Impressions - February 2017 - 39

Aside from singleheads, 6-head
models are the most popular
embroidery machine configuration
in today's market - even for
large shops. Photo courtesy of
Promos Ink, Carrollton,Texas.

economy,6-head machine sales
have improved.
Bob Stone, vice president
of sales for Barudan America,
says the company sells more
multiheads than singleheads,
and reinforces the popularity
of the 6-head.
"First-time buyers are most
comfortable with singlehead
machines, but we sell about
60% multiheads to 40% singleheads, with the 6-head being
our biggest-selling machine,"
he says. "Some embroidery
previously done outside the
U.S. is coming back, and we're
seeing growth in multihead
shops, particularly in cap operations."
He adds that advances in networking
software have made it possible for large
shops to use singleheads more effectively.
Multiple singleheads can work collectively
on large orders or individually on small
orders and personalized items.
"Personalization is driving more than
just new people," Stone says."You can go
to the New Era website and customize
your own hat.You pay a price for it, but
you can do it."
This proves that even the largest companies see the personalization trend.
Moreover, a singlehead machine can be
useful in shops with a mix of equipment

and can make sense for sampling, personalization or production.
Which Came First?
With the buying public increasingly using
online selling sites like Etsy, it's possible
for anyone with a computer to shop 24/7
for custom embroidery. So which came
first: small cottage embroiderers creating
demand for personalized items through
social media and internet pin boards, or
affordable multi-needle cylinder-arm
crossover models targeting the embroidery enthusiast market?
Whichever happened first, home sewing

Economy of scale is a factor for buyers to consider when deciding on equipment size. In some
product lines, it's actually less expensive to buy two singleheads than to buy a 2-head machine.
Other benefits include portability and additional shop-layout options. Two singleheads also
allow more job-flow flexibility unless the 2-head machine's heads operate independently of
each other.
Similarly, in certain brands there may be just a few thousand dollars separating the price of a
4-head model and a 6-head model. When space allows, a 6-head machine provides a lot more
productivity with just a marginal price increase.

retailers have sold thousands of crossover
models, helping to fulfill the growing
appetite for monograms and other personalized goods. Appliquéd children's
clothing, customized plush animals and
many more products with high perceived
value are offered on numerous sites and
networks, including Facebook, Groupon
and Living Social. Suddenly, customized
gifts and other embroidery purchases are
much more visible and accessible to the
average consumer.
This is a good development for all embroidery businesses, even those with no
online presence. Cottage embroiderers
are a welcome addition to the professional
embroidery community for their influx
of fresh products and ideas.
Embroidery trends are cyclical, so expect the popularity of monograms to
somewhat recede, then return in the natural ebb and flow of popular products.
With the number of singlehead models
in use, you can bet embroiderers will
be ready. 
Deborah Jones has more than 30 years of experience in the computerized embroidery field. She runs
myembroiderymentor.com and regularly speaks at
the Imprinted Sportswear Shows (ISS). For more
information or to comment on this article, email
Deborah at djones@myembroiderymentor.com.

FEBRUARY 2017

P.39

http://www.myembroiderymentor.com

Impressions - February 2017

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