Filter
Top Products
APPENDIX —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
—
164
Creating Beautiful Embroidery
The various precautions concerning the thread, embroidery frames and stabilizers (backings) that must be
observed in order to create beautiful embroidery are described below.
Threads
Embroidery thread can be costly, therefore caring for
it should be a priority. No matter how well a thread
is manufactured, it must be appropriately stored if it
is to sew properly. This is especially true when one
considers the time that lapses between delivery to
the thread user and the moment the thread is actually
used on the embroidery machine. It is important that
embroidery threads be stored in an environment that
is free of damaging agents such as excessive heat,
light or moisture.
Embroidery threads are best stored in an area that is
as clean and dust-free as possible. It is also important
that the storage area be free of smoke, fumes and
gases. Certain gases may cause the thread to yellow.
These fumes originate from such appliances as gas
heaters or from gas or diesel engines.
Direct sunlight is also extremely destructive for
embroidery threads. Boxes of thread should not be
left open and exposed to direct sunlight. If possible,
skylights and windows should be diffused. The best
type of lighting for embroidery thread is tungsten-
filament or fluorescent tubes. It is important to
remember that prolonged exposure to these harmful
sources may also cause the colors of cardboard
boxes and other objects to fade.
Temperature and humidity also pose a threat to
embroidery threads. The ideal conditions are
between 59
°F and 77 °F (or 15 °C and 25 °C).
Humidity should be between 40% and 60%. These
conditions should be kept as constant as possible in
order to prevent mildew from forming. Excessive
temperatures can also cause lubrication problems
that ultimately result in thread breaks. Damp
conditions can affect paper bobbins as the cardboard
will swell and the thread can become oversized. It is
also important to realize that even if the overall
storage conditions are good, there may be “spot
problems” where a thread is exposed to a heat
source or bright lights. Ensuring that thread does not
become damaged requires that stock be frequently
rotated and that threads are not left in the same place
for an extremely long time.
Choice of thread is a major factor in improving
production time. The thread run ability, strength,
consistency and weight all affect output. These
qualities determine how well the machine will sew
and the number of thread breaks during sewing.
Thread breaks have an important influence on
production. Each thread break reduces output by at
least 0.07% a day (7.5 hours), assuming that it takes
20 seconds to rethread a needle. For every reduction
of 14 thread breaks per a day, output can be
improved by more than 1.0 %.
Sapphire_chapt7.fm Page 164 Friday, November 18, 2005 12:10 PM