darts247.com - 2009 catalogue online now
Machine embroidery digitizing is an art form. Using embroidery digitizing software, a skilled embroidery digitizer transforms an image or text to stitches, creating the image in a file format an embroidery machine can read.That's a fine definition but the reality is somewhat more involved.Just as typing words into a word processor does not make one an author, being able to open digitizing software on a computer does not make the operator an embroidery digitizer. Embroidery digitizing is not a click-the-button-and-sit-back process.Digitizing an image for embroidery requires an artist's ability to see the big picture and the smallest of details. Experienced embroidery digitizers mentally dissect each image, breaking it out into sections and layers, noting how each section relates to the others, how the colors blend and merge and how the shadows play with the light to create the mood or atmosphere the image evokes.
Then the digitizer utilizes the software's tools to separate those sections for redrawing or resizing, stitching in underlay and overlay threads, assigning stitching sequences, using thread to apply shading, and colorizing. The design is reassembled to create that original impression, as much as is possible, in thread and it is ready for its first sew out.Sometimes digitizing an image to thread is often not possible nor feasible. Thread is three dimensional; it is not oil paint or digital pixels. An embroidery digitizer must have an artist's creativity and problem-solving skills. A digitizer's canvas is the computer monitor, the keyboard and mouse are the brushes and the embroidery digitizer's pallet is the embroidery software.But the embroider's canvas is the fabric, her brushes are the machine, needles and thread and her pallet is the program produced by the digitizer.
The machine is only a robot awaiting instructions and then doing precisely what it is told to do in the order it is told to do it. Ruling out mechanical problems or operator error, if a pattern does not sew out correctly it is not the machine or embroider's fault.So the digitizer's work is not confined to a computer screen. Knowledge of fabric types and the push-pull factor of each is also required. The embroidery digitizer also needs to know about needles, thread, and stabilizers and, perhaps most importantly, must creatively expand the 'boundaries' of machine embroidery.
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
To Screen Print or Embroider?
darts247.com - 2009 catalogue online now
You already thought of the perfect apparel for your campaign. The next thing you have to do is to decide what imprint method to use. Will you screen print your logo or will it be better to embroider it instead? Here are some tips to consider in deciding which method to use:
The ObjectiveWhat is the purpose of the promotional item? Is it for mass distribution or is it for a limited audience? If it is for mass distribution, screen printing is suggested. Items like tote bags, shirts and sweatshirts normally have bigger imprint area for screen printing. This will make your item a "walking advertisment" when used. On the other hand, if you are purchasing apparel as uniforms for sales and office personnel, an embroidered logo on polo or tailored shirts will work better as embroidery gives a classic-formal look.
Screenprinting your logo is cheaper than having it embroidered. If you are working on a tight budget and aiming for a wide distribution, screening is the best method to use to maximize your budget. Since the charges are based on the number of colors used, you can also reduce your cost by using fewer colors. Embroidery is more expensive than screen printing, but if you prefer this method, you might consider simplifying your logo or reducing the number of stitches used.
The material of the product is another factor to consider. Some materials, like cotton and polyester, look better with screen prints, while an embroidered imprint will last longer on other materials. Embroidery is recommended for garments with rough surfaces, like piques, and thick materials like fleece. Although screen printing on these surfaces is possible, it will not last as long and may peel off with time.
If you are still in doubt on whether to screen print or to embroider your logo, contact our sales representative to get his or her advice. Our experience in the industry will help you decide which to choose.
You already thought of the perfect apparel for your campaign. The next thing you have to do is to decide what imprint method to use. Will you screen print your logo or will it be better to embroider it instead? Here are some tips to consider in deciding which method to use:
The ObjectiveWhat is the purpose of the promotional item? Is it for mass distribution or is it for a limited audience? If it is for mass distribution, screen printing is suggested. Items like tote bags, shirts and sweatshirts normally have bigger imprint area for screen printing. This will make your item a "walking advertisment" when used. On the other hand, if you are purchasing apparel as uniforms for sales and office personnel, an embroidered logo on polo or tailored shirts will work better as embroidery gives a classic-formal look.
