From the desk of Marti Bede

 

Run.. Tatami.. Satin

It's all in the Stitch

Believe it or not, there are only three types of stitches used to create all embroidery pieces. Creating a logo is best described as layering stitches and stitch types by color onto a garment.

A paper copy of a design is first scanned and then used as the template for the new logo. A digitizer must then take the requests of the customer, and base his/her creation on the type of garment to be sewn.

Take for instance, hats. We have a machine set up to do hats non-stop. Hats are probably the trickiest to items to embroider. They are a challenge because the sewing field is a curve, not flat like other apparel items. Distortion, pulling and basic ugly sewing can occur easily when sewing a sample on a hat. Our most difficult logos may take 5-6 sample sewings to get it ready for a customer to see. This takes time and slows down production time, but it is all worthwhile when a customer walks in to the shop, takes a look at the logo and says, 'Wow!'.

A run stitch is the simplest of stitches. It is used for outlining logos and is basically a sewing machine stitch. It goes forward in one line, but can go backwards as well.

A Satin stitch is a back and forth column stitch. We use column stitches for most' lettering. This creates a nice clean look, with a slight shine. Satin stitches are also used to create certain effects within a logo, to enhance the eye appeal of that logo.

Tatami stitches are basically running stitches placed closely together and go back and forth to fill in a whole area with color.

No two digitizers will look at a logo the same way. I have been doing the digitizing for GDC since we opened in 1994. Because we digitize here in the shop, we have the ability to edit, change, and reshape designs immediately. A good digitizer creates logos that lay flat, do not buckle, are pleasing to the eye and maintain the integrity of the original logo.