Unique Applique Material from Madeira USA Offers Special Effects Options

reflectra® Stitchfoil is available in 40 colors/variations

Madeira USA is pleased to announce that it is now distributing reflectra® brand Stitchfoil, a trend-setting reflective appliqué material that offers embroiderers limitless possibilities. With exclusive distribution in the embroidery portion of the Decorated Apparel Market, Madeira will offer all 40 color and design options. This new addition to Madeira’s extensive list of embroidery thread and supplies creates reflective and special effects. The brightly colored foils can be used for visibility in all lighting conditions.  Special “hidden” effects can also be created.  

The reflectra® Stitchfoil is a thin, elastic transfer foil based on polyurethane. All basic materials used in the manufacturing of Stitchfoil are ecologically friendly and free from PVC, softeners and heavy metals. The ingredients for this product are Oeko-tex® certified. Stitchfoil comes in sheets that are 18 ¾” x 12 ½”, so that one sheet may serve for several designs. Customized colors, Pantone®-matched colors and patterns are available with a low minimum purchase of 200 pieces.

 “We know that our customers are always on the look-out for something new and creative,” explains Madeira USA President Shirley Clark. “Something unique that sets them apart from their competition,” she continues. “When we discovered the properties of this cost-effective appliqué material at the Long Beach ISS show in January, we immediately saw its potential and began taking steps to bring it to market.” Reflectra® Stitchfoil is suitable for transfer to various materials including cotton, mixed fibers made of polyester/cotton and polyester/acrylic, and is used to decorate t-shirts, sports and leisure wear, caps, bags and items like flags and pennants.

Embroidering with a Multitude of Metallics

Here at Madeira, we love incorporating metallics into embroidery designs. With a little know-how, it's easy to do and can elevate the look of a finished product.

Embroidered with Frosted Matt #40 and Supertwist #30

Metallic embroidery thread comes in a wide range of colors, textures and weights, offering a tremendous amount of choice. The hard part is deciding which to use! In case you missed it, the July 2012 issue of Printwear Magazine featured an informative and inspirational article on embroidering with a multitude of metallic threads. Written by award-winning digitizer Bonnie Nielsen with digitizing veteran Pat Williams, they touched on many of the issues embroiderers may face with metallic thread. Visit http://read.uberflip.com/i/72515/72 to read this article!

The touch of metallic in the pine cones and the ribbon help elevate the overall look
of the embroidery and brings a festive feel to the design.
Embroidered with Classic Rayon #40, Frosted Matt #40 and Supertwist #30.

Happy Holidays from Madeira!

In the spirit of the Holiday Season, we extend to you our sincere appreciation for your business. May the New Year bring Health, Happiness and Prosperity! Wishing all a safe, happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Madeira USA's 2012 Holiday Card. Embroidered with Classic Rayon #40, Frosted Matt #40, FS Metallic #45 and FS Metallic #50

Good Tension: How to Take the Tension Out of Setting Bobbin Tensions!

Proper bobbin tension is essential to good embroidery. If tension is too tight, unwanted bobbin thread may begin to show on top of your garment and you may begin to experience frequent thread breaks which wastes time and money.

Improper bobbin tension can cause the bobbin thread to show through your top thread

Tips for Good Bobbin Tension:

• Bobbin tensions should be 18 to 22 grams (up to 25 grams when embroidering caps).
• Proper tensions for satin stitches should reveal 1/3 bobbin and 2/3 top thread color on the underside of the embroidery.

Manual Bobbin Tension Test

• Start with a fresh bobbin
• Take the thread out of the pigtail. Pull out 9" to 12" of bobbin thread and hold in one hand
• Drop hand abruptly while holding onto the bobbin thread
• Bobbin case should drop 1" to 1.5"
• If it drops less, loosen the tension screw. If it drops more, tighten the tension screw 

 

If you are still experiencing bobbin thread on top of your garment after tensioning your bobbin thread, be sure that you are not using a damaged bobbin case, as this may cause undesirable results.  Other factors can include improper top thread tensioning and damaged needles. Old needles may produce burrs and lead to frequent thread breaks.

Stop Embroidery Stitches from Getting Lost!

With fall firmly here in front of us and winter right around the corner, embroidery jobs on fleece and similar high profile materials will likely rise. Make sure your embroidery looks great and really "pops" by making sure to use a water soluble topping!

When embroidering onto a high profile fabric (fleece, sweaters, terry cloth...), be sure to use a water soluble topping, such as Madeira's E-Zee Aqua® Supreme. A water soluble topping prevents the stitches from sinking into the pile and getting lost. When used on intricate designs, it is extremely effective in “elevating” the stitches and enhancing the detail.

The image on the left uses E-Zee Aqua on fleece. Notice the clear details in the lettering on the bottom. The image on the right does not use E-Zee Aqua and some of the embroidery is lost in the nap of the fleece fabric.

Used on top of a high profile fabric, such as fleece, the topping holds down the fabrics nap, or pile, while embroidering.  On sweaters, fleece, corduroy, and other soft knits, it stops the stitches from sinking into the pile and getting lost.

How to use E-Zee Aqua® Supreme Topping:

1. Use a pre-cut piece of E-Zee Aqua® Supreme topping or cut off a piece from a roll to fit your hoop size.
2. Hoop by placing on top of the garment, or you may simply lay a piece on top prior to embroidering the design (using tape to hold it in place may be necessary).
3. Embroider the design and remove the embroidered item from the hoop.
4. Tear off the excess topping and wad it into a ball.
5. Using a steamer or spray bottle with water, moisten any left over pieces of topping on the design, giving it time to become tacky.
6. Moisten one side of the excess ball of topping until it is tacky (you may need to add more topping to make the ball big enough to work with).
7. Finish by using the "bubble gum method to remove the left over pieces of topping on the design by dabbing at them with the tacky side of the ball of topping.

For additional information on using our E-Zee Aqua topping, please visit our T.H. Reads instructional sheet here. Additional T.H. Read instructional sheets can be found here.