Screenprinting your logo is cheaper than having it embroidered. If you are working on a tight budget and aiming for a wide distribution, screening is the best method to use to maximize your budget. Since the charges are based on the number of colors used, you can also reduce your cost by using fewer colors. Embroidery is more expensive than screen printing, but if you prefer this method, you might consider simplifying your logo or reducing the number of stitches used.
The material of the product is another factor to consider. Some materials, like cotton and polyester, look better with screen prints, while an embroidered imprint will last longer on other materials. Embroidery is recommended for garments with rough surfaces, like piques, and thick materials like fleece. Although screen printing on these surfaces is possible, it will not last as long and may peel off with time.
If you are still in doubt on whether to screen print or to embroider your logo, contact our sales representative to get his or her advice. Our experience in the industry will help you decide which to choose.
Saturday, 25 October 2008
Embroidered & Printed Promotional Clothing can Speak For Your Business
darts247.com - 2009 catalogue online now
Are you looking for a new, creative way to advertise your business? Are you bored with the same old business cards, magnets, flyers, etc? If so, you should try advertising with clothing.
Apparel is one of the best ways to advertise, since people are always wearing T-shirts, polos, jackets and hats.
The idea of promotional clothing has been around since the beginning of the 1900's, but it really became popular in the 1950's. It was during this time that it became common for people to wear t-shirts with logos and even subliminal messages printed on them. Until the 1970's, company t-shirts were usually handed out as an advertisement method - however once the 70's hit, people were also willing to pay for clothing printed with company logos.
Today, it is common for companies to use clothing as a free promotional item and as a way to make a profit. For example, people will pay £50 for a shirt that has the name of the clothing company printed on it. This not only generates quite a profit for the company, but it is also great advertisement and branding technique. If other people want to buy the same shirt, they do not even have to ask where it is from since the company is displayed right on it.
Even if your business is not a clothing company, promotional apparel is still a great advertising tool. Free t-shirts are probably the most well-rounded clothing giveaway. People love free t-shirts and can never have enough of them. They tend to wear free t-shirts to places like the gym and the beach. Think about how many people will see the person wearing your t-shirt. The gym is a great place for your promotional clothing to be worn. There are plenty of cross-promotion items that will go great with your corporate apparel as well. Try advertising your business on items such as bags, golf balls, sports bottles, and umbrellas.
Promotional clothing is an excellent, creative way to advertise your business. There are tons of options to choose from when creating your promotional clothing. You can use t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, fleece, rain gear, or hats just to name a few items. Then you can choose screen-printing, custom graphics, or embroidery to display your company logo too. Whatever you feel is best for your business, the promotional clothing industry will be able to accommodate all your needs and help you begin a great advertising endeavor.
Your imagination is the boundary of what you can achieve!
Are you looking for a new, creative way to advertise your business? Are you bored with the same old business cards, magnets, flyers, etc? If so, you should try advertising with clothing.
Apparel is one of the best ways to advertise, since people are always wearing T-shirts, polos, jackets and hats.
The idea of promotional clothing has been around since the beginning of the 1900's, but it really became popular in the 1950's. It was during this time that it became common for people to wear t-shirts with logos and even subliminal messages printed on them. Until the 1970's, company t-shirts were usually handed out as an advertisement method - however once the 70's hit, people were also willing to pay for clothing printed with company logos.
Today, it is common for companies to use clothing as a free promotional item and as a way to make a profit. For example, people will pay £50 for a shirt that has the name of the clothing company printed on it. This not only generates quite a profit for the company, but it is also great advertisement and branding technique. If other people want to buy the same shirt, they do not even have to ask where it is from since the company is displayed right on it.
Even if your business is not a clothing company, promotional apparel is still a great advertising tool. Free t-shirts are probably the most well-rounded clothing giveaway. People love free t-shirts and can never have enough of them. They tend to wear free t-shirts to places like the gym and the beach. Think about how many people will see the person wearing your t-shirt. The gym is a great place for your promotional clothing to be worn. There are plenty of cross-promotion items that will go great with your corporate apparel as well. Try advertising your business on items such as bags, golf balls, sports bottles, and umbrellas.
