The Embroidery Column
Achieve high quality embroidery results
In the health and beauty sector, clothes play an important part in communicating professionalism, hygiene, and luxury. From the uniforms worn by beauty technicians to towels, robes, and slippers provided in a salon or spa. These garments not only serve as practical items, but they are also ideal for embroidered branding and personalisation. Madeira’s marketing manager, Natalie Greetham, explains more.
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chieving high-quality embroidery on a range of different garments and fabrics requires careful consideration and skill, from design placement and size to the most suitable thread type. Here are some essential points:
Thread selection
Choose high-quality embroidery threads that complement the garment’s colour and texture. For health and beauty garments, polyester or rayon threads are both suitable. Match the thread weight to the design complexity, e.g. thicker threads for bolder designs and thinner threads for intricate details.
For items that will be frequently laundered or where brightening agents may be used, always select polyester thread. Recycled polyester is becoming increasingly popular and is a great option for eco-conscious embroiderers and businesses. Recycled threads boast the same bleach and chlorine resistant properties as standard polyester making them the ideal choice for uniforms, white towels, and robes.
Help stitches stand proud One challenge with fabrics such as towelling can be the stitches sinking and getting lost in the pile. Hooping up with a water-soluble topping will help prevent this and can vastly improve your fi nished results. Simply embroider through the clear fi lm and then tear away the excess, any residue will completely disappear with the fi rst wash.
Other techniques, such as knock- down stitching can also be used. Knock-down stitching is when you
| 66 | May 2024 Finished results
start with a base layer of stitching, often in the same colour as the fabric, to hold down the pile and create a foundation for the logo or monogram to be stitched on top. It can also be used as part of the design where negative space can be left without any stitching (see images attached). For embroidery that will be visible on both sides, you can opt for a water- soluble backing and use superfi ne 75 weight polyester thread in the bobbin to match the colour of the top thread.
Tone on tone knock-down stitch with negative space and embroidered details on top
Hooping thick items
Magnetic frames are a great option to ensure thick fabrics are taut in the hoop. Alternatively, if you are unable to hoop the fabric, you can ‘fl oat’ the fabric by using a sticky backing within the hoop and then simply lay the fabric on top.
Hooped with Avalon water-soluble topping
Design considerations Embroidery is all about precision and attention to detail. Where possible, simplify designs for optimal results as intricate designs with small details may not translate well onto textured fabrics like towels. Opting for clean lines and bold shapes will also help designs stand out effectively. Consider the garment’s size and shape, as well as any functional aspects that might affect the placement, such as pockets or seams. Ensure that the design is proportionate to the garment and positioned appropriately for maximum impact. To achieve a fl awless fi nish on health and beauty garments, careful thread selection and innovative stitching techniques are essential to ensure each design stands out with precision and durability.
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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