There are many ways to customize an item of clothing. Embroidery is one way to do it. Embroidery involves decorating a fabric using a needle to apply thread or yarn. Sometimes other elements may be incorporated such as pearls, beads and sequins. It can be used to add patterns into fabric for aesthetic purposes or it can be used for branding and customization purposes.

For example, it’s not unusual to see a work shirt that resembles a bowling shirt, or something a mechanic would wear with the name of the company embroidered on the front, near the chest or front pocket.

Embroidery has a hand-made, stand out look that sets a garment apart, but when you care for it, you run the risk of loosening the stitches. That’s why it’s important to give it the proper treatment. Here are some tips for keeping your embroidered garments in the best shape possible.

Air Dry

A dryer can also be rough on an embroidered garment. Instead of putting the item in a dryer, air dry it. You can pin it up on a clothesline or lay it flat to let it dry.

Avoid Ironing

If you put a hot iron on an embroidered surface, the heat will pull at the threads causing them to loosen. You never want to go this route.

A better option is to use a steamer. The steam will get wrinkles out without damaging the threading.

Another option is to put the item between two pieces of sturdy fabric. Put the embroidered garment between the two pieces face down and iron on a gentle setting.

Go for Flat Embroidery

There are several types of embroidery to choose from, but flat embroidery may be your best choice for work shirts or garments being used for merchandising purposes. As the name suggests, flat embroidery sits flatter into the fabric making it less likely to pull when it is being cared for.

If you are giving garments out to workers or customers, the last thing you want is for them to be dissatisfied with a high maintenance item. Flat embroidery takes some amount of special care, but it will be less likely to get ruined than 3D and other types of stitching.

Embroidered clothing has a unique look, but it requires an extra amount of care. Now that you know what it takes, you can decide if this option is best for you. Good luck keeping your embroidery looking terrific.