Embroidery

Definition and Overview

Embroidery is a finishing process in which embroidery thread is stitched into the base textile to create patterns. It can express lines, areas, letters, and more, and the appearance and three-dimensional effect change depending on thread color, thickness, stitching method, and density. In apparel, it is used not only for decoration but also for brand identification and affiliation marking.

There is hand embroidery and machine embroidery. In mass production, processing is often done with an embroidery machine based on data. In machine embroidery, the design is converted into embroidery data, and processing is carried out by setting thread colors, stitch order, stitch density, and other parameters, so a data creation step is required separately from the design itself.

Process in Product Manufacturing

Embroidery may be added to fabric before cutting, or to cut parts or sewn products after cutting. The appropriate timing is determined by position accuracy, production efficiency, and the product shape. Processing on flat parts such as pockets and front panels makes it easier to control placement.

In general, after the design is decided, the input data and finished placement are checked, and a test sew is used to confirm thread color, size, density, and the condition of the reverse side. Production then proceeds based on an approved sample, and when embroidery is done after sewing, it is also checked whether the product can fit in the hoop and whether seam allowances or attached components interfere.

• Embroidery placement is specified by dimensions from reference points on the pattern.
• For left and right body panels or left and right sleeves, placement is checked including how it appears when worn.
• The embroidery area and nearby sewing specifications, as well as the positions of components such as pockets and zippers, are confirmed in advance.

Instructions and Workflow When Ordering

When placing an order, clearly specify the design to be submitted, finished dimensions, embroidery placement, thread colors, and information about the textile or product to be processed. For designs that include text, also specify the typeface, letter spacing, and vertical and horizontal orientation. Small letters and thin lines are affected by thread thickness and needle movement, so it is important to confirm visibility with a test sew.

Even for the same design, embroidery data may need to be adjusted depending on the fabric thickness, stretch, fluff, and weave density. Prototype under conditions close to those of the fabric used in mass production, and if necessary, use a stabilizer to prevent stretching and puckering.

• Material name, thickness, stretch, and surface fluff of the item to be processed
• Embroidery size, placement, orientation, and acceptable range of positional deviation
• How thread colors are specified and where color changes occur
• Appearance on the front side, plus reverse-side finishing and feel against the skin

Quality Considerations and Differences from Similar Terms

In embroidery, textile shrinkage, waviness, broken thread, thread protrusion, pattern misalignment, and visible bobbin thread are subject to quality checks. These effects are especially likely with lightweight fabrics, stretch materials, and brushed materials, so the appearance around the embroidery should be checked both laid flat and in a worn state. Changes after washing are also checked depending on the application.

Printing is a process in which ink or similar materials are applied to or penetrate the textile surface to express a pattern, and it differs from embroidery, which expresses designs by stitching in thread, in both method and thickness. Also, a patch often refers to a specification in which embroidered backing is sewn or attached as a separate part, and it is treated separately from embroidery applied directly to the textile.

Frequently Asked Questions