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| For developing designs, please see
Digitizing FAQ's |
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Once I have design how long
does it take from order to receipt of the product?
There are so
many variables it is almost impossible to quote lead times. Here at Monogram
Plus your order is placed into the production line up at the time the
goods are received. The line up for production is based on which equipment we
will use to produce your order. Other factors to consider are the garment
sources, distance from our facility, and backorders. It is generally a good
idea to plan on least 14 working days from your order placement to our
shipping, pick up, or delivery. As always, the more notice the better. Rush
jobs are available at a slightly higher cost. We do not "rip-off" customers in
need but simply pass along the overtime, administrative, and extra shipping
costs with the order. The other factor to consider is the time of year.
November and December are our heaviest production periods. During this time of
year, lead times should be extended to 21 working days or more. Again, we place
orders into production on the receipt of the goods and never on the size of the
order. Small and large orders alike get the same attention to detail.
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Does the embroidered garment require special care?
No. Most designs will result in the garment
demise before the embroidery. Strong bleaches, hot water wash, and very hot
dryers should be avoided. The hot water and dryer will shrink the garment, but
not effect the embroidery, resulting in a "puckered" look to your design. We
also recommend turning the garment wrong side out to avoid possible damage from
other garments, buttons, hooks, zippers, etc. For jacket back designs with
lettering we highly recommend a satin stitch (also called a lock-in or tatami
stitch). This will result in a design that will not allow the stitches to be
pulled away from the garment if the wearer leans up against a wall or brushes
against an abrasive surface.
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Can my design "unravel"?
It is very unlikely that would happen
throughout the life of the garment. All of our designs use a "lock in lock out"
form of stitching that will isolate any damage to a small area of the design
that, if trimmed, will not be noticeable.
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What about the small
threads between lettering?
There are two
methods to trim threads between lettering or other portions of a design. One is
done by the embroidery machine as it sews the other is by hand. On very small
lettering, it is advisable to leave the threads between the letters, as it will
help stabilize the design over repeated wearing and washings. (Also see viewing
my design).
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What should I look for in viewing my design?
Many people make the mistake of analyzing
the result of a design in embroidery from a perspective of looking at a book or
magazine. Embroidery by its nature will have imperfections that are the result
of needle, thread and fabric meeting together in a design. Close inspection
will always reveal the imperfections that are simply the "nature of
embroidery". In real world application, no one will ever be that close to the
design. The finished result should be viewed at the same distance as you would
stand when speaking with a co-worker or complete stranger only then can your
determine the true impact of your design executed in embroidery.
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Once I have a
design with Monogram Plus can it be applied to any garment in any
size?
(Many of these questions can be answered
by reviewing our digitizing FAQ's.) In most cases the answer is yes. The
exceptions are Fleece, Caps, and Full Jacket Backs:
- Fleece: Most designs will readily apply to
fleece without difficulty. Designs with small logos and particularly those with
small lettering may have to be modified. The cost is based on the complexity
involved but is generally minor.
- Caps: Virtually all left chest design logos
will work on caps. The exceptions or changes to be considered are limited to
the working area of the embroidery machines we use and the style of the hat. We
can embroider around the entire cap, but not on the top. Your design may need
to be reduced in size, or the lettering may be moved from the top of the design
to either side. The most popular cap is "six panel" that has a seam down the
center of cap front. This seam may cause problems with some designs. Solutions
to the problems may require modifications to a left chest design.
- Full Jacket Backs: A left chest logo cannot be
expanded to full back or visa versa. The nature of the application of the
design is totally different. The exception to the rule is lettered only designs
that can easily be modified at a nominal cost.
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What are hoop marks?
Each
garment that is to be embroidered must be placed in an embroidery hoop. The
hoops are no different in use than those used in needle point or hand
embroidery for hundreds of years. They will however leave a slight circular
mark around the design. During the embroidery process the garment must move
while the sewing head of the machine stays in the same spot, the hoop allows a
firm grip on the garment to insure a quality finished design. The evidence of
these marks will be most noticeable on pique and other knitted style garments.
The hoop marks will disappear with the first washing. If you are planning to
give out garments for immediate use please let us know when you place your
order. By using a process of treating the garments, folding, and packing them
tightly the hoop marks will be hardly noticeable. The charge for the service is
minimal. For coats and other heavy fabric type items, it will not be
noticeable. Caps use a different system, which is more a frame than a hoop and
will not leave marks.
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Can you embroider the backs of caps?
Yes! As it involves two hooping and embroidery
processes, the cost is slightly higher than the front embroidery alone.
Telephone numbers, addresses, and mission statements are commonly placed on cap
backs.
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What is backing?
Backing is a fabric or layers of fabric
that is placed on the opposite side of the embroidery inside the garment. The
main purpose of the backing is two fold. The first is to stabilize the garment
during the stitching and the second is to stabilize the design over its
intended uses. A simple four-letter name in script may have 1000 or more
individual stitches. Without backing the embroidery would be harmful to the
garment, as the numerous needle entries would weaken the fabric. We make
backing decisions based on our experience as to what is best for the end use of
the design and the type of garment.
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In closing...
We are here to serve your
needs.
If you have any questions about any part of the embroidery
process please, contact us. We also offer tours of our facility to schools,
organizations, clubs etc.
If you would like to see what we do "in
action" we will be glad schedule your visit to our company.
Sincerely, Troy Thorpe & Jim Conant |
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