FAQ’s
Got Queries? Dive into the section below to find swift answers to our most commonly asked questions.
1) Do you do custom commissions?
Yes, we do! We specialise in custom chainstitch embroidery. Our unique approach involves combining our design skills with your personal narrative to craft truly bespoke pieces.
It's important to note, we're not an embroidery production service. We don't just embroider - we design and craft, providing a comprehensive design and embroidery package.
For brands seeking to collaborate, we are open to working with your designs if they fit well with the chainstitch technique. Additionally, we offer a content creation package, providing high-quality photo and video content to promote your commission in the best possible way.
Interested in discussing ideas or learning more about our process? Don't hesitate to contact us! Plus, don't forget to check out our customizable pieces in the shop for inspiration!!
2) Do you provide blank garments?
We don’t and here’s why.
Every client and every project is different and we want to prioritise that. We differ from some of the more common embroidery service providers in many ways. We are here to create your own special piece that is truly unique to you. We also value your journey and we know how exciting sourcing for your special garment is. We can of course suggest a type of garment or a brand over others, but we love the fact that you are leading this step.
3) Can you embroider a cursive name on my clothing?
Absolutely! We adore creating these beautiful and timeless embroidery designs. However, please note that we don't offer standalone bespoke commissions for single-name embroidery scripts. Instead, we incorporate them into larger projects.
Check out our Enquiry section for more info.
4) Can you embroider our logo or artwork?
That depends! We're passionate about our handcrafted, century-old chain stitch technique, which offers a unique aesthetic often incompatible with modern logos or artworks without certain adaptations. As a result, we typically don't embroider directly from client-provided designs. However, we make exceptions for brand collaborations when the design is compatible with the chain stitch technique.
Remember, we're more than a traditional embroidery service. We're a design studio that focuses on craftsmanship, and we pride ourselves on our holistic approach, offering a complete package that combines design and chainstitch in a single, unique service.
If you have questions or would like to discuss potential ideas or collaborations, we invite you to reach out. We'll review your enquiry promptly and thoroughly!
5) Can you embroider any design ideas?
We try to! But just like we mention in answers 3 and 4, we sometimes can’t.
Get in touch and we’ll see what we can do for you!
6) Do you sell patches?
We sure do! We have a selection of handcrafted chain-stitched products. You can choose between one-off embroidered pieces and customisable patches. With every piece entirely handcrafted with vintage machines in the heart of South East London. Head up to our shop now!
7) Do you do large runs?
It depends on the complexity of the artwork and the quantity. We typically limit each design to a maximum of 30 pieces.
We often receive requests for larger runs from clubs and brands and are occasionally able to accommodate some these.
Due to its handcrafted nature, chain stitch embroidery is both incredibly sought-after and much more costly than typical digital embroidery services. With individual pricing ranging from £20 to £1000+, chain stitch embroidery is best suited for limited runs. Its unique, exclusive collectible value distinguishes it from mass-produced projects.
Send your enquiry through and we can assess it!
8) I would like an idea of prices.
Each embroidery project is unique and so is its pricing. The cost is determined by the design complexity, size, colors, and the item being embroidered.
Our minimum bespoke commission price is £500. This includes both design and embroidery, ensuring each project receives the dedicated, artistic attention it deserves. This budget allows for multiple smaller embroideries or one larger piece. For example:
Back rocker style, large lettering patch (W 28/36cm x H 10/12cm): Starts at £125.
Large graphic patch (W 25cm x H 25cm): Starts at £125.
Full back piece (W 48 cm x H 28cm): Starts at £500.
Full jacket: Starts at £1000
Full Suit: Starts at £1500
Please note that while a single piece costing £125 can be part of a £500 commission, it cannot be commissioned separately at this price. These are estimates and actual costs may vary based on your project specifics.
In addition to the design and embroidery, we offer design licensing and a unique package for content creation, including high-quality photography and video production, to give your project the marketing impact it deserves.
For a precise quote tailored to your project, feel free to get in touch!
9) Is it cheaper to order more?
Unlike mass-produced items, each piece created at the studio is individually crafted by Giulio using vintage, hand-operated machines. This process isn't automated, meaning the time investment remains consistent whether we're creating one piece or thirty.
Although this may not provide the economies of scale often associated with larger orders, it guarantees a product with unique and exclusive collectible value, which distinguishes it from mass-produced items.
This is an essential part of our value proposition. The attention to detail, craftsmanship, and narrative behind each piece has immense marketing potential, serving as a unique selling point that can enhance your brand's identity. Therefore, when you collaborate with us, you're investing not only in a product but also in a unique marketing asset.
10) Can you stitch on sleeves or trousers?
Absolutely! We don't just stitch - we constantly love to push boundaries. Our studio is home to a rare gem from the 1920s: a unique, post-bed chain stitch machine. This isn't just any old machine - it's one of the few remaining in the world that can enable us to expertly embroider on sleeves and trousers without needing to deconstruct the garment first.
