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. Custom work is a big part of what we do.
We offer both handcrafted chainstitch and digital embroidery, from one-off pieces and personalised products to larger commissions, brand projects and live events.
For more bespoke projects, we can also work with you on the design itself, developing an idea from an initial brief through to the finished embroidery. If you already have artwork, we can advise on the most suitable embroidery process and how it may need to be adapted for production.
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?
Yes. We can source a range of blank garments and accessories for your commission, from caps and jackets to other suitable pieces. We offer sourcing as an additional service and can be discussed as part of your project.
We’re also very happy to work with garments you’ve sourced yourself as well as vintage pieces. We know that finding the right piece can be part of the process, particularly for personal commissions, and we’re always happy to advise on what will work best for embroidery.
3) Can you embroider a cursive name on my clothing?
Absolutely. We love creating these simple, timeless embroidery designs.
We don’t currently offer standalone bespoke commissions for individual names or small scripts. These can either be incorporated into a larger commission or embroidered during one of our Studio Sessions, which we host a few times throughout the year.
Check out our Studio Sessions for upcoming dates, or get in touch if you’re looking for multiple pieces or a larger-volume project.
4) Can you embroider our logo or artwork?
Yes. We work with existing logos and artwork across both digital and handcrafted chainstitch embroidery, and can advise on the most suitable process for your design.
Not every artwork translates directly into chainstitch. Its handcrafted nature and distinctive stitch require certain designs to be simplified or adapted, and we can advise on this as part of the process. Digital embroidery allows for greater detail and precision and may be better suited to more complex artwork.
If you’re unsure which process is right for your project, get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise.
5) Can you embroider any design ideas?
We’ll certainly try. Between handcrafted chainstitch and digital embroidery, we can accommodate a wide range of designs, but every idea needs to be considered alongside the garment, materials, scale, budget and level of detail involved.
Some designs may need to be adapted for embroidery, and we can advise on the best approach.
Get in touch with your idea and we’ll let you know what’s possible.
6) Do you sell patches?
Yes. Patches are a big part of what we do.
Our collection includes both handcrafted chainstitch and digitally embroidered patches, from original studio designs and limited runs to pieces personalised to order.
You’ll also find our embroidery across wearable accessories and framed pieces, all designed and produced from our studio in South East London.
You can find the full selection in our shop.
7) Do you do large runs?
Yes, although quantities depend on the embroidery process, artwork, project and budgets.
Our hand-guided chainstitch embroidery is a slower, handcrafted process, making it particularly suited to one-offs, limited runs and projects where the craft itself is part of the finished piece.
For larger quantities, digital embroidery using satin stitches and a range of embroidery fills offers greater scalability, consistency and detail, allowing us to produce larger runs more efficiently.
If you have a particular quantity in mind, send us an enquiry and we can advise on the most suitable process for your project.
8) I would like an idea of prices.
Pricing depends on the embroidery process, artwork, size, quantity, materials and the item being embroidered.
Our handcrafted chainstitch commissions start from £250. This reflects the handcrafted nature of the process and can include design development alongside the embroidery itself. Larger pieces, full garments and more complex projects are priced according to their scope.
Digital embroidery is quoted differently and offers greater scalability for larger quantities. Pricing depends on the artwork, stitch count, size and number of pieces required.
For simpler personalisation, you can also find a range of customisable pieces in our shop, with prices listed individually.
For brand commissions, larger runs and live events, we quote each project individually. Providing an estimated budget or budget range with your enquiry helps us establish the most suitable approach and whether we're aligned before developing a detailed proposal.
9) Is it cheaper to order more?
It depends on the embroidery process.
With hand-guided chainstitch embroidery, every piece is individually embroidered using our vintage, hand-operated machines. The process isn’t automated, so the making time remains relatively consistent whether we’re producing one piece or a limited run. For this reason, larger quantities don’t necessarily bring the same economies of scale as other production methods.
With digital embroidery, larger quantities can be more cost-effective. Once artwork has been digitised and the embroidery process established, it can be reproduced more efficiently across a larger run.
If you have a quantity and budget in mind, send us the details and we can advise on the most suitable approach.
10) Can you stitch on sleeves or trousers?
Yes. For chainstitch embroidery, our studio is home to a rare 1920s post-bed chainstitch machine, which allows us to work on areas such as sleeves and trouser legs without having to deconstruct the garment first.
We’ve used this process for projects including George Ezra’s embroidered denim suit for the Dance All Over Me music video, as well as embroidering directly onto Dr. Martens boots during our chainstitch tour with the brand.
We can also embroider sleeves and trousers using digital embroidery, although feasibility depends on the construction of the garment, the size and placement of the artwork, and whether the area can be properly accessed and hooped.
If you have a particular garment or placement in mind, send us the details and we can advise on what’s possible.