Promotional clothing is an excellent, creative way to advertise your business. There are tons of options to choose from when creating your promotional clothing. You can use t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, fleece, rain gear, or hats just to name a few items. Then you can choose screen-printing, custom graphics, or embroidery to display your company logo too. Whatever you feel is best for your business, the promotional clothing industry will be able to accommodate all your needs and help you begin a great advertising endeavor.
Your imagination is the boundary of what you can achieve!
Friday, 24 October 2008
Tips for better embroidery
darts247.com - 2009 catalogue online now
Placement
The correct placement of monograms is subject to many variables. Surprisingly, tradition is not a big factor. The size of the article, the size of the monogram, the ease of hooping, and the customers preference are the most important factors to be considered After some experience, you will become familiar with where monograms look best and what sizes and thread density you prefer for various materials.
Here we provide you with some guidelines to follow when monogramming these popular items. Feel free to change them to suit your needs and taste.
TOWELS - Place the monogram on the opposite side of the label on the opposite end. (Measurements are from the bottom of the monogram.)
WASH CLOTHS - 1 1/2" above the hem or 1" above border.
HAND TOWELS - 2" above hem or 1 1/2" above border.
BATH TOWELS - 4" above hem or 2" above border.
BATH SHEETS - 4" above hem or 3" above border.
SHEETS - The bottom of the monogram should be centered about 2" above the wide hem line on the top side of the sheet.
SHIRT CUFFS - To place the monogram in the top center of the wrist, start 1" from the center of the cuff toward the buttonhole and 1/4" to 1/2" above cuff edge. The bottom of the letters should fall at the bottom of the cuff.
TIES - Place 2" to 1 1/2" up from the bottom tip or 9" to 11" up from the bottom tip when worn with a vest.
GOLF SHIRTS, ETC. - Place 7 1/2" to 9" down from the left shoulder seam and 4" to 6" over from the center.
LADIES SWEATERS - Place 3 1/2" to 4 1/2" down from the collar and centered on the front.
SWEATSHIRTS - Place 3" to 3 1/2" down from the bottom of the crew neck edge.
LADIES ROBES - Place 4" to 6" down from the left shoulder seam and 3" to 5" over from the center.
LADIES BLOUSES - SAME AS FOR ROBES.
SATIN JACKETS - For designs on the left breast area, place 3 1/2" to 4" over from the center and 6" to 8" down from the shoulder seam. For the back of the jacket, the placement depends on the size of the design and the s of the jacket. A design or lettering can be centered anywhere from 6" to 9" down fort the seam on the collar WOMEN'S FURS - Right side at waist level in the lining.
NOTE: Monograms and names should be place on the left front unless otherwise specified. For children's clothing, these measurements should be scaled down.
NOTE: Another way of determining the correct placement of a left chest design on any size is to draw an imaginary line vertically from the top the shoulder down and then draw another line horizontally through the middle of the sleeve. Where these two lines intersect is your correct placement. This should work on almost any size garment.
Placement
The correct placement of monograms is subject to many variables. Surprisingly, tradition is not a big factor. The size of the article, the size of the monogram, the ease of hooping, and the customers preference are the most important factors to be considered After some experience, you will become familiar with where monograms look best and what sizes and thread density you prefer for various materials.
Here we provide you with some guidelines to follow when monogramming these popular items. Feel free to change them to suit your needs and taste.
TOWELS - Place the monogram on the opposite side of the label on the opposite end. (Measurements are from the bottom of the monogram.)
WASH CLOTHS - 1 1/2" above the hem or 1" above border.
HAND TOWELS - 2" above hem or 1 1/2" above border.
BATH TOWELS - 4" above hem or 2" above border.
BATH SHEETS - 4" above hem or 3" above border.
SHEETS - The bottom of the monogram should be centered about 2" above the wide hem line on the top side of the sheet.
SHIRT CUFFS - To place the monogram in the top center of the wrist, start 1" from the center of the cuff toward the buttonhole and 1/4" to 1/2" above cuff edge. The bottom of the letters should fall at the bottom of the cuff.
TIES - Place 2" to 1 1/2" up from the bottom tip or 9" to 11" up from the bottom tip when worn with a vest.
GOLF SHIRTS, ETC. - Place 7 1/2" to 9" down from the left shoulder seam and 4" to 6" over from the center.
LADIES SWEATERS - Place 3 1/2" to 4 1/2" down from the collar and centered on the front.
