Orleans Embroidery's Embroidery 101

So you have decided to customize a piece of clothing or accessory with professional embroidery. You have found the perfect embroidery business for your needs (ideally Orleans Embroidery, of course!). But what happens now?

First, you should know as precisely as possible what you want. Where on the piece should the embroidery be? How big do you want it? What font do you want? What do you want the design to look like?

Then, contact your embroiderer for prices and possibilities. Let them know how many pieces you have and give them as much information as you can about your order. The more they know, the easier it will be for them to tell you a realistic price beforehand.

Also, be aware that while the customer may be king, the embroiderer is still the pro. Be open to suggestions and improvements. Accept the limitations of reality. If your embroiderer tells you your design might not work, he is doing so in your best interest. Most embroiderers take great pride in their work and want you to be happy with the outcome. They will be more than happy to work with you, suggest alternatives and invest time into creating the best possible design for you.

Once you have agreed on a design and price, the real work begins: Oftentimes the design has to be digitized and edited several times in specialized computer software and test-sewn to avoid flaws and ensure the highest possible quality. Then the embroidery machines are programmed and each garment is hooped individually. In its two machines, Orleans Embroidery can currently embroider up to 7 pieces simultaneously. Depending on the stitch count and sophistication of the design, one run can take up to one hour. Afterwards, the embroidery is neatened and the backing trimmed. If you chose to have more than one location embroidered on your garment, the process starts all over again for the second/third/etc. location.

Usually orders will be processed on a "first come, first served" basis, so unless your embroiderer is willing to produce your items on a rush order, expect a wait from 2 to 5 working days.

As you can see, your embroiderer is putting a lot of work into making sure that you will end up with a custom designed, high-quality garment. However, whether you are having work uniforms for your business embroidered or wedding favors, or fun gifts for your family and friends, once you see the result you will be convinced that it was worth it!