Tips To Improve Embroidery Quality – Let’s Get Printing

Embroidery might seem like a simple process, but anyone in the garment decoration industry knows it involves a lot of moving parts. Recently, on the Let’s Get Printing podcast, Zack Dewhurst, Business Development Manager at DecoNetwork, spoke with embroidery expert Erich Campbell, host of The Takeup podcast. Their conversation was packed with helpful tips and advice for anyone looking to improve their embroidery skills, whether they’re experienced or just starting out.

Meet the Expert: Erich Campbell Erich Campbell isn’t just any embroidery professional—he’s been in the industry for over 25 years. He’s known for his work on popular shows like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. Erich also hosts The Takeup podcast, where he shares his knowledge about embroidery each week. His experience and passion for the craft make him the perfect person to guide anyone wanting to get better at embroidery.

Understanding the Basics of Embroidery Embroidery is more than just stitching designs onto fabric. It involves choosing the right materials, tools, and techniques to create high-quality results. Erich shared some of the key things you need to know to get started or improve your embroidery projects:

1. Stabilizers: The Secret to Clean Designs Stabilizers are the support system for your fabric during stitching. They help keep your designs sharp and neat. Erich recommends keeping things simple by using three types of stabilizers: a medium cutaway, a medium tear-away, and one for performance wear. These should cover most of your embroidery needs.
2. Needles: Picking the Right Type and Size The needle is a critical part of the embroidery process. Erich suggests using a 75/11 needle for most projects and switching to a 65/9 needle for fine details like small text. The type of needle also matters—sharp needles work well on woven fabrics, while ballpoint needles are best for knits to prevent damage.
3. Thread: Choosing the Best Option for Your Project The thread you choose can make a big difference. The standard 40-weight thread is good for most designs, while a 60-weight thread is better for detailed work. Polyester thread is durable and great for workwear, while rayon gives a more polished, high-end look.

The Importance of Quality Digitizing Digitizing is the process of turning your design into a file that the embroidery machine can read. It’s a critical step for achieving high-quality results. Erich provided these tips on digitizing:

• Consider Outsourcing: If you’re not ready to digitize in-house, find a professional digitizer. A good one will ask about your fabric, design size, and needle type to ensure the best outcome.
• Every Design Needs Specific Digitizing: You can’t always use the same design file for different products. A design for a polo shirt might not work well on a cap without changes.
• Test Before Production: Always do a test run to catch issues early. Testing lets you see how the design works with different fabrics and stabilizers, allowing you to make necessary adjustments.

Getting Started with Embroidery For beginners or those looking to add embroidery to their business, Erich shared a simple roadmap:

• Start with Simple Projects: Stick to flat items like polo shirts before moving on to complex pieces like hats or jackets.
• Use a Single-Head Machine: You don’t need a big setup to start. A single-head machine is great for small orders and testing designs.
• Test Everything: Before full production, run a test sew to make sure everything looks good. Keep an eye on the machine during this process to spot any issues early.

The Right Tools Make a Difference Erich also stressed the importance of using the right tools and maintaining your equipment:

• Magnetic Hoops: These help keep fabric in place, improving accuracy.
• Backup Bobbin Cases: Keep extras on hand to avoid delays if one breaks.
• Needle Maintenance: Regularly replace needles and clean under the bobbin spring to prevent tension issues.

Looking Ahead: Embroidery’s Future Embroidery remains a popular choice for garment decoration, and with the right equipment and techniques, you can find lasting success in this field. Whether you’re new to embroidery or looking to refine your skills, the tips shared by Erich Campbell can help you produce high-quality work consistently.

For more embroidery insights, check out Erich Campbell’s podcast, The Takeup, where he dives into everything from digitizing to machine maintenance. And if you want to streamline your embroidery business, DecoNetwork offers a range of tools to help you manage orders, production, and more.