Asked to do a Karate Belt

[Tricia]

I was asked (by a friend) to personalize a Black Belt with the customers name in Japanese characters. I've googled for sites to translate but find that if I want a calligraphy style design (which would look awesome) then there is a charge. Any good sources?
I do not have a special belt hoop/frame. I do have Fast Frames (which I figured I would use the 4.5 X 11 and clip the belt along with adhesive backing)(oh ****, should probably use black backing and bobbin). I've learned that students of Martial Arts order these belts which are quite expensive, however, they are embroidered before final construction so the opposite side is clean.
I am really interested in doing this, she seems to think I could get a lot of local business)
Thanks in Advance!

[gb3]

You will not need any backing with karate belt material is thick enough already

[debndukes]

I usually do them with the 22cm hoop. No backing. Material thickness is 15-18. If they are black, after the embroidery, I just use a black Sharpie and color the bobbin black or use a black fabric pen. As far as the translation, I don't know of any free sites. i am getting my daughters name in Japanese tattooed and used a similar place to translate and it was $20. Hope this info helps.

[Five Point Emb]

Could you order a box of black bobbin thread? I use one occasionally and it's nice to have them on hand.
As far as translations, do you live near a university that has foreign students? Or does your high school have a Japanese language teacher?

[Greenwing]

I have used a sharpie before, But never again.
It was on a sash for a church vestment,
just used a tiny bit on the back to make it more presentable on the reverse.
BUT the PASTOR sweat while wearing it and it bled on the white robe they were wearing.
NOW if it is dark fabric I use black magnacore if it is light I use lite fabric I use White magnacore. Never Fails..

[levelbest]

Sharpie runs if washed - use permanent fabric markers. We tested a bunch on a white t by washing them, and the results with the sharpie were ugly. You can buy fabric markers at Michaels or other craft stores and recommend you do the same - and test them on an old white t.

[Tricia]

Thank you so much for all the responses. Translation is not so much the problem, it's getting the name translated into the calligraphy writing in Japanese. This may be part of the reason the personalized belts can be expensive.
Thanks again!