Friday, January 11, 2008

Fashionable Embroidery Fabrics

There are many types of embroidery fabrics so logos can be embroidered to any type of apparel or accessories. Materials used for embroidery can be chosen to suit any fashion style from athletic to corporate casual. The types of fabric used may require embroidery to be done a little differently. Below is a listing of the many types of fabrics used in embroidery and the differences in types of fabric.

Basic Cotton. Basic cotton is the one most popular choice in embroidery because T-shirts are a great way to display a logo and are inexpensive. Basic cotton is a lightweight material so it requires fewer stitches than heavier fabrics

Basic Cotton/Polyester. Cotton/Polyester blended fabrics are another light-weight material, also very popular for embroidery. Again, it uses fewer stitches because the fabric simply cannot hold that many stitches.

Woven. Woven fabrics like twill, chino, and tweed use a diagonal weave to create a stronger fabric with diagonal lines for a more dramatic effect. Woven fabrics are thicker than basic cotton and therefore can take more threads for a given embroidery pattern or logo.

Knit. Knit fabrics use a complex interlocking pattern that makes it more flexible than woven fabrics. It can stretch is all directions, so most knit fabrics are made with acrylic material for shape retention. Logos must be specially prepared to be embroidered onto knit fabric due to the many threads and loops in the knit fabric.

Fleece. Fleece is a thick and springy fabric made from synthetic materials. Since fleece has a raise fuzzy surface, proper underlay stitching must be used in order to keep the stitches from being lost in the fabric. If not embroidered properly, little bits of fleece may come through the embroidered logo.

Nylon. Nylon is another synthetic fiber used in a number of apparel items. Jackets and vests are very popular items for embroidery.

Leather or Suede. Leather and Suede are very thick materials, rich representation of group or business. Leather jackets used for embroidery are engineered for easy access for embroidery machines in the left pocket area. Letterman jackets of leather and suede are a classic look to include in corporate apparel.

Denim. Canvas, Denim, Twill and Poplin are all woven fabrics that are very thick and look great with embroidery. Denims and Twills and others come in a variety of shades and colors, and seamless denims are perfect candidates for embroidery.

Micro-fiber. Micro-fiber is a material made from very thin fibers of synthetic material that resists water and wind, so it's perfect for staying dry and looking professional. Micro-fiber is perfect for professional or athletic outerwear.

Sweaters. Sweaters made of various materials including cotton and polyester, and are ready for embroidery.

Backpacks, Duffle bags, Totes. Tote bags and other bags are made of cotton twill, 100% cotton, polyester, nylon, and a variety of other materials that are used for embroidery. Carrying cases are useful for a number of reasons and are a fashionable way to stay organized.

Pricing of embroidery fabrics depends on the type of material, while some are relatively inexpensive, others materials of higher quality are worth a higher price. There are also a great number of apparel items available in many different kinds of fabrics.

Angela Oliver is an author for EmbroideryAuthority.com, offering competitive pricing for all custom embroidered logos, apparel, and accessories. Get your company or group logo on hats, shirts, caps, and more. Visit www.embroideryauthority.com for a full selection of embroidery fabrics.
 

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