Explore Different Embroidery Styles: Choose the Perfect Fit for Your Project
With a range of print methods to choose from it’s not always clear which branding method would be best for you. Many terms will pop up in your search and embroidery may be one of the first, it has been found worldwide with early examples traced back to the Warring States period in China, dating from the 5th to 3rd century BC.
But does this centuries old technique still have a place in our modern day?
Yes, we believe that it absolutely does.
What is embroidery?
This method of branding involves hand stitching your logo/design using colour-coordinated thread into fabric.
Today the sewing is completed by computerised embroidery machines, but if we travel a few hundred years back this would have been done all by hand.
Just as fabric would have been hooped in the past, your garments are hooped and loaded onto the embroidery machine before your logo/design is stitched into place.
Why should you choose embroidery?
There are a multitude of reasons why you should consider this method but first let’s look at your design to see if it’s suitable.
While there are some limitations, embroidery can still replicate small and simple designs and will excel at capturing the details of complex designs. Some details may need to be simplified but this is due to the process of replicating an image using thread.
1. Longevity, flexibility, and durability
Embroidery has been the go-to choice for corporate uniforms and other work wear because of its durable nature—it can be ironed, the coloured threads will wash well and retain its colour and is resistant to peeling, fraying and fading.
2. High-quality appearance
The three-dimensional look and tactile feel of thread adds a depth and offers a richness that no other branding method can replicate. Embroidery has been around for centuries and is often viewed as a classy, elegant, and refined branding option compared to other print methods.
3. Versatile and customisable
Embroidery can be applied to a wide range of fabrics including denim, towels, fleece, sports bags, knitted corporate styles and some fabrics that cannot be printed, or heat pressed. There is also a wide range of stitch styles to choose from that can add extra character and visual texture to your final design.
The one thing to note is that embroidery tends to pucker on very thin or thick fabric.
Embroidery Styles
Some of the basic techniques or stitches of embroidery are chain stitch, buttonhole stitch, running stitch, satin stitch, and cross stitch.
2D embroidery is the classic/traditional type that most people will be familiar with but there is also 3D embroidery, badges/patches, and epaulettes.
What is 2D embroidery?
This refers to the standard method where your design is stitched onto your garment/item of choice with a slight raised texture. It gives a flat two-dimensional appearance on the chosen item making it ideal for adding decorative and branded elements.
What is 3D embroidery?
Exactly as the name suggests, 3D or puff embroidery refers to creating an embroidered design that sits with a raised look on your chosen item. This technique uses foam to literally boost your design from the surface which is then stitched to create that 3D effect. It is also commonly used on garments and items that don’t require frequent washing.
What are embroidered badges/patches?
Embroidered badges are a great alternative when you’re looking to enhance your uniform, brand or merch and are available as sew on, iron on or velcro patches. Patches are stitched with smaller, more accurate needles compared to what they can typically use. It’s a great alternative when you have a detailed design but don’t want to make your item or garment look thick/heavy with embroidery or deal with fabric puckering.
Patches are built with layers of thread and gives it a raised texture, a great in-between 2D and 3D embroidery.
What are epaulettes?
Epaulettes are a decorative strap that is attached to the shoulder of a piece of clothing and used to display rank and leadership. If you are looking to add these to your uniform, we can have them made individually or source garments that already have these attached.
Preparing artwork files
At QTCo, we can help with all kinds of embroidery service and have experienced staff to assist with the best outcome for your designs.
Like with all print methods, we will need, at the very least, a high-res PNG file that can then be digitised. The process of digitising your image involves converting your image into a file type that can be read by the embroidery machine so that it can then follow to stitch out your design.
This means once we have your artwork setup/digitised the first time, you won’t need to pay the setup fee again for recurring orders using the same artwork.
Colour matching
With hundreds of thread colours available to choose from, our team will carefully colour match the best for your artwork. If you however are after a perfect Pantone match this may not be possible.
FAQs
Are there minimum order quantities?
Like with most things, yes! For garments there are MOQ’s of 10 units and for headwear it’s 25 units per design.
How much does embroidery cost?
Cost of embroidery greatly depends on the complexity of your artwork, type, final size and quantities required.
In conclusion
It is a great choice if you are looking to create uniforms, start or expand your merch range or embellish existing gear. It’s point of difference lies in its deeply rooted history as a high-quality method of personalisation.
If you’re in Brisbane and looking for professional embroidery services, we recommend contacting us. Take advantage of our service with set-up fees only needing to be covered once per design.