Embroidery FAQ
- What is embroidery?
- What is computerized embroidery?
- How is computerized embroidery made?
- Who buys computerized embroidery?
- What garments can you stitch with the embroidery machines?
- How profitable is embroidery?
- How big is the machine that does the embroidery?
- What does the computer do in the embroidery process?
- When you press the start button, does the machines simply do all the stitching like a printer?
- Where do I learn computerized embroidery?
- Where can I get embroidery designs and what about names?
- Will the machine operate automatically so I can do other things while the machine runs?
- Can the business grow into something big?
- How much does it take to get started?
- Do you offer financing?
- What are the advantages of choosing MESA?
- How can I contact potential customers?
What is embroidery?
(em-broi'da-re): The art of adorning or embellishing; to decorate with ornamental needlework. Today, this means adding dollar value to garments by embellishing them with names, corporate logos and sports symbols, to name a few. Embroidery is more than fashion or trend, it has been a form of class distinction since the days of the Egyptian Pharoahs.
What is computerized embroidery?
Specialized embroidery machines have been designed to work with data from a computer. This data instructs the machine to stitch a particular design, determines the correct stitching order, indicates when to trim threads, and many other functions. In only a few minutes, the computerized embroidery machine will stitch a design that would take your grandmother a week to do by hand, and embroider with precision accuracy that no human can match for near perfect quality!
How is computerized embroidery made?
The artwork for embroidery design is entered into the computer. The computer transfers the robotics instructions necessary for stitching the design to the Highland machine. The machine operator places the item, such as a sweatshirt or ball cap on the machine with a holder or hoop. The operator also chooses the colors of thread appropriate to the design. Once the "set up" has been performed, stitching may begin by pressing the "Start" button on the machine. It will precisely and efficiently stitch the design. A typical logo on a ball cap may take five minutes or so to stitch, roughly a dozen caps an hour.
Who buys computerized embroidery?
Anyone who seeks unique identification or fashion on garments. You see it everywhere, on practically every work uniform, almost all club and team wear. People collect baseball style caps with embroidered designs, and it has become the standard for corporate wear as corporations become less formal in their offices. Demand is high for bowling alleys, local retail store employees, golf & country club and yacht club members. School teams and local military units always need more. You're likely to have several embroidered items in your closet!
What garments can you stitch with the embroidery machine?
Generally, any soft fabric that will fit under the needle of the machine. Shirts, hats and jackets are easy. Horse blankets, travel bags and mattress covers sometimes require special accessories in order to be embroidered. You can stitch any name, logo or ornate fashion embellishment on any suitable garment. The design size can be anywhere from less than a quarter of an inch to eleven by seventeen inches and larger.
How Profitable Is Embroidery?
It is customary to mark up any garment you sell; often 50 to 100% or more of its cost. Embroidering that garment is usually priced per thousand stitches. $1.00 per thousand stitches or higher is not uncommon. A single embroidery machine can embroider a number of garments in a short period of time. Designs vary in size but a typical shirt logo averages about 5000 stitches. Our embroidery machines are capable of running at top speed
This information presents a general picture on profitability. Embroiderers know that factors like quantity, garment material, the size and quality of the design, thread type and more will affect the time it takes to do a "job" and they adjust prices accordingly.
How big is the machine that does the embroidery?
MESA embroidery equipment comes in all sizes. Our standard compact models are 30 inches wide which can fit through most standard sized doors. See the machine specifications to view the size of each one.
What does the computer do in the embroidery process?
The computer processes the artwork from your customer in a manner that the machine can understand. The computer allows you to do lettering with a design, such as adding the date to an event such as a golf tournament. The process works like this:
- Your computer chooses a design from the selection that you have stored on disk or your customer asks you to prepare his artwork for embroidery using the process known as "digitizing."
- The computer program allows you to "input" the artwork so it can be seen on the color monitor.
- Add lettering or dates, re-size the design to fit right on the garment or even edit the design for changes.
- Once you save the design, it can be directly transferred to the embroidery machine for stitching.
The computer has made intricate and complex embroidery available to the public on a scale never thought possible!
When you press the start button, does the machine simply do all the stitching like a printer?
No. You don't just load and go. MESA instructors will train you in embroidery technique. You will learn how to properly thread the machine, adjust tensions, to operate the machine control panel, proper hooping and embroidery placement techniques and more. You will be given new skills that profit you.
Where do I learn computerized embroidery?
Training at MESA is included in the purchase price of any of our systems. Learn embroidery basics, the ins and outs of the embroidery machines, lettering, editing and digitizing with our Wings'XP Software.
Where do I get embroidery designs and what about name?
MESA has thousands of unique and popular stock embroidery designs for your customers to choose. Or, you can create custom designs for your customers with our advanced systems. Names and lettering are done with specialized fonts of embroidered letters that are included with our embroidery system. A large selection is available. Simply type in the lettering you want on the keyboard and it appears in the style and size you chose on the screen. You may alter the lettering in an unlimited number of ways if you wish then stitch it!
Will the machine operate automatically so I can do other things while the machine runs?
Yes! The MESA embroidery machine has an automatic stitching routine that does not require operator intervention during stitching. The machine will automatically start and stop and will neatly trim excess thread when necessary. Most models will even change thread colors automatically. The finished embroidery is ready to display. You can work with customers, do administrative work or simply drink a cup of coffee while the machine stitches up to a fast 1200 stitches per minute (top speed varies by model).
Can the business grow into something big?
Yes! And MESA will help you do just that. We want you to purchase more equipment and supplies as your embroidery business grows, so we will help you in any way that we can. We can adapt a computer to connect dozens of machines to the same PC. We have accessories that allow you to do tubular stitching on heavy sweatshirts, very popular at universities and resorts. Our wide cap frame lets you embroider on three-dollar ball caps with a few cents worth of thread for a substantial profit! You see these items and the prices in stores everywhere. We will supply you with the tools for success, train you and your staff and we are always ready to help you.
How much does it cost to get started?
As little as $299 per month. The price includes a MESA Embroidery Machine, software, training and the embroidery accessories you need to get started. Depending on your business requirements, we have many other complete systems at varying prices. They range from powerful single-head combinations to our state-of-the-art 12-head machines, complete with any level of our powerful but easy-to-use software.
Do you offer financing?
Yes! MESA has agreements with leasing companies to finance these systems for up to five years or longer. Depending on the system you choose, your payments can be as low as $200 a month, and the down payment is typically just two payments. Most customers exercise the 10% buy-out option at the end of the lease so they actually own their equipment. Some customers simply prefer to do business with their own bank.
What are the advantages of choosing MESA?
We have over twenty years of proud service to the embroidery industry ensuring an unparalleled experience to help you to get started. Our family owned business offers friendly personalized service as you begin and grow throughout your embroidery career.
How can I contact potential customers?
The people you know are your best source for the leads that become sales. Virtually every adult works somewhere and their company needs logos on corporate wear and special event items, such as prizes and awards for top-producing employees. The Yellow Pages of your phone directory always works. Embroidery is so popular that customers will seek you out! Contacts you make through social events can lead to very profitable orders.
