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COMMON THREAD—PERSONALIZATION
Embroidery, engraving, etching, screen-printing, heat transfers—what common thread do these processes share?

They add value and uniqueness to the items they embellish. In the promotions world they add what we call “personalization.” Although not essential to survival, these processes help us address a need that is part and parcel to being human—the need to express our creativity, individuality and identity. This need has been around since the first caveman chiseled his markings on a rock wall. It explains why the “bells and whistles” of business promotion we call personalization (the backbone of the industry) is in growing demand and destined to be around as long as there are businesses to promote.

EMBROIDERY PLAYS A LEADING ROLE
Embroidery plays a leading role in business apparel personalization. It presents a three-dimensional, upscale look with high perceived value that enhances the overall impression of a logo or design. Alternatives, such as screen printing, simply do not offer the same sense of style and quality.

At Fast Embroidery Tapes, we have noticed a trend toward more complex and involved designs. We understand our customers’ need to “put their best foot forward” and do all we can to maintain the integrity of a logo or design. However, embroidery must interpret a design with thread, and we would like to make a few suggestions to help you take full advantage of this art form within its limitations.

To save time, frustration and potential embarrassment, know your product (in this case fabric and thread) and understand the embroidery process. Review a design before you tell your customer that it can be embroidered “as is.” Be prepared to make suggestions. A design may need to be modified for the embroidery process, but with a little knowledge you can help them create a finished product that not only meets but exceeds their expectations.

TEXT SIZE
Letter size is an important consideration when creating a design for the embroidery process. Script or serif fonts are not advisable for small text. For best results, use capitalized letters in a sans serif font such as Arial. The minimum letter heights listed below are for sans serif, block letters, sewn in a satin stitch.

Suggested minimum Letter Height by Fabric:
Pique, Terry cloth, Fleece .…. 1/ 4”
Twill, Most other fabrics …… 3/16”

Consult your digitizer if you are not sure text is large enough to be embroidered. A good digitizer will have suggestions and may be able to help you re-design the logo in a way that does not significantly change the basic design.

MULTI-MEDIA
For extremely involved and/or large designs, you could suggest a combination of processes, EG: appliqué or screen printing combined with embroidery.

Appliqué involves applying fabric pieces to create a desired background. Stitching is then applied over the fabric to highlight important areas or text. The same process can be done with screen printing: apply screen printing to fabric then highlight important areas or text with stitching. Combining processes in this way can significantly reduce cost, especially for a jacket back or full chest design.

MARKETING IDEAS
Traditional on a polo shirt or hat, embroidery also adds depth and character to a leather pouch, attaché case, tote, fanny pack or other “non-traditional” item as well. Combining traditional and non-traditional items in a “package,” in fact, creates a coordinated “Madison Avenue” look, that is impressive.

Windbreakers and hats coordinated with a golf shirt make great souvenirs and are always appreciated by golfers. Embroidered golf towels, umbrellas, golf bag covers and golf
shoe bags can also help make your customer’s tournament a memorable event that creates good will for your customer and long term advertising.
 

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