Embroidery Basics - Commercial Embroidery Basics

Whether you are starting and new commercial embroidery business or maintaining an existing business, there are some essential supplies that are necessary to maintain in every commercial embroidery shop. Below is a list off suggestions and a general description for supplies of the items you will need to get started or add to your existing embroidery business. Most of these items are available through www.shopmelco.com

Embroidery Supplies

• Commercial Embroidery Needles – Needles can greatly affect the quality of your embroidery. Take the time to research what is the correct type for your specific applications.
• Commercial Embroidery Thread – Thread is a necessity for any embroidery shop. Your AMAYA machine manufacturers (Melco) can usually recommend specific types and brands.
• Commercial Embroidery Bobbins – All commercial embroidery machines use bobbin thread. They usually come in white and black colors, in boxes of 144.
• Commercial Embroidery Backing – Have several different types of backing available for multiple uses. Cut-away, tear-away and specialty backings are available in many different weights and sizes.
• Scissors/Nippers – You will need a good pair of scissors to cut backing away from garments. Another necessity is a sharp pair of nippers to trim threads.
• Commercial Embroidery Hoops/Frames/Cap Frames – Included with your machine are usually hoops and frames. There are many different sizes of hoops for different applications.
• Commercial Embroidery Hooping Aids – This is a nice tool to help embroiders with consistent placements on garments of all sizes. There are many different types available to choose from.
• Commercial Embroidery Stitch remover – These are tools used to remove stitches from garments. A must for every embroidery shop.
• Commercial Embroidery Frey Check – Used for securing frayed ends of material or loose thread.
• Commercial Embroidery Fabric Markers – These are used to cover up finished areas of embroidery that is not desirable to the eye. They come in a variety of different colors.
• Spray adhesive – This is used to temporarily attach backing to fabrics to help with hooping. Spray adhesives are also used for appliqué and tackle twill placements.
• Embroidery Topping – Used to hold down the nap on specific fabrics (pique, fleece, terrycloth). It is also a nice tool for a crisper effect of the embroidery stitches on some fabrics. Topping is removed with water or heat.
• Embroidery Machine Oil/Grease – All commercial embroidery equipment requires regular lubrication. Use the type of oil and grease that your equipment manufacturer (Melco) recommends.
• Canned air – Used to clean the fibers and dust from your AMAYA machine, especially the hook area and bobbin case. It is also a nice tool for threading AMAYA embroidery machines, such as Melco.
• Machine tools – Machine tools are usually included with your AMAYA machine and are necessary to enable you to remove parts, such as the needle plate.
• Sample fabrics and hats – Keep these on hand for test sew-outs of an embroider design that has never been sewn. Try to do a test sew-out on a similar type of fabric that the design will eventually be sewn on.
• Pins/marking tools – Some garments may require a pine or mark for exact placements.
• Placement charts – There are many different placements for garments and hats. Have a placement chart handy for when the placement is in question.
• Tape measurers – This is a nice tool to help with placements of embroidery.
• Water spray bottle – Used for general cleanup and removal of toppings.
• Steamer or spray starch – Used to remove “hoop” burn from delicate or dark fabrics.
• Static spray – In dry climates static is common and can be harmful to your AMAYA machinery. Sprays are available to eliminate this from your embroidery work area.

Business Supplies

• Computer/Laptop
• Internet access and email
• Fax machine
• Phone
• Scanner
• Copy paper
• Office supplies – pens, paper, stapler, file folders, etc.
• Billing software
• Embroidery Design Shop software

Other

• Good lights
• Boxes/bags
• Inventory of sample garments and hats
• Cleaning supplies