Custom embroidery in India is done by machine, by computerised multi-head machine or by hand, and the method decides the detail you can get, the speed and the minimum order. Logos and repeat patterns suit computerised machines. Intricate, one-off or traditional work suits hand embroidery.
If you need custom embroidery in India for a garment line, the first decision is the method. Surat and the wider Gujarat region have a large embroidery base, for fabric and for finished garments. Choose the method that fits the design and the volume, not the other way round.
Which embroidery methods are available?
The main options and their typical uses are:
- Computerised machine embroidery, where a digitised file drives multi-head machines that stitch the same design many times. It suits logos, badges and repeat patterns on garments.
- Schiffli embroidery, a machine process for lace-like work on fabric in long lengths, often used on fabric before cutting.
- Aari and zardozi work, done by hand with a hooked needle, thread, beads or metal wire, for fine decorative pieces.
- Traditional hand embroidery from Kutch and other regions, which varies by community and stitch type.
What are the limits of machine embroidery?
Machine embroidery depends on a digitised file. A digitiser converts your artwork into a stitch file, deciding the stitch types, direction and density. A good file makes the difference between clean, flat embroidery and puckered cloth. Very small text and fine lines are the main weakness, because thread has a physical width. Ask for a sample on the actual garment fabric.
The fabric matters. Stretch knits need a stabiliser to prevent distortion, and very light or sheer fabric may pucker. Heavy designs on light fabric pull the garment out of shape.
Wash and wear matter as well. Ask whether the thread is polyester or rayon, and test the embroidered garment for colourfastness and for shrinkage, because the thread and the fabric can shrink at different rates and pucker after the first wash. Colour is limited by the thread range. Provide a thread shade reference, and ask for the colour to be matched to your brand colour where possible.
What about hand embroidery?
Hand work offers detail and character that machines do not reproduce. It is slower, so the lead time is longer and the volume per month is smaller. Variation between pieces is part of the nature of the work. If you need exact repeatability, a machine process is the better fit. For the craft side, see Kutch embroidery styles.
What to send the factory
Send vector artwork if you have it, the size of the design in millimetres, its position on the garment, the garment fabric, and the thread colours. Ask the factory to digitise the design and send a sample before production. For a full private label line, see private label clothing models. Digitising is usually a one-time setup cost for each design.
State your quality limits, including how many loose threads or small stitch faults you accept. Surat's embroidery fabric range is described in embroidery fabric types in Surat. Labels and tags that go with the garment are covered in factory woven labels, hang tags and polybags.
Next step
We find embroidery units that fit your design and volume, check samples on your fabric and supervise production. Book a free sourcing review with your artwork and garment.