Embroidery’s popularity has remained constant over the years. This form of handicraft is admired for its appearance linked to traditional exclusivity, and it ranges from clothing decoration to painting. Embroidery is a very successful and competitive business. Your business will be prosperous if you have a thorough business plan and are well organized.

Embroidery types

There are two types of work:

1. Manual – more valuable;
2. Mechanized.

Hand embroidery is a particular type of work that requires skills and much time. Therefore, this business is suitable for artisans who already own the technique. With the manual method, threads and beads are most often used.

Techniques performed with threads:

• cross;
• smooth surface;
• openwork.

Cross-stitch is the most common, used to make:

• paintings;
• portraits to order;
• as a decoration for bedding and kitchen utensils.

It should be borne in mind that creating a picture with a cross can take from 3 to 6 months.

Embroidery with beads is a no less time-consuming process, but the spectacular products are worth the time spent. At present, paintings, portraits made of beads, the decor of clothes and accessories are very much appreciated.

From a business point of view, machine embroidery is preferable. It does not require specific skills or long-term performance. You only need special hardware and software. The high accuracy of the automated process makes this method more and more popular.

The possibilities of machine embroidery are varied:

• souvenir products;
• textile finishing;
• logos;
• chevrons.

Decide on the method and direction of activity. You can work simultaneously with several types only if you have much experience. Focus on one thing, gradually developing your skill.

Materials and equipment

For hand embroidery, cross-stitch is made from the following materials:

• canvas (canvas, linen, cotton);
• threads (mainly floss).

Pictures from beads consist of a fabric basis and beads.

Tools for cross-stitch and beadwork are almost the same:

• drawing scheme;
• needles;
• scissors;
• hoop (frame, machine).

For machine embroidery

You will need an electronic embroidery machine, a computer, and special software that matches the model of the embroidery device.

Of the materials you must have:

• threads;
• interlining;
• canvas.

Choose high-quality threads, which will keep the colors bright for a long time. Most often used:

• cotton;
• wool;
• silk;
• viscose;
• polyester

Experiment, combine different materials, use beads with thread stitches, cross-stitch on non-standard fabrics. This will make your business more in demand.

Embroidery process

Find an experienced artisan to teach you or learn the needlework yourself if you are a beginner. Unique books, articles on the Internet, magazines, free video tutorials – it’s all accessible and useful.

Machine embroidery is carried out as follows:

• export of the selected image in the program editor;
• editing, setting the location of needle punctures, changing threads, skipped stitches;
• refilling the hoop;
• automatic filling of selected areas with stitches.

Custom embroidery does not require a unique technological process. The main thing is to be able to embroider, regardless of whether it is a cross or satin stitch, beads, or other technique.

Sales Managment

1. Publish ads in the newspaper Internet, and create business cards. 
2. Create a high-quality website with a product list, service costs, work samples, and contact information.
3. Create a social media account or group.
4. Provide clothing factories and ateliers with services. He frequently utilises embroidered logos when making sportswear and uniforms.
5. Work with retailers and outlets.
6. Take part in art shows.