Add Pizzazz to Your Threads!

Besides rayon and polyester threads, speciality threads such as metallic, solar activated and multi color are used for different custom embroidery applications. Most people are familiar with metallic thread which is available in a variety of colors including gold, silver and copper. Because metallic thread is more difficult to embroider with it isn't suitable for every application but it can add sparkle to a holiday design. Solar active thread, which looks like white thread until it is exposed to sunlight, comes in basic colors such as red, blue, green, yellow and purple. This thread can produce surprising results. Imagine a wedding dress that appears to be white until the bride exits from the church! Another nice effect is produced by using multi color thread to create a camo look. This thread looks great in a wide column font on hats. Expect to pay more for speciality threads but when used correctly, these threads give pizzazz to your design!

One last thread to come!

Rayon Thread's Advantages

Although polyester thread is less likely to “run” during laundering, rayon thread has its advantages. Rayon thread has more “sheen” and is better at reflecting light. Because of this sheen rayon thread may be desirable for large, detailed designs. Also, rayon thread is available in more shades and may work better for realistic designs (e.g. animals, birds, fish) that require lots of thread colors.

More "threads" to come!

Embroidery Thread - Is It All the Same?

Not really. Most embroiders use either rayon or polyester thread for the upper thread in most embroidery applications. Embroiders will have their preference as to which type they use. Generally customers don’t need to be concerned about what type their embroider uses but there are some exceptions. For example, if you’re purchasing embroidered uniforms that will receive heavy laundering with bleach, then polyester thread is necessary. Another example would be if you’ve had trouble with embroidery thread “bleeding” such as a fill (area) of red thread, then polyester thread is a better choice.

PMS (Pantone Matching System) Colors in Thread?

Your logo may be designed with PMS (Pantone Matching System) colors, a system where a specific reference number is associated with each color. If it’s important to maintain these exact colors for your embroidered logo, you can get an exact or close match in embroidery with a little extra work. Check with your embroider to see if the PMS colors in your logo are available in thread colors. Many thread colors are assigned a PMS number but there are more PMS print colors than thread colors. Sometimes more than one thread color is listed as a close match. This may be because there isn’t a perfect match or more than one match may exist because thread is available from different manufacturers. If more than one color is listed as a possible match then you might want to have your embroider order more than one thread color to see which color will work better.

More to come next post!

Extra Care Embroidery Items

Need custom embroidery for a special garment such as a wedding dress or christening gown? To get the best job you need to find an experienced embroiderer who does specialty embroidery. Start early (2-3 months before you need the item) and call different embroidery shops to see if they have experience with this type of work. Ask specific questions such as, “Do you embroider wedding gowns?” and” Do you have samples that you can show me?” You want to use an embroiderer who will carefully clean the machine work area before embroidering to avoid getting dirt, oil or grease on your garment. Make sure to discuss the font style, sizing, exact placement and thread color (usually tone-on-tone for wedding & christening dresses) to be used. This type of embroidery takes extra time, experience and care. Even though you may only be adding a name to a garment expect to pay more for embroidery on “extra care” items.