11) Do you do collaborations?
Absolutely. Collaborations have always been an important part of the studio.
We’ve worked with brands including GANT, Dr. Martens, BERO Beer & Iron Heart bringing together our design approach, embroidery and craftsmanship across a wide range of projects.
As a design studio, our involvement can extend beyond embroidery to include creative development, design and licensing, content creation and wider campaign work. The scope of each collaboration depends on the idea, budget and level of involvement required from the studio.
If you have a collaboration in mind, get in touch with some information about the project, scope and available budget, and we can see how we might work together.
12) We have a shop and would love to stock some of your work!
We’d love to hear from you. We’re open to working with selected retailers, whether you’re interested in stocking existing studio pieces or developing something specifically for your shop.
Our hand-guided chainstitch embroidery is individually made and carries a higher production cost, so traditional retail margins can be more difficult to accommodate. It tends to work best for limited runs, exclusive pieces and projects where the handcrafted process is part of the value of the product.
For larger quantities, digital embroidery offers greater scalability and more flexibility around production costs and retail margins.
We can also develop exclusive designs, colourways or products depending on the project. Quantities, pricing and our involvement will depend on the scope and budget.
If you’re interested in stocking our work, get in touch and tell us a little about your shop and what you have in mind.
13) Do you offer custom design services?
Yes. Design has always been an integral part of the studio.
With over 15 years of illustration and design experience, we can develop anything from a single piece of artwork to a series of designs for larger projects, collections and campaigns.
For individuals, design can be developed as part of a bespoke embroidery commission, working with you to create something personal from an initial idea. Bespoke commissions combining design and hand-guided chainstitch embroidery start from £250.
For brands, we offer design and creative development across larger commissions, collections and campaigns. This can sit alongside hand-guided chainstitch or digital embroidery, or include licensing, content creation and wider creative work. Pricing is based on the scope, usage and level of involvement required.
Take a look at our past projects or our Instagram page for examples of previous work, or get in touch to discuss what you have in mind.
14) Can you chainstitch on leather or suede?
It depends on the application. Leather and suede are thicker and behave differently from fabric, so the material, construction, placement and amount of embroidery all need to be considered.
With hand-guided chainstitch, larger areas can weaken or distort the leather due to the size of the needle and density of the stitching. Historically, this is one reason felt patches were commonly used to embellish leather jackets. Smaller placements and single lines of chainstitch, however, can work beautifully.
Digital embroidery is also possible on leather and suede, but similar considerations apply. The thickness and stability of the material, stitch density, artwork and placement will determine what can be embroidered successfully.
If you have a leather or suede piece in mind, send us some details and we can advise on the most suitable process and approach.
15) Do you do live embroidery events?
Yes. Live embroidery events are a big part of what we do, from in-store personalisation and private events to launches, brand activations and multi-day projects.
We offer both hand-guided chainstitch and digital embroidery. Our vintage chainstitch machines bring the craft and process directly into the event, with each piece embroidered individually by hand. Digital embroidery offers greater speed, detail and scalability, making it particularly suited to events with larger guest numbers or higher production requirements.
We can advise on the most suitable setup based on the event, number of guests, artwork, timings and budget.
We also host Studio Sessions at our Woolwich studio in South East London, where you can visit us and have pieces personalised directly in the studio.
For more information, visit our Live Events section, our Instagram page or get in touch with details of your event.
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?
We get asked this quite often, but sourcing machines, threads, felts and other supplies isn’t a service we provide.
A lot of our own setup has been developed through years of research, testing and working with different materials and equipment, and our suppliers and sources form part of that studio knowledge.
If you’re starting out, there are some great online communities, specialist groups and resources available. Researching, testing and finding what works for you is a valuable part of developing your own process.
17) Do you offer any chain stitch training or workshops?
We’ve trained studio assistants in chainstitch embroidery over the years, but teaching isn’t currently a service we specifically offer.
We’d love to find the right opportunity to share the craft through small workshops or teaching sessions, although we haven’t yet found the right format to do this.
There are also many embroidery techniques, including chainstitch, that can be explored through traditional hand embroidery without the use of a machine.
Keep an eye on the studio Instagram page for any future workshops or learning opportunities.
18) I can get 60 patches made in South East Asia for the price of one of yours!
You probably can. Large-scale manufacturing and what we offer at the studio are very different approaches to embroidery.
Our hand-guided chainstitch pieces are individually made in our South East London studio using vintage machines, and are best suited to one-offs, limited runs and projects where the craft itself is part of the piece.
For larger quantities, we also offer digital embroidery, giving us greater scalability while keeping design development, production and quality control within the studio.
If large-scale manufacturing is what your project requires, an overseas supplier may well be the right choice. If you’re looking for a more considered approach to design, materials and production, that’s where we come in.
