Embroidery on Denim Jackets

[heilman70]

I am sewing a lettering logo on the back of a denim jacket that has a light flannel lining. Is it best to use tearaway or cutaway backing? Do 75/11 sharp needles apply for denim? Any tips on hooping and centering design consistantly the same.. I have 20 to do. Any suggestions appreciated.

[signman]

I'd use tearaway and not very thick-the flannel lining helps hold everything if it's sewn in.
I set jackets on one of my screenprinting 'pallets'
to square them up, then I can mark with chalk the center and perpendicular lines to line each one up dead center. If you have a Hoop Master you should be able to use that-just put the jacket on backwards with your large hoop in the middle!

[Rod or Sharon]

There are actually times when a backing is not needed at all. If the fabric is "tightly" woven and good and strong, you can get away without any backing. An example is the heavy canvas type Carhartts. Otherwise, like Roland said, a tearaway works as long as the fabric isn't "stretchy". When lining is involved, be sure you have it nicely smoothed out underneath when hooping.
Sharon

[Rod or Sharon]

Oops, forgot to say anything about your needles...and yes, your 75/11 Sharp needles should work fine. If your fabric is really heavy and you end up going through heavy seams and breaking needles, go up to an 80/12. However, we have seldom had to go up to an 80/12.
Sharon