Custom Designs

With so many designs for sale on the Internet, you would think you could find any design you need. But sometimes you need a design to use as a school or business logo or for a special event such as a family reunion. You'll never find an exact match. You need a custom design, something made just for you.

Be prepared to pay $100 to $200 for a 3-inch filled design. The designer can only sell it once, so you have to make it worth her time. If you are going to stitch that design more than once, you will want it to stitch easily, with a minimum of jump stitches and thread clips. Most designers will do custom work if they are not already too busy. It doesn't hurt to ask!

You will need to provide artwork to the designer. Be sure you have permission from the artist, or that the clipart is copyright free. Please don't ask for a "look alike" design that copies either a trademarked image or another designer's work. That is just a way of pretending that you are not breaking the law.

When asking for a price quote, tell the designer what size the finished design should be, how many colors you want, the style (filled, redwork, appliqué), your format and how soon you need the design. Provide the artwork as an email attachment so the designer can see the complexity of the design.

Once you agree on a price, also agree on a delivery date. Ask if the price includes an opportunity to request changes or adjustments to the design. Tell the designer what you will be embroidering (hat, polo shirt, towel), as that may affect how the design is crafted.

Next issue: thread color and tension

from Mary Jane Allen of Perfect Little Stitches

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Puppy
in a Blanket

This little pup features a
tuft of "hair", satin-lined
ears, embroidered facial
features, a bow tie, and
a special inner pocket
to hold a music button
or sachet. You’ll be
surprised how easily
and quickly you’ll be
able to make one.

Not just boring white!
NiteLite is a 40 wt. polyester
glow-in-the-dark thread. 100%
polyester means it is heat
resistant. Charge it with natural
or artificial light for a few
seconds and watch it glow for
up to 6 hours, time after time.

Great for hats, t-shirts, and
any design to show off at night.
Iron and dryer safe.