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This article will explain several things that we've learned over the years about embroidery. Hopefully it will help customers understand some of the factors they should consider when selecting embroidery options.| Embroidery patterns created by an embroidery machine are a series of interlocking stitches like a sewing machine makes. But, instead of going in a straight line like most seams sewn with a sewing machine, the direction and length can change for each individual stitch. There are two main stitch patterns that we use in our embroidery designs, the satin stitch and the fill stitch.In a satin stitch pattern, the stitches form a zig zag pattern across the narrowest part of the shape. This zig zag can follow a curved shape with the stitches always approximately perpendicular to the side of the shape. This pattern creates a shiny appearance. If the threads have to span too far they can get snagged though, and the edges can look somewhat jagged when forming wide curved shapes or when stitched in leather.The fill stitch is a series of parallel stitches that traverse back and forth. Instead of spanning the whole shape with each stitch though, it uses multiple stitches on it's way across the shape. This helps avoid snags. The fill stitch works well for larger areas that need a solid color. |
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| Examples of stitch types (click to enlarge) |
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| Another thing to think about when choosing embroidery is ensuring enough thread coverage. Since embroidery is a series of individual stitches, it's possible for the underlying material to show through the gaps between stitches. There are a few things we can do to minimize this, or at least make is less noticeable.Material choice is one factor that can affect coverage. Leather is the most difficult material when it comes to getting good coverage because it requires a little bit more spacing between the stitches. This can be most noticeable on Satin stitches going around curved shapes.Another thing that can make gaps in coverage more noticeable is excessive contrast between the thread and material colors. White thread on black material for example is the worst case. A better combination for black material is a medium or light gray. That's just an example though. Many options are possible. |
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| Satin stitch coverage example (click to enlarge) |
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| Coverage on Various Materials |
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Satin Stitch
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Fill Stitch
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Leather
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Okay
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Good
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Synthetic Leather
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Good
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Very Good
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Synthetic Suede
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Very Good
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Very Good
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Cloth
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Very Good
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Very Good
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The size of an embroidery design can also have a big affect on the overall appearance. The biggest mistake is usually to make the embroidery too large for the area it is in. One third of the available width of height is usually a good rule of thumb.Getting the right amount of contrast is also important. Getting too much contrast can be a problem (as mentioned earlier), but too little can be just as bad. If the background color and thread color are not far enough away from each other in terms of brightness, the design can look very "flat". The result is not very pleasing to the average person.These are just a few things to consider. There are others that come up in specific cases. Just keep in mind that it's not just a matter of making a few choices based on things you like (favorite color etc.). The choices should also work together to produce the best final product. |
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