SWEATSHIRTS - Place 3" to 3 1/2" down from the bottom of the crew neck edge.
LADIES ROBES - Place 4" to 6" down from the left shoulder seam and 3" to 5" over from the center.
LADIES BLOUSES - SAME AS FOR ROBES.
SATIN JACKETS - For designs on the left breast area, place 3 1/2" to 4" over from the center and 6" to 8" down from the shoulder seam. For the back of the jacket, the placement depends on the size of the design and the s of the jacket. A design or lettering can be centered anywhere from 6" to 9" down fort the seam on the collar WOMEN'S FURS - Right side at waist level in the lining.
NOTE: Monograms and names should be place on the left front unless otherwise specified. For children's clothing, these measurements should be scaled down.
NOTE: Another way of determining the correct placement of a left chest design on any size is to draw an imaginary line vertically from the top the shoulder down and then draw another line horizontally through the middle of the sleeve. Where these two lines intersect is your correct placement. This should work on almost any size garment.
darts247.com - 2009 catalogue online now
Just some tips when embroidering garments
TENSION - Not Yours, The Thread's
When machine tension is right, your machine sews beautifully. When it's not, you can pull your hair out Getting it right is tricky. Most of us know the basics. The bobbin thread should be the middle one-third of the back of your stitching. This is easy to say, not so easy to achieve consistently. There are several factors that can affect your machine's tension. Upper tension is obvious~ the first thing you should check. The easiest way to check your tension is to sew out three upper case Is. Check the balance of the upper thread to the bobbin thread. If you don't have enough bobbin thread, check to see if the upper thread is too loose. This will also indicate that your bobbin thread is too tight. Check both to see if they are within the guidelines of your machine. Do not adjust the bobbin thread more than a quarter turn of the screw at one time. Turn the screw counter clockwise to loosen the tension and clockwise to tighten it (Righty-Tighty - Lefty-Loosie). After adjusting, check the tension again by sewing out the three Is. Thread type can also affect your tension. If you are using rayon thread, your tensions will have to be a little looser because the tensile strength of rayon is not the same as that of polyester. Polyester can stand a tighter tension and needs a tighter tension to avoid looping. Your needle may also affect your tension. If you have a dull needle it may not be picking up the bobbin thread exactly the way it should. Speed can also affect tension. If your tension seems a little too tight, slow the machine down a little and see if this changes it. Also check your needle depth as well as timing of your machine if none of the above adjustments work. Once you get the hang of adjusting your machine's tension correctly, YOUR tension level will drop as well.
Just some tips when embroidering garments
TENSION - Not Yours, The Thread's
When machine tension is right, your machine sews beautifully. When it's not, you can pull your hair out Getting it right is tricky. Most of us know the basics. The bobbin thread should be the middle one-third of the back of your stitching. This is easy to say, not so easy to achieve consistently. There are several factors that can affect your machine's tension. Upper tension is obvious~ the first thing you should check. The easiest way to check your tension is to sew out three upper case Is. Check the balance of the upper thread to the bobbin thread. If you don't have enough bobbin thread, check to see if the upper thread is too loose. This will also indicate that your bobbin thread is too tight. Check both to see if they are within the guidelines of your machine. Do not adjust the bobbin thread more than a quarter turn of the screw at one time. Turn the screw counter clockwise to loosen the tension and clockwise to tighten it (Righty-Tighty - Lefty-Loosie). After adjusting, check the tension again by sewing out the three Is. Thread type can also affect your tension. If you are using rayon thread, your tensions will have to be a little looser because the tensile strength of rayon is not the same as that of polyester. Polyester can stand a tighter tension and needs a tighter tension to avoid looping. Your needle may also affect your tension. If you have a dull needle it may not be picking up the bobbin thread exactly the way it should. Speed can also affect tension. If your tension seems a little too tight, slow the machine down a little and see if this changes it. Also check your needle depth as well as timing of your machine if none of the above adjustments work. Once you get the hang of adjusting your machine's tension correctly, YOUR tension level will drop as well.
