Embroidery is cool, okay?! This isn’t the 1800s when embroidery was an elite pastime for women of noble families (but that’s cool, too). Now, it’s a timeless craft that adds a touch of elegance and personalization to various items, especially hats. There’s many different types of embroidery, including flat embroidery, 3D puff, applique, and more. In Florida, where hats are needed year-round due to the “sunshine state,” embroidered hats are popular, making them a staple in fashion and promotional merchandise. It’s also the best way to customize a curved surface!
Embroidery is actually defined as using various types of stitches with needle and thread to complete a pattern on a piece of cloth. While this is a stylish and useful tool now, this technique actually started in ancient China, around 30,000 B.C. – wild, right? It’s really awesome to think about how this timeless practice was used thousands of years ago and is still applicable today.
Now, it’s safe to say we’ve stepped up the embroidery game. With many techniques, tools, machines, stitches, and materials – custom hats look better and last longer. Are you interested in custom hats? Whether you need something to rep your business or you’re starting a brand, being informed is important. Here at Morningstar, we offer great embroidery solutions that look, well, pretty sick if you ask us. We always give our clients a rundown of what each technique looks like, feels like, and what it costs. Here’s some info on the two main types of embroidery we do and how to choose the right style for your needs.
Flat embroidery is one of the most common and versatile embroidery techniques used for hats. This method involves stitching the design directly onto the hat’s fabric, resulting in a smooth and flat finish. Why is it called flat? Well, it’s flat. Lol. But in addition to that, compared to other embroidery options, it has very minimal depth (I’m looking at your 3D Puff.) This type of embroidery is standard practice and the most common by far. It’s easiest to work with and looks fantastic on virtually all hats. It also looks great on other types of apparel like hats, bags, and more! Typically, though, embroidery is used for smaller works. If you want a T-shirt with a big print, we would, of course, recommend screen printing.
To recap, what are some of the benefits?
Applications: Flat embroidery is ideal for logos, text, and detailed graphics. It’s commonly used by businesses in Florida for branding and promotional hats.
3D puff embroidery is, well, what it sounds like. It adds a three-dimensional effect to the design, making it stand out from the hat’s surface. This technique involves placing foam under the stitching, giving the embroidery a raised appearance. Have you seen this look before? It’s typically used in professional sports hats! But do note: To use this technique, there are some rules. The design should also be BOLD due to the roundness of the hat. Morningstar uses incredible machines to provide detail and top-of-the-line quality for 3D prints!
Benefits:
Applications: 3D puff embroidery is popular for sports teams, streetwear brands, and fashion-forward designs. It’s a favorite choice for hats in Florida looking to make a bold statement.
Usually, you can’t go wrong with the first two embroidery options for Florida hats. But there are some lesser-known options. Appliqué embroidery involves attaching pieces of fabric onto the hat’s surface and then stitching them in place. This technique adds texture and depth to the design. The combination of different fabrics adds a unique tactile element and allows a lot of creativity!
Chenille embroidery uses a fuzzy, velvet-like yarn to create a soft and textured design. This technique is commonly seen in varsity jackets and retro-style hats and offers a plush, luxurious feel. Kind of a cool vintage look! Sequins and bead embroidery can be used to give a touch of glamour and sparkle. This technique involves stitching sequins or beads onto the hat, adding shine and visual interest. If you’re feeling a little extra, this one’s for you!
When selecting the type of embroidery for your hats, there are several factors to consider. You may prefer one option over the other specifically because of preference, and that’s totally fine! But when you’re buying hats for a larger crowd, such as a business purchase or as a brand, you may want to consider a few more factors before making your final decision.
If you’re making hats for promotional materials, you may want something that is cost-effective and versatile for different kinds of wear. In this case, you couldn’t go wrong with flat embroidery! If fashion and standing out is your #1 goal, then we would recommend switching gears to the 3D puff or other less common options. With our 3D puff machine, you can create super trendy designs. The same goes for sports teams, if you want to stand out, try 3D!
If you have your heart set on a design, unfortunately, your decision might have already been made for you. For intricate designs, flat embroidery is best. If you want overlapping colors and letters, you simply won’t have the option for a 3D puff. On the other hand, if you have a straightforward, bold, and modern logo that you want to stand out, 3D puff will be perfect and add the dimension that you need.
This may not be a huge deal, but if you chose a mesh or nylon hat, you should only use flat embroidery (which is really good on anything.) However, if you have a cotton or wool based hat, we can try 3D puff. Really, the best thing to do is book a consultation with us and see what your options are. Lucky for you, we have a showroom where you can see everything in person!
Ahhh, the deal breaker…. Just kidding. But as a rule of thumb, flat embroidery is generally more budget-friendly. However, if you’re creating a new luxury fashion brand, 3D puff, and other options but offer a unique look, it’s really a personal choice!
If you’re in Florida and looking for high-quality embroidery services, Morningstar specializes in custom hat embroidery. Here are some reasons to choose us:
Embroidery adds a touch of class and personalization to hats, making them perfect for fashion, promotion, and team spirit. When you’re working with a knowledgeable Florida embroiderer, you can’t go wrong. By understanding the different types of embroidery and considering your specific needs, you both can select the perfect style to create standout hats. Explore our local Florida embroidery services to bring your vision to life and enjoy the benefits of a custom embroidered hat!
Exciting News! Our brand-new e-commerce section is now live, showcasing a wide array of premium blanks perfect for your next custom screen printing project. From soft-style tees to cozy hoodies, we’ve got the ideal garments ready for your unique designs.
