If you want to get the ball rolling on a custom order, here’s a little breakdown of the process and what you need to know before we get started:
 
ARTWORK
Before we talk size, materials, placement, colors, cost, timeline, or anything else, I have to have artwork. Just like getting a tattoo, you don’t walk into a shop and say: “I want a skull and crossbones tattoo!” There are so many different styles to consider—realistic? traditional? cartoon? etc?—and not every artist can do every style. I need to see exactly what you want.
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If you don’t have artwork, and only have an idea, we can work together. I have a BFA and 20+ years of graphic design experience, but I need a starting point: a sketch, examples of the style you are thinking of, and source materials. To use the skull and crossbones analogy: I know what *I* am thinking when I imagine skull and crossbones, but I do not know what *you* are thinking. You need to show me.
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My design fee is $50 an hour, and the more time you put into your artwork up front, the less time it will take me to come up with final artwork to chainstitch. I will ask a lot of questions before I get started on your project to make sure that I understand what you want and to let you know if I think it is something that I will be able to do.
 
SIZE
I can not realistically chainstitch anything smaller than 2.5 inches square unless it is a VERY simple design.
 
Patches and banners can be as large as the foundation material.
 
PLACEMENT
Do you want a patch? Easy peasy. All my patches are chainstitched onto 20% wool/80% rayon with cotton scrim felt that comes in 42 inch wide rolls. Patches can be cut to size and are sew-on. Therefore they can be applied to your garment at any location. Scrim felt is thicker and stiffer than craft felt, so I recommend machine sewing. Don’t have a sewing machine? Double sided iron-on adhesive sheets can be purchased from any craft store or Amazon. Do you need me to sew the patch onto your garment for you? I can do that for a small fee. Do you need me to disassemble your garment so that I can sew the patch onto a sleeve or so that I don't sew through lining? I can probably do that, but for a larger fee.
 
Direct-to-garment chainstitching is a little more restrictive. I can stitch onto anything that can be laid flat under my machine: back or front of a jacket, lapel, cuff, skirt, etc. I can not stitch directly onto sleeves, legs, hats, etc. The best materials for chainstitching are heavy woven fabrics (denim, canvas) and I have also stitched on velvet and corduroy. Natural materials (cotton, wool) are best. Anything with stretch is a nightmare, but might be possible, so before you mail me your clothing item, let me know the fiber content.
 
I can not chainstitch onto knit garments. This includes sweaters, sweatshirts, t-shirts, socks, etc. If it stretches, I can not chainstitch onto it. The chainstitch needle is large with a hook in it, and it will catch and break the knit threads as it is going through the garment.
 
COLOR
I use Madeira Burmilana 50% wool/50% acrylic thread. There are currently 146 colors available. It can be difficult to choose and exactly match colors via screen. If you have a specific color that you need matched exactly, you will have to send it to me so that I can compare to the actual threads.
 
You can view Madeira Burmilana colors on their website, but please believe me when I tell you that they look different in person: https://www.madeirausa.com/burmilana/

Madeira also offers a Pantone Color Match: https://www.madeirausa.com/pantone-color-match/
 
I stitch my patches onto scrim felt from S.M. Cristall. There are a 25 colors to choose from. You can check them out here: https://www.smcristall.com/product/scrim-felt/
 
COST
Price is determined by artwork complexity, amount of colors, size, coverage, location, and turnaround. 
 
There is a custom order shop minimum of $50.
 
Jacket backs start at $200 for simple, one color lettering.
 
Design fee of $50 an hour 
 
Small freehand scripts (like your name) up to 15 characters cost $20. Extra characters are 50 cents each. Script can not go smaller than 0.75 inch high and can not go larger than 2 inches high.
 
I will give you the cost estimate before starting on your order. I require a 50% non-refundable downpayment before work begins.
 
Actual shipping cost is extra.
 
TIMELINE
My turnaround time is 2 to 4 weeks from the time that all supplies are on hand. If I need to order special colors of thread or felt I will let you know before I begin. If you are mailing me a garment to chainstitch or apply a patch on, I will let you know when it has arrived.
 
Rush orders are extra.
 
ANYTHING ELSE?
Before placing your order please be sure to read the “Care” section under “Info."
 
CONTACT
Now let's get started!! You can use the Contact form below.
 
Thank you so much for reading this whole darn thing. I'm really excited to work with you.