Embroidered gifts

How embroidery is done

Most personalised embroidery is machine embroidery: the design is turned into a stitch file (“digitised”) and a computer-controlled machine sews it, so names come out neat and consistent. Hand embroidery is slower and each piece is slightly different — part of its charm.

Common styles:

• Satin stitch lettering — smooth, raised letters, typical on towels and dressing gowns.
• Script and monograms — elegant, but very small script can be hard to stitch clearly.
• Appliqué — fabric shapes stitched on, then embroidered around; good for children’s blankets and stockings.

What to check

• Thread colour against the fabric. Ask to see photos of the actual colour combination if you can.
• Size and length. Long names may be stitched smaller, or in a different layout, to fit.
• Fabric. Thick towelling, fleece and knits make fine detail harder.
• Washing. Follow the care label — embroidery usually washes well, but some fabrics shrink.

Sources

• Wikipedia — Machine embroidery
• Wikipedia — Embroidery