Creating High Quality Embroidery VI Embroidery Project

This goes without saying, yet it gets overlooked time and time again. Take the time to trim loose threads as well as any that are left over as the result of a jump in the design. And don’t forget those pesky little threads that are left between the letters. However, there are times when it’s better not to trim some of the connecting thread left between letters. If the area is so tight that you risk cutting the garment while trimming the thread, it’s better to leave it alone. Also, while trimming the front of the design, be sure to remove all traces of any topping material that was used during the sewing process.

Trimming includes the back of the design as well as the front. Trim any loose bobbin threads, though you don’t necessarily need to trim all of the jumps. And be sure to trim the backing material as close to the edge of the design as possible. Be careful not to cut a hole in the fabric while trimming. It’s a truly sickening feeling to be almost finished with a top quality sewing job only to damage the garment while trimming the excess backing. It’s suggested that you slide the scissors rather than cutting. Also, grasp the backing and let the garment hang down unsupported while trimming. This will minimize the chances of accidentally cutting a hole.

No Loose Stitches

This is different from untrimmed stitches. Loose stitches are those that have loops raised above the surface of the stitching. It can occur with satins, runs and fills. They should not be trimmed away as this will cause unraveling and gaps. Instead, go to the back of the garment and use a set of tweezers to grasp the backside of the loose stitch and pull it back through until the loop goes away. It’s a very tedious process to say the least, so prevention is critical.

Loose stitches are caused by poor tensioning. They are the result of a bobbin that is too tight or an upper thread that is too loose. This is the type of problem that is best handled by keeping watch on the design as it sews. You don’t have to baby-sit the machine, eyes glued to the needle action, but it does pay to check on it periodically, especially during the first run of a multi-piece order. As a matter of fact, with multi-piece orders, always take a few minutes to carefully examine the first run of garments for flaws or potential quality issues. This is your chance to ensure that the job meets the requirements of the work order, and that all quality issues are addressed. It’s excusable to make an initial mistake, but idiotic to continue making the same one, run after run.

No Bobbin Thread Showing On Top

This is the reverse problem of what is described above. In this situation the bobbin thread is too loose or the upper thread is too tight. Either way, the result is that bobbin thread (typically white) has been pulled up through the fabric and is now visible in the design. It looks horrendous, unless by sheer luck, the upper thread just happens to be the same color as the bobbin thread. Rarely the case! In any event, this is another situation than should be caught during the initial run.

It should also be noted, that as the bobbin unwinds, the tension tends to decrease. So while the first run looks good, successive runs may develop problems as the bobbin gets used up. In fact, the last 10% of the bobbin should be considered unusable and it should be discarded.