For the Business of Apparel Decorating
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20 1 4 M AY PRINTWEAR | 71 A Thread of a Different Color Utilizing specialty embroidery threads b y C a s s a n d r a G r e e n ton, American & Efird. He states that this thread can be used as both an accent color or entirely on its own. "Glow-in-the-dark is also pretty unique, and is used as an accent which allows the work to take on an entirely different look after dark," he adds. Kay Brooks, RNK Distributing/Floriani, also lists variegated, mixed, micro, and high sheen among threads classified as specialty. "Using a specialty thread places a greater emphasis on the embroidery itself and cre- ates an extraordinary finish," she explains. It is this extraordinary finish that customers are looking for, and embroiderers who in- corporate it are sure to please. IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS Learning to incorporate specialty thread doesn't require a lot of extra time and mon- ey on the embroiderer's part. There are dif- ferent needle requirements and digitizing techniques to follow, however, these vary only slightly from everyday practices. In the end, it comes down to minor adjustments. Let's start with the digitizing and setup processes. "Embroidery designs generally have to be digitized specifically for spe- cialty thread," states Wolf. However, that's about as precise as it gets, since the adjust- ments depend on the type of thread. "The digitizer will need to work with the threads Left: Specialty em- broidery threads include metallic, glow-in-the-dark, variegated, mixed, micro, and high sheen threads. Below: Using spe- cialty thread can take an ordinary image to extraordi- nary. (Images cour- tesy RNK Distribut- ing/Floriani) Over a century in the business has taught us a few things about what it takes to keep the customer satis ed: the nest quality, the best selection and outstanding service. Our superior distribution network allows us to serve our customers right where they need us. Available through: Daines Enterprises – www.dainessewing.com Hammer Brothers – www.hammerbrothers.com Llovet Sales Company, Inc. – www.llovet.com S.M. Cristall Company, Inc. – www.smcristall.com Cristall Thread & Supply, Inc. – www.SMC1983.com Texas Specialties – www. texasspecialties.com Nobody Does it Better. www.robison-anton.com PW_MAY14.indd 71 4/17/14 12:14 PM