Promotional Clothing Can Take Your Brand a Long Way
Companies have been using promotional and corporate gifts for decades; the technique is proven to build customer loyalty whilst increasing brand awareness. In recent years we have seen the entire aspect of personalised and branded corporate gifts blossom, everything from promotional pens to leather document cases, but are these types of products really effective in extending the reach of your brand? Surely they are only really viewed by the person who receives the corporate gifts? So let us consider corporate clothing and promotional clothing as a possible contender for the best promotional product to achieve brand saturation.Promotional clothing comes in many types, from simple hats to high quality shirts, choosing the type of corporate clothing to use depends upon your target audience. If you are looking to have many items of promotional clothing produced to give out en-masse then possibly a simple peaked cap would be the best fit. On the other hand, if you are targeting people at executive level, a high quality short might be a better choice.
Promotional clothing is particular far reaching for one particular reason. The audience of your branding is not limited to a single person or group of people, every time the wearer of your corporate clothing goes out into a public place, your brand is carried with them, in certain situations this can mean your brand is introduced to thousands of extra people, making corporate clothing an excellent tool to be used for new products launches or brand changes.
Sports fans are particularly good targets for this kind of marketing exercise, providing them with caps and jackets that are designed to be worn at sporting events is bound to introduce your brand to hundreds of new people. A perfect way to approach such a branding project is to undertake some short term sponsorship of a sporting team, and then produce promotional clothing in the team colours but carrying your branding and marketing, these types of clothing are almost guaranteed to be used and will carry your brand extremely far.
It is important to make sure that you purchase the highest quality promotional clothing that you can possibly afford, after all, the longer the garment lasts, the further your brand will be carried, a good quality jacket or hat could theoretically stay in circulation for several years, repaying the short term investment back many fold.
One thing to consider when designing your corporate clothing, is to make sure the branding does not deter the wearer from using the item of clothing, keep things simple, a company loge and a tag line, along with some contact information is usually enough, too much and the promotional clothing will be left in the closet by people who are unwilling to carry major advertising on their personal clothing. When used sensibly, promotional clothing can be an extremely effective way of getting your message across.
Just a little bit about our company darts247
Darts Chester are a UK embroidery and print company supplying a wide range of embroidered or printed uniforms, polo shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, rugby shirts, fleece jackets, hats & many other personalised garments including workwear, promotional & corporate clothing.
Full in house production from design origination to finished Embroidery gives us total control of quality and delivery schedules. So you can rely on us.
Darts Chester is a well established family business with a strong background in Product Sourcing, Design and Embroidery.
Investment in Modern Machinery and the use of New Technology together with years of experience ensure a high quality of work, fast turnaround and competitive prices on all the Companies products and services.
We have five main areas of business with one common theme, High Quality Embroidery or Print.
Garments
Supply of Embroidered Leisurewear and Workwear.
Embroidery Digitising
Origination of designs into an embroidery format including a full art work service.
Commission Embroidery
Embroidery on Customers own garments or panels.
Screenprinting
Screenprinting of larger volume garments where embroidery is not required or for promotional requirements
Transfer & Sublimation
Ideal for smaller quantities & low run promotional items
Full in house production from design origination to finished Embroidery gives us total control of quality and delivery schedules. So you can rely on us.
Darts Chester is a well established family business with a strong background in Product Sourcing, Design and Embroidery.
Investment in Modern Machinery and the use of New Technology together with years of experience ensure a high quality of work, fast turnaround and competitive prices on all the Companies products and services.
We have five main areas of business with one common theme, High Quality Embroidery or Print.
Garments
Supply of Embroidered Leisurewear and Workwear.
Embroidery Digitising
Origination of designs into an embroidery format including a full art work service.
Commission Embroidery
Embroidery on Customers own garments or panels.
Screenprinting
Screenprinting of larger volume garments where embroidery is not required or for promotional requirements
Transfer & Sublimation
Ideal for smaller quantities & low run promotional items
New Website Online Now!
Welcome to the darts247.com information blog.
Here you will find information about our website and business, along with industry news and maybe some fun links for good measure!
Our new website darts247.com is now online with a brand new look and updated catalogue ready for 2009. Please go take a look!
Here you will find information about our website and business, along with industry news and maybe some fun links for good measure!
Our new website darts247.com is now online with a brand new look and updated catalogue ready for 2009. Please go take a look!
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