Need tips on getting crisp clean edges.

Hi, I'm still very new to embroidery. I have a Brother PR620 and I'm not getting good clean edges. I am stitching on cotton pique knit shirts, I know the pique knit isn't the greatest but thats what my customers want. I think I should be able to get a cleaner look. Where do I start ? I'm using the needles that came with the machine ? should I change them ? I think I'm hooping okay because with other materials I get good results.

I'm also using the PE Design software from Brother. I've also purchased Embird software but I don't have all the features. I'm mainly using Embird for its text. I get a sharper text with Embird compared to the PE Design.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

I use 75/11 ball points on the shirts you describe with great results. It is easy to tell what size the needle is because it is marked on the shank. The tip is another story. Needles are cheap, so I would recommend buying some 75/11 ball points so you know what you have in the machine. I buy Organ needles but have heard Schmetz and Groz Bechert are very good. Hopefully others will chime in and give some reviews.

Glenn
Sew Fine Designs

All good comments ... In addition to needles and solvy, you can also try heavier weight backing, if you don't have heavyier backing just use 2 pieces.

Thanks for the tips. I've already tried two layers of stabilizer and it didn't really help. I'm gonna order some solvy and needles.

Thanks

any more tips.............keep 'em coming.

SunEmbroidery's picture

When embroidering pique knit polos you need to use edgewalk/contour underlay that is as close to the edge as you can get it without having it seen. This will sharpen-up your edges. Solvy will help, especially when there is a high contrast between the thread and garment color but it does take time to remove.