Impressions - May 2016 - 37

INNOVATION: EMBROIDERY

This popular upgrade also includes an
auto-rotation function based on recognition
of a specially designed sticker. When the
sticker is placed straight and upright on the
fabric, the machine will rotate the loaded
design in the proper direction to match the
sticker's position, such as upside down or
at an angle. It even will slightly rotate the
design to stitch it straight with the sticker if
the fabric has been hooped slightly crooked.
Filed under "It's about time!" is the unique
automatic threading feature that currently
is found on a couple of machine brands,
Although a sexy feature and a timesaver,
this luxury must be balanced with more restricted access under the sewing head. Some
true commercial machines now tout their
ease of access - perhaps in response to this
auto-threading feature that's exclusive to
specific machine brands.
Most machines today also have networking capabilities and some are expanding the
number of available ports. In addition to
linking multiple machines and direct connections to computers, the additional ports
can accommodate such peripherals as barcode scanners.
Onboard editing and resizing is available
on most modern machines, allowing users
to perform basic or sometimes intermediate
editing at the machine panel. While many
users opt to handle editing at a dedicated
computer station, this capability is fairly
standard and is more practical than ever
with new, larger displays.
Sewing speeds for crossovers typically
average about 1,000 stitches per minute, with
true commercial models averaging between
1,200 and 1,500 stitches per minute. Many
machines now feature quieter operation and
less vibration.

The new cap hoop
design allows a larger
embroidery area
and provides a
solution for softer,
unstructured caps.

Finally, some true commercial machines
now offer electronically adjustable presser
feet. This capability makes it possible to fine
tune presser-foot height for demanding jobs
such as thick items or materials, including
embroidery foam. Similarly, electronically
controlled tensioning continues to have
many fans.

Essential Supplies

the supplies
category that probably has seen the most
innovation in the embroidery industry. Following up on the tremendous success of the
Fast Frame's holding system, which centers
on self-adhesive stabilizer, we have seen other
useful and ingenious aftermarket developments, including clamps, magnetic hoops and
"missing" hoop sizes. The latter category is
a term I use for hoops made by aftermarket
manufacturers that fill in the gaps for what
is not included from machine manufacturers.
One of the most popular developments in

HOLDING ATTACHMENTS IS

What About Attachments?
Specialty attachments, such as sequins, boring,
cutwork and cording, aren't common, but certain
embroidery machines have made it simpler to use
them. Some machines even incorporate laser or hotknife attachments for cutting appliqués right at
the machine during application.

the aftermarket hoop arena is the flat hat hoop
from Durkee. This hoop holds caps flat for
embroidery, even on cylinder arm machines
that can accept a traditional cap frame. Less
expensive than a traditional cap setup, it also
allows for a larger embroidery area.
Another unique innovation is the freshly
patented rip-away appliqué process from
Data Stitch that makes it possible to embroider appliqués without cutting - even
on finished caps. Appliqué on caps previously has been limited to work done on flat
panels before assembly.
One problem among embroiderers is the
need for clarity of small lettering and fine
detail. Thread makers have responded to
this almost universal need with smallerdiameter threads. Exquisite, Madeira, Gunold
and Robison-Anton all have different versions
of products in this category.
Standard embroidery thread is designated
as 40 weight, while these lightweights range
between 60- and 75-weight designations.

Most machines today
also have networking
capabilities and some are
expanding the number of
available ports.
MAY 2016

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Impressions - May 2016

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