Jacket Backs

[TinaK]

Ok, I need tips on how to make sure my hoop is straight on a jacket back. I am using the big wooden hoop and I have to litterally take it apart to get it in this frigin tiny you know what port hole. Grrr!

Any tips would be greatly appreciated and why can't they make port holes bigger?

The countdown has begun!

[signman]

Hi Tina...
I have a screenprinting setup so I set the jackets on the pallet as though I am going to screen them-and mark off (with chalk) where the design will line up-because the edges of the pallet board are 'square' to each other and I can line the jacket up by seams, hems, whatever. Then I can get exact perpendicular marks for lineup.
I slide the inside hoop into the port hole (and YES, sometimes they aren't big enough but you can get it to work) and first the backing if I need it-sprayed with light adhesive on one side. Put that in first, adhesive 'up', use the largest piece you can-and then flatten the jacket back down to it-so it sticks to the back. Slide your hoop in under this and you know it will stay in place.
Line the jacket up on the pallet/board again, and you can move the inside hoop around with your fingers from the outside until it is where you want it-put the outter hoop in place and make sure it is lined up again-then push down and hoop it. Takes a little practice but it does work. I find loosening up the screw makes it easier for thick jackets-once it is hooped reach inside and snug the screw up all the way and you are good to go.

[Digital Stitchz / LaserWorkz]

Just a note: Take your big hoops and put them on a grid (like a cutting board grid) and mark the sides and top of the hoop for the center. Then when you are hooping jackets and have marked the center straight verticle line and horizontal lines, you can match the verticle line up for the center and eyeball the horizontal lines to make sure everything is straight.

[TinaK]

Thanks for the tips...much appreciated! Pretty much that is what I was doing except I didnt think about lining the hoop up with a straight edge, must be my blonde thing...
Oh, just a little note I sewed my first one out and it looks awesome however getting my hoop out from the inside well lets just say I need glue! Yes, it broke on me and now have to wait for the hubby to come back with a clamp and glue so I can fix it so I can finish these jackets in time...

[Digital Stitchz / LaserWorkz]

My wooden hoops haven't broken all the way. However, they have cracked - I just wrap the strong shipping tape around it. It holds it great. You might want to try it if you need something right away.

[Linus]

Ok, rookie question here. For jacket backs, do you embroider all the way through the back or do you some how only embroider the "outer layer" so the back of the embroidery / backing is hidden? What do you mean by " have to litterally take it apart to get it in this frigin tiny you know what port hole."

Thanks,
Linus

Merry Christmas!!!

[TinaK]

Linus!

Some jackets come with a port hole in the lining which means there is a zipper in the linings seam where you can open it and then insert your hoop and embroider the jacket back clean so the stitches don't show on the lining. I have done some jackets that are a full side seam but these ones were just in the arm hole seam so you have to take the tightening screw off the hoop so you can work the coat onto the hoop to get the hoop inside for a clean embroidery. If that makes sense!

Merry Xmas as well! I see the light at the end of the tunnel and hoping it ends tomorrow!