Embroidery
EMB-1013
Hand Embroidery
Hand embroidery is stitched with a needle and thread by hand, without an embroidery machine. Each piece shows small variations in stitch length and tension, which gives the work a handmade character that machine embroidery does not reproduce.
VISUAL EFFECTS
Hand-stitched artwork with slight, natural variation in stitch length and direction
HAND-FEEL
Soft, textured thread surface; lighter than dense machine embroidery
BENEFITS
Hand stitching allows fine detail and free stitch direction, and small runs need no digitised file. Each piece carries a handmade look.
LIMITATIONS
Hand embroidery is slow and labour-intensive, which adds cost and lead time. Small variations between pieces are part of the technique, so bulk pieces will not match the approved sample stitch for stitch.
PROCESS
[01] Design Creation
Prepare the design and set the stitch types, thread colours and placement.
[02] Fabric Preparation
Mark the design on the garment panel or fabric, by tracing or with a water-soluble pen.
[03] Hooping
Secure the fabric in a hoop or frame so it stays taut while stitching.
[04] Thread Selection
Choose thread colour, thickness and type for each part of the design.
[05] Stitching
Stitch the design by hand, following the marked lines and the agreed stitch types.
[06] Knotting & Trimming
Secure the thread ends on the back and trim the excess thread.
TO CONSIDER
Lead Time
Plan for a longer lead time than machine embroidery, especially for large quantities or dense designs.
Approval Standard
Agree with the client how much variation between pieces is acceptable before bulk.
Design Size
Large filled areas take much longer by hand. Small motifs, outlines and accents suit the technique best.