ImagesMagUK_July_2021

www.images-magazine.com JULY 2021 images 59 KB TIPS & TECHNIQUES light ball-point, size 65 needle is recommended. This type of needle makes a smaller hole as it enters the fabric, which means there is less displacement of fabric (otherwise known as ‘needle damage’). Using the correct stabiliser is essential. If the T-shirt is made from very thin fabric, a tear- away backing can easily cause damage to the garment as it is being removed and, in some cases, actually tear away the design! Ideally, you should use a good cut-away backing that is stable and able to hold the design, yet still light enough not to add unnecessary bulk. Madeira’s ‘Weblon’ is ideal for this purpose as it is light in weight but, thanks to its unique composition, stable enough to hold even the most intricate of designs. I t’s easy to assume that printing is the best option for designs on T-shirts. However, when done well, embroidery can be superior, and the perceived value is undeniable. The very nature of T-shirt fabric inhibits the use of too many stitches. Therefore, try to keep the stitch count to a minimum and don’t include too many layers of stitches either. Heavy designs make shirts stiff and lumpy, often puckering around the edges due to the fabric being unable to support dense stitches, which is why it’s important when digitising to keep the density light. As with all good embroidery, make sure you use the correct needles for the job. In this case, a Think T-shirts are only fit for print? Then think again. Natalie Greetham and Julia Redfern of Madeira UK share their advice on how to perfectly embroider on tees, and how to adapt your technique for smaller kids’ sizes and children’s more sensitive skin For smaller designs, switching to a finer 60 or even 75 weight thread will help with clarity. Be sure to discuss with your digitiser the areas which could benefit from using a thinner thread. Appliqué is another good option for T-shirts; by using this technique you will limit the number of stitches on the back of the embroidery as only the satin stitched border will be visible. For kids’ clothing, applying a soft covering – usually heat-pressed – onto the back of the finished embroidery will create a barrier between the stitches and the child’s skin. This completely eliminates any potential irritation and therefore makes the embroidered garment much more comfortable for little ones to wear. www.madeira.co.uk Howto embroider T-shirts for little ones Reduce your stitch count and use the right stabiliser when embroidering T-shirts, say Natalie Greetham and Julia Redfern of Madeira UK