Embroidery Guide

Engineering precision meets textile longevity.

grabNade products feature industrial-grade machine embroidery on premium cotton bases. This document outlines the production quality standards we require from our manufacturing partners and the maintenance procedures required to maximize garment lifecycle.

📋 Document Scope

Identification of high-fidelity embroidery standards.
Overview of the digitized production workflow.
Recommended maintenance protocols (Wash, Dry, Finish).
Machine vs. Hand: Technical comparison.

1. Quality Assurance Metrics

Inspection Criteria

Resolution: Text height ≥ 0.25" and line thickness ≥ 0.05" to ensure legibility and structural integrity.
Finishing: Zero loose threads. Consistent thread tension (no looping or pulling).
Digitization: Vector-to-stitch conversion optimized for specific fabric density (GSM).
Technique: Satin stitches for borders, Tatami fills for solid areas to prevent fabric puckering.

2. Manufacturing Workflow

Our manufacturing partner deploys a rigorous 3-step digital fabrication process to ensure repeatability and precision.

Step 1 (Digitization): Artwork is converted into a `.DST` coordinate file, mapping X/Y needle paths.
Step 2 (Execution): Multi-head industrial machines execute the pattern with automatic thread color switching.
Step 3 (Validation): Optical and manual inspection is performed against approved specifications.

3. Why Machine Embroidery?

The Engineering Advantage

While hand embroidery offers artisanal charm, industrial machine application provides:

Uniformity: Tight tolerances and high consistency across production runs.
Durability: Higher stitch density capability for rugged wear.
Repeatability: Your second hoodie will be highly consistent.

4. Maintenance Protocols

Follow these procedures to preserve thread tensile strength and colorfastness.

🧼 Washing Protocol Critical

Inversion: Turn garment inside out to protect thread surface from abrasion.
Chemistry: Mild detergent. NO chlorine bleach. NO fabric softener (residue degrades fiber grip).
Isolation: Do not wash with open zippers or velcro (snag risk).

🌬️ Drying & Finishing

Primary Method: Air dry flat. Prevents thermal shrinkage and puckering.
Secondary Method: Tumble dry Low. Remove immediately to prevent setting creases.
Ironing: LOW heat. Iron inside out. NEVER iron directly on embroidery (polyester thread will melt).

⚠️ CAUTION: High heat and chlorine are destructive to embroidery backing. Avoid dry cleaning.

5. Quick Reference Matrix

Operation	✅ Correct Procedure	❌ Failure Mode
WASH	Inside out, Cold, Mild Soap	Hot water, Bleach, Zippers
DRY	Air dry flat (Best)	High Heat (Shrinkage risk)
FINISH	Iron inside out / Steaming	Direct iron contact