ImagesMagUK_April_2021

I n the March 2021 issue of Images I looked at how stock embroidery designs can help even the most talented digitiser save time and money (imagesmag.uk/take-stock ). Stock designs make a great deal of sense for many audiences– for example, outdoor enthusiasts for whom an animal, landscape, or part of the equipment they use to enjoy their hobby would suffice to illustrate their specific interest and doesn’t need to be derived from a specific piece of art. Stock often graces the gear of sports clubs that don’t have a mascot, amateur chefs, musicians, and hobbyists of all descriptions, those wishing to add decoration to their linens or other home décor, and those looking for gifts to give friends and family, often themed to holidays or other events. If you consider fonts/typefaces as a kind of stock, which I certainly do, these users of off-the-rack design also Stock ambitions Stock designs don’t have to be boring. Erich Campbell continues his look at stock embroidery with some top tips on how to customise a standard design and give it extra dazzle include customers who want simple personalisation and lovers of classic monograms and ciphers. Despite this fairly wide customer base, my friends in the embroidery world often bemoan the use of stock designs as risking making their work seem standardised, simple, and boring. My response is that there is more you can do with stock designs, with the original design representing a great starting point for customers who have a clear concept and want a unique embroidered design. Adding your own touch Getting creative with stock designs can be easier than you think! Here are a few things you can do with, or to, stock designs to turn them into more custom or personalised embroidery. n Pair them with type This is the classic customisation for any stock: adding type above or below a stock design is the usual way to personalise otherwise standard stock treatments. That said, allowing the type to be on top of the design, part of the design, or to be partially covered by the design may help to tie the piece together. A simple, satin-stitch text drop is Paired with an existing print, even these simple open-work designs take on an incredible amount of depth. Think about combining print elements with overlying stock stitches and decoration to create visual impact A smattering of hand-placed rhinestones quickly creates depth and dimension in these decorative borders and on the monogram placement www.images-magazine.com APRIL 2021 images 69 KB TIPS & TECHNIQUES