Impressions - March 2022 - 40

Here are some tips on other ways you can work around
supply shortages without tying up lots of cash.
1. Be Flexible with Thread: When it comes to top thread,
even though you may like the economy of 5,000-meter thread
cones, you may be able to find the exact color you need in a
different size. You may even find this to be a good long-term
strategy when ordering new colors for specific jobs.
Top-thread brands have hundreds of color options available
and many are just a half-shade apart from another in the assortment.
When your shade is out of stock, consult your customer
about a close match when the preferred color isn't available.
Keep a thread chart that contains actual thread swatches from
multiple thread lines. Computer monitors and printed thread
charts can vary too much for accurate color matching. When
matching within your preferred brand isn't possible, check out
close matches from other brands on your swatch chart.
2. Try a Different Bobbin Type: Embroidery-machine
operators tend to be particular about their supplies and sometimes
are reluctant to try something new. This frequently is true
about one of the most essential items required for every stitch
produced: the bobbin. This item has been subject to one of the
most acute shortages, so it's wise to explore options in advance.
Testing is the key here and it's important to evaluate the
results compared to your current favorite bobbin type. Aside
from stitch quality, another factor is yield, or yards per bobbin,
which can vary widely based on yarn type and bobbin style.
If your shop uses paper-side bobbins, consider giving sideless
bobbins a try. They're green and may have a better yield.
A less-appealing option - but viable in extreme cases -
involves winding your own bobbins. This method generally
results in fewer yards per bobbin than their factory-wound
counterparts, and the metal bobbins must be replaced after a
few months of steady use. Labor also is required to continuously
rewind the bobbins.
3. Backing Substitution: This area can be a little trickier
because it may require more testing. There are different backing
options for most embroidery jobs. In other words, several
backing products can accomplish the same result for embroidery
on most fabric types, so substitution can work.
The trick involves knowing how to successfully substitute
backing. On a job where you normally use a single layer of
medium-weight tearaway, will two layers of light tearaway give
the same result? This is a simple example and substitutions get
more complicated when it comes to substituting, say, specialty
woven cutaway used with moisture-wicking technical fabrics.
Testing in advance of a supply shortage or substantial price
increase is key with one-of-a-kind specialty products designed
for a specific purpose.
4. Bobbin Cases, Needles and Hoops: Regardless of the
supply shortage, a complete set of replacement bobbin cases
always should be on hand in a well-stocked shop. This allows
for a faulty case to be switched without stopping production.
Needles are one of the least-expensive components of production,
yet many shops don't keep an adequate supply. With
supply-chain challenges in mind, it's smart to keep a variety of
blade sizes and point types on hand - even those you don't
use every day. When you get a job requiring a different needle
type, you'll be prepared. Remember, needles are inexpensive
and they make all the different types for a reason.
In most shops, the practice is to keep two hoops of each size
so that one is on the machine while the other is being loaded
with a garment for the next run. I always recommend having
three of the most-used hoop sizes, and this has never been
more true than during the current supply-chain challenge. If
you only have two hoops of each size and one gets damaged,
the machine must wait for the remaining one to be rehooped.
There's currently a considerable time delay for replacement
specialty hoops, which could extend to more hoop types.
Staffing
With the job market becoming very competitive, hiring may
be difficult. If you haven't already cross-trained your team on
additional operations, now is the time. Absences are common
during the pandemic and long-term absences are a real possibility.
Having each team member skilled in other employees'
tasks can help ensure high-quality products continue to make it
through the production process and into your customers' hands.
Major manufacturers are planning to make the most of
resources available to keep supplies flowing and embroidery
machines running. For example, some suppliers are developing
thread products made from recycled materials. Manufacturers
are confident supplies will remain available and that there's no
reason to panic. Still, remember to plan for any scenario that
presents itself in the future. 
Manufacturers with stacks of stabilizer
are rare nowadays. Successful substitution
requires testing.
P.40
IMPRESSIONSMAG.COM MARCH 2022
Deborah Jones has more than 30 years of experience in the computerized
embroidery field. She runs myembroiderymentor.com.
For more information or to comment on this article, email Deborah
at djones@embstore.com.
http://www.myembroiderymentor.com http://www.IMPRESSIONSMAG.COM
Impressions - March 2022

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