How-To: Embroidery

A while ago, we made a post showing the screen printing process for apparel. It was a popular post, and it’s always neat to get a behind-the-scenes look at how a product is made. (Coincidentally, “How It’s Made” on the Science Channel is one of my favorite shows.)

Custom embroidery is another specialized service TJM offers, and it’s just as cool to watch as screen printing! Embroidery machines are fascinating to see in motion even though Joey, our resident embroidery expert, insists they aren’t actually run on magic. Either way, let’s take a look at some hats for an (awesome) local brewery, Infinite Ale Works:

Step 1: Artwork

First things first, after receiving the artwork from the customer, we use specialized embroidery software to render the layout on the apparel (in this case, hats.) The software shows exactly how the embroidery machines will embroider the hats in a step-by-step process. This render is then loaded into the machine and the hats are prepped for embroidery.

Step 2: “Hooping” the Hats

The hats are securely loaded onto hoops that fit into the embroidery machine. These hoops keep the hats from shifting while the embroidery machine is in motion. Any unnecessary movement would cause mistakes in the embroidery, so it’s important the hats are secure!

Step 3: Embroidery

The embroidery machine truly is a sight to behold when it’s running. Multiple hats run at the same time, and for a design this size, the entire process is finished in around 10-15 minutes at most.

Step 5: Finished Product

The hats are loaded off the machine and packed in boxes, ready to ship to the customer!

And that’s it! There are a few steps involved, but like I mentioned before, it’s always cool to see the embroidery machines in motion. If you ever get the opportunity to stop by and check out our embroidery and screen printing facility, take it! It’s worth seeing these things in action.

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Thanks for reading!