Boring needle for Amaya

[Maggie21]

I noticed in an answer from Ed (The Embroidery Authority)to Kamalzango he stated that a boring needle cuts out unwanted fabric in small areas within the lace.

Here is my question: Can we use a boring needle to cut the edges of a patch on the Amaya?

I would apreciate any info from Ed or anybody else as to the best way to do patches and have a very clean edge. Do you have a good technique for this or do I need a special machine?

Thank you,

Maggie

[The Embroidery Authority - OLD]

Maggie,
The professional patch companies either use "merrow" machines to give a nice finished merrowed edge or they have laser cutting machines that not only cut the fabric 'right on the money' but also melt back the finished edge which holds everything together should one stitch get pulled. And they're fast too.
If you are going to do patches, it should only be a few for family or loved ones. For this process will take more time than you realize and it's not cost effective unless your customer is willing to "Pay Bigtime".
If you are going to do a large quantity, shop/farm them out to a patch company. Check the archives as many folks here have recommended many.
To make your patch, sew out your design onto sturdy fabric with a nice satin stitch around the perimeter.
Purchase a bonding sheet, like "Heat Bond" (I bought at Wal*Mart). They come in various thicknesses. Peel off the wax paper from one side of the bonding sheet and iron it onto the back of the fabric after you've sewn your design and popped it out of the hoop. After it cools, stedily cut with a pair of scissors around the outside edge of the satin stitch.
If you accidentally cut a few of the satin stitches, the bonding material (feels like "hot glue") will hold everything together.
Some people say you can remove the final sheet of wax paper from the back of the patch and iron it onto the garment where it is to be placed. But personally I say you should still sew it on with a sewing machine for rugged support.

Hope this helps.
Ed Orantes

[Maggie21]

Thank you Ed for your info. It is much appreciated. Keep up with the good humor, we all need it.

Maggie

[bwink]

Hi Maggie,
All I do is patches at my shop. I use the large hoop and make sheets of patches. I cut them out by hand. After a while you get the nack of how to do it without cutting the satin edges. Then I use a heat embosser lightly to melt down any loose threads, especially those on the back. On large back patches I also use stitch saver on the edges as bikers can be rough with their leathers. I enjoy making patches as there's such a variety and I don't have to worry about what sizes to have in stock in a small shop. Material, thread and backing and you're ready to go. I'll be having a grand opening/2 year birthday party on May 9th if anyone wants to come to Kuna, Idaho and play with patches!

bwink
Wink n Twink Embroidery

[Maggie21]

Thank you Bwink for your info also. Where do you buy a heat embosser and what is the cost of this?
I have some customers asking for patches so I need to practice and see if I can do it.

I am in South San Francisco, California so I won't be able to go and play with your patches.

Your information is also appreciated.

Maggie

[bwink]

I got my heat embosser at a craft store in the scrap booking section. It was around $20.00. You do need practice with it. If you get too close, you can melt your backing or it will curl your patch. I'll be happy to help any time you have questions.
You can check out my web site to see what I do. It's www.winkntwink.com
bwink

[The Embroidery Authority - OLD]

B Wink,
Just curious,
What do you you charge per patch?
Do you offer price breaks for multiples?
I don't need any patches, just curious.
Ed

[bwink]

Hi Ed,
I usually charge by stitch count. It varies between small patches and back patches. It's 50% of the count and then rounded up for small ones. Say 3400 sts= $2.00. Back patches are 75% of count and rounded up.
The discount comes in the form of no set up fee and no minimum. Doing sheets at a time, I can easily slip a one or two patch order onto a sheet without breaking rhythm.
Am I cheating myself? Probably a bit. But when you compete with China, You have to keep prices comparable. I also have a seamstress working with me who sews on my patches and also does leather repair. Got lucky there..it's my daughter. So while they are having repairs done, they can read my patches and have more sewn on and give me more ideas of patches to make!
Thanks for asking.
bwink

[The Embroidery Authority - OLD]

B Wink,
Wow! All I can think to say is wow.
Maybe you could consider incorporating a minimum charge. We don't turn our machine on for less than $9.95, but then again, we are retail. One item here, two items there.
It's very rare that we do a dozen of anything. If we land a good size order, we shop them out to a large embroidery house and they'll do, for example, 7,000 stitches for $2.50 - $3.50.
Of course they are running 12 and 18 head machines with a full crew. I wouldn't even consider competing with that.
Best of luck to you.
Ed

[v-embroidery]

Hi Bwink,

What type of fabric do you use for your patches and where can I buy them?

[bwink]

HI Viv,
I use Target poplin. It used to be called Trigger poplin. I get it at Joann Fabrics. It usually runs $6.99 a yard but they always have a 40% coupon at the store that I use. Other poplins can be used but you have to watch the stretch in them. I also use Pelon 70 for the heavier backing for my back patches. Also at Jo Anns. I cut the material into 14.5 x 20" pieces with 2 pieces of medium backing (that I get from Thread art..cheaper) sorry Fred, or one piece of Pelon.
bwink

[bwink]

HI Ed,
It's very rare that a customer only purchases one patch after they see the selection. I also sell wholesale to several bike shops in town. I go to a lot of biker rallies during the summer. No, I don't do Sturgis..can't afford the vendors fee. That one can be up to $5,000 just ot get in the park. I usually go all around Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah and northern Ca. Then during the winter I make new patches and try to build up my inventory. Didn't happen this winter. Only had two weeks off without any orders so I'm still playing catch up with my first rally in 18 days. And all this on one machine.
bwink