Exploring Multimedia II Embroidery Project

The next stop on our tour of multimedia applications is appliqué. Too many times, this process is thought of strictly in terms of reducing stitch count, rather than as a means of artistic enhancement. In reality, appliqué is a simple process that is available to any embroiderer and has countless possibilities for creative multi-media applications.

According to Rick Jones, Owner of Logo Express, appliqué is a process that is overlooked by way too many shops. “We have taken a hard look at benefits of appliqué and are now pushing the concept pretty hard,” says Jones. “In fact, we are now in the process of converting a lot of full stitch logos into appliqué. For example, Fire Department jacket-back designs that use the Maltese Cross. We are sewing the Cross as an appliqué, sometimes using reflective fabric as the insert. Our customers love the look. Certainly it reduces stitch count, but the selling point is the unique appearance.”

Appliqué is quite easy to produce, but can be labor-intensive, especially if all the fabric inserts must be cut by hand. For small orders this is acceptable, but not for larger ones. Says Jones, “currently we either hand-cut the appliqué material or send it out to one of the professional companies like Stahl’s. But we are shopping around for equipment that will allow us to do all the cutting in-house. I see appliqué as a major area for us to expand into.”