants, workwear must endure tough conditions and frequent washing.


With this in mind, there are a few key considerations when it comes to selecting the most suitable products for the job.


1) Choose the right thread Not all threads are created equal, for industrial garments, polyester thread should be your ‘go to’. Polyester is inherently resistant to abrasion, chemicals and UV exposure and is designed to remain colourfast even when washed with whitening agents and at high temperatures. A growing priority for many companies is to use certified garments not only for their consistent quality and performance but also to ensure alignment with sustainability standards. To maintain the integrity of the entire product, certified embroidery thread is also required.


Consider threads such as Madeira’s Polyneon Green, a recycled polyester. This thread not only meets the demands of workwear but also supports eco-conscious manufacturing. There is however an exception, in work environments where electrostatic discharge (ESD) control is a safety requirement, threads with anti-static properties are necessary. This is where rayon threads are recommended as they naturally produce less static than polyester. Sometimes thread choice isn’t just about durability or appearance it also needs to meet strict industry regulations, so always check with clients about environmental or safety compliance needs.


Emma Bartlett, project manager at Workwear Express outlines the benefits of using recycled polyester threads: “At Workwear Express, we’re proud to use


| 50 | June 2025


much personal preference but essential for smooth distortion free embroidery. When choosing a stabiliser, the main consideration should be the type of fabric being embroidered and the stitch count of your design. As a guide, use cut-away stabilisers on stretchy or knit fabrics and tear-away on stable woven fabrics. A small amount of temporary adhesive spray can be useful to get the placement right when framing up items such as hoodies.


Choosing the right thread is critical (Image provided by Workwear Express)


Polyneon Green thread in our factory. Crafted from recycled materials, Polyneon Green thread brings sustainability to the forefront of our embroidery, delivering unmatched durability and vibrant colours for workwear that stands out, stays strong, and respects both people and the planet. It’s an advantage that elevates not only our garments, but our commitment to quality and responsibility.”


2) Check for certified quality you can trust


To ensure colour consistency and reliability for customers’ repeat orders, choose high-quality threads certified by Oeko-Tex, REACH, and ISO 9001. These standards guarantee that products are free from harmful substances (Oeko-Tex), comply with environmental and safety regulations (REACH), and are produced under consistent quality management systems (ISO 9001).


3) Don’t skimp on stabilise The foundation of great embroidery lies in good stabilisation. Backing is very


4) Design placement Placement isn’t just aesthetic, it’s functional. Common areas include left chest (standard logo placement), back yoke or on the sleeve. Always consider the end user, no one wants stiff or itchy embroidery rubbing against their skin all day. If you are embroidering areas which may have skin contact, using a soft backing on the reverse, Comfortwear from Madeira is a great option, alternatively, consider making a badge.


Tips to increase efficiency and profitability • Minimise trims in designs where possible.


• Reduce colour changes by grouping and completing as much of the design as possible in one colour before changing.


• Reduce the number of overlapping stitches, which can unnecessarily increase the overall stitch count and machine run time.


• Connect design elements where possible to avoid excess starts and stops.


Embroidery for industrial workwear demands more than just visual appeal, it requires strength, compliance, and efficiency. By choosing certified materials and streamlining production, garment decorators can consistently achieve high-quality embroidery results.


www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64