create a smooth surface. However, it should only be used as a last resort. Embroidery challenges on visors include space limitations. The ideal location is the front center. Bucket Hats Embroidery size varies by bucket hat style. Some can fit the full 2½-inch-tall height and others allow less than an inch due to the hat's construction. Most bucket styles have a fabric band around the bottom of the crown restricting the available design space, as you can not embroider over the band. Bucket hats also commonly have air holes, eyelets and snaps on the side that get in the way of embroidery. During production, bucket hats with larger brims can get grease on them from the embroidery machine. Solution: Given the space restrictions for this type of hat, it may be best to strictly stick to the front or back for design placement. Also, keeping your machine clean is the best line of defense against grease stains. Always wipe the machine clean after oiling it. Although time consuming, this is a necessary step, especially when working with white or light-colored products. Flat-Bill Caps (Snapbacks) You can embroider a standard 2½" x 6" design in the center front of a flat-bill cap. The biggest issue with these caps occurs during production when the bills are bent. Solution: There are no preventative measures for this problem other than being careful. Have your trimmers straighten the cap bills. Although time consuming, it's the best remedy. Visors Visors have more limited space for embroidery - usually about 1¼ inches tall - and the ideal location is in the front center where they are the tallest. The maximum design width generally is 4-4½ inches. The sides of most visors will only allow P.52 I M P R E S S I O N S M A G . C O M MARCH 2016http://www.IMPRESSIONSMAG.COM