The Embroidery Tradeshow by NNEP - Embroidery on Leather

This last weekend, we exhibited at The Embroidery Tradeshow in Columbus, Ohio - The National Network of Embroidery Professionals were the hosts of the show. And all I can say is WOW, This was a tremendous show!

I was flabbergasted by the people I met and talked with. All different people from home sewers & embroiderers to screen printers to new business ventures to...the list goes on and on. I had the pleasure of speaking with many different people about embroidery applications, tips, techniques, and even talking about adapting certain jigs or frames for lasers. It was so much fun just brainstorming with everyone!

I also was lucky to see some of our wonderful customers (friends) and speak with them about their businesses and what they are currently working on - and of course, talking about our personal selves :)

In addition, it was really interesting to speak to people breaking into the business and what they want to do with embroidery. For example, I met a very wonderful family that created custom genuine leather golf grips and putter covers. This family wanted to see the machine in action and embroider on the leather. They were prepared and brought in their logos and leather to embroider. We were able to digitize their logo and embroider the leather on the spot - it was fun :)

Many people came to linger and watch this application. We didn't have all the resources we needed so we compromised a little bit. Instead of using the mighty hoop, we used the largest hoop that is with the machine. So...this is what we did -

I hooped up 2 layers of cutaway in the largest hoop (I didn't have any other type of backing). Then, we took the leather and sprayed the back of it with a light tack spray. After it was sprayed, I layed it down on the cutaway. After laying it down, I took a very very small amount of oil and lightly rubbed it on the area to be embroidered - this helps lubricate the needle as it goes up and down through the leather. You can also put down a piece of wax paper under the hoop (while it's on the machine - "floating it" under the backing). After all that, we put the hoop on the machine and lined it up.

As for the embroidery digitizing, I had optimized it for leather - increasing stitch lengths to decrease the amount of stitches - with leather, we have to limit the amount of stitch penetrations as the needle makes holes in the fabric. I changed the underlay to an edge run underlay instead of a tatami. I also lightened the density to remove unnecessary needle penetrations.

The embroidery on leather turned out fantastic - even though we did not have all the devices we needed. It's fun improvising :)

So - leather can be embroidered!

Keep Pushing the Limits -

Andrea - "The Embroidery Nerd"