New Directions, New Ideas V Embroidery Project

Too many times you limit yourself to what can be safely hooped using the set of hoops and frames that came with your machine. The fact of the matter is that these items work really great for a lot of applications, but not for everything. In reality, there are all kinds of new gadgets to improve your production lifestyle, yet many embroiderers refuse to go beyond the scope of what is presently hanging on the wall beside their machine.

However, if you stop and take a moment to look outside the hoop, you will find an exciting world waiting to greet you. There are specialty frames for doing sleeves, shirt pockets and socks even a variety of styles for caps. By arming yourself with some of these new products, you can expand your line of services and offer something that the competition can’t. So let’s take a quick tour to see what some of your options are:

Cylinder Frames Cylinder frames make it possible hoop cylindrical items such as shirt sleeves, pant legs, socks, wine bags, golf club head covers, etc. Unfortunately, they are not available for every make and model of machine, but are definitely worth investigating if you are getting requests for embroidery in items that are long and narrow.

Window Frames

A window frame consists of a thin metal frame that attaches to the pantograph of your machine in place of a hoop. Adhesive backing is attached to the underside of the frame, sticky side up, so that you attach the garment to the frame by pressing it onto the adhesive surface. This is ideal for hard (impossible) to hoop items such as pockets, leashes, sashes, belts, pet collars, CD cases, etc. Window frames are available for most commercial machines.

Clamping Systems

Embroidery clamps are perhaps the most versatile tools ever introduced to the embroidery industry. Clamping systems are composed of a base unit with interchangeable window clamps. Each window clamp is a two piece unit, which mechanically grasps and supports the item being sewn. The mechanical base provides the mechanical action that locks and unlocks the window clamp. Much like window frames, these are ideal for hard-to-hoop items such as briefcases, belts, pet collars, CD cases, purses, pocketbooks, etc. Though higher in cost than window frames, they are also more versatile and easier to use.

Border Frames

Border frames provide a larger sewing area than traditional hoops and depend on clamps to hold the fabric, rather than inner and outer hoop rings. Border frames make it easy to tackle bulk goods, banners, blankets, bedspreads, tapestries, table skirts, etc. Most commercial machine companies offer border frames as an option for their equipment.

This year, you owe it to yourself to look at some new ideas to insure continued growth for your shop. The more unique you can make yourself, the better. Take the time to learn more and investigate new markets, concepts, products and accessories. Don’t shy away if an investment or purchase is involved with a new idea. Research it thoroughly and determine if it’s right for you. If so, make the move and go for it. Thinking without doing leads no where. Good luck!