It's with this exceptional machine that Giulio was able to create the stunning embroidery on George Ezra's full denim suit for the "Dance All Over Me" music video. This powerful tool doesn't stop at fabric - we've even taken it on the road with us for a chainstitch collaboration tour with iconic brands like Dr. Martens, bringing our chain stitch magic to their classic leather boots across the country.
11) Do you do collaborations?
Absolutely! Collaborations are a vibrant part of our creative heartbeat at our studio.
We've had the privilege of uniting our unique design ethos with the visions of renowned brands to produce truly exceptional pieces. Our collaborations portfolio includes distinguished names like GANT, Dr. Martens, Iron Heart, Adidas, Arsenal, Dice Magazine, ISKO, Playboy, and Polo Ralph Lauren, among others. This unique synergy between our studio and esteemed brands worldwide has yielded unforgettable creations.
Exciting collaborations like these aren't just about creating great pieces; they're about weaving together our creative story with yours. Get in touch to share your vision with us!
12) We have a shop and would love to stock some of your work!
That's thrilling news! We'd be delighted to create exclusive, original pieces specially tailored for your shop.
Before proceeding, it's vital to understand the unique nature of chain stitch embroidery. This handcrafted method, unlike more common digitized embroidery, carries a higher manufacturing cost, with individual pricing ranging from £20 to £1000+. Suited best for limited runs, chain stitch embroidery stands out for its unique, exclusive, and collectible value, setting it apart from mass-produced items.
Yet, this shouldn't discourage you. Instead, it reinforces the rationale for collaborating with us, centering on a handcrafted piece that attracts attention. The real value lies in the marketing potential this creates, a facet we strongly emphasize in our work.
If you're interested in a more detailed discussion, don't hesitate to reach out.
13) Do you offer custom design services?
Whether you are looking for a single design for your chainstitch embroidered piece or a series of designs for a capsule collection, we are here to assist you.
With over 15 years of illustration experience, Giulio can help you create what you have in mind. Head up to the contact page and let us know what we can do for you!
Our minimum bespoke commission price is £500 and it includes both design and embroidery. This is a non-negotiable base fee, ensuring the quality and exclusivity of our bespoke services.
Check out the Projects page to see some past examples.
14) Can you chainstitch on leather or suede?
It depends on the application! Leather and suede are typically thicker and less flexible than fabric, resulting in different stretching behaviors during and after embroidery. Additionally, chainstitch needles are larger than those usually used for leather embroidery, which can potentially weaken the leather's structure when used for larger placements.
In the heyday of chainstitch embroidery, felt patches were often the preferred method for embellishing leather jackets, mitigating these issues. However, single lines of stitching can work wonderfully in certain applications.
So, if you're considering a project involving leather or suede, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us with your ideas. We will carefully review your project's specifics and provide you with the best approach to achieve an excellent result!
15) Do you do live embroidery events?
Yes, we do! We offer live chain stitch embroidery that creates special, memorable moments for your audience. We can cater to any type of event, from private functions to in-store personalization spots or brand collaborations.
Having Giulio, a master of chain stitch embroidery, at your event adds a unique touch. It boosts your brand's narrative and helps your customers connect more deeply. It's not just a service - it's about sharing a rare skill and a story, which we add to your products to make them stand out.
Beyond external events, we host Open Studio sessions at our Woolwich, SE London location. These give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how we create our designs.
Our live embroidery services do more than just entertain - they help your brand stand out and build stronger bonds with your customers. To learn more or to discuss a potential event, visit our live events section or get in touch with us directly.
16) I’d like to start chain stitching, where can I get a machine like yours? Where do you get your threads, felts and supplies?
This is something we get asked often and it’s not something we can help with. It’s definitely not because we feel precious about our sources - even though this is our job and sources are to be considered sensitive information. We don’t provide this information because we believe that the whole starting, setting up and sourcing process is a cathartic and crucial step in every business. It’s a formative stage and in our opinion, everyone should take risks when starting a business.
Quick solutions can be pretty handy, but tests and mistakes can be an invaluable opportunity to evaluate or shape a business path! If you are really stuck, there are lots of great Facebook groups and Youtube resources that can help you solve some mysteries along the way. Just do your research and go for it!
17) Do you offer any chain stitch training or workshops?
We don’t always offer one-to-one training but it’s something we have done at the studio before.
Learning is very subjective and can take quite a lot of practice to be able to learn how to chainstitch on the machine, hence why it’s not something we do often.
We are certainly open to discussing the possibilities of online teaching content and mini-workshops.
There are many embroidery techniques, starting from chainstitch, that can be taught more traditionally as a hand embroidery method.
Get in touch if you’d like to talk more about it!
18) I can get 60 patches made in South East Asia for the price of one of yours!
You are probably right! The look, feel and unique embroidery designs that we offer are very different to mass-produced options.
Quantities, minimum requirement, quality of work, labour conditions, manufacturing contacts, product development & product control are only some of the hidden factors that you should also consider when outsourcing this type of work. When you look at that route closely, things can be way more time-consuming and more expensive than initially considered!
