Be sure to check out the Embroidery FAQ for more information about embroidery at Fussybutt.

Machine embroidery is not as simple and skill-less as it might first seem. There are many different factors that contribute to how an embroidery design turns out, from the type of thread and stabilizer used and the quality and complexity of the design chosen, to the aesthetic choices made by the embroidery machine operator.

I first became interested in embroidery in 2003. As a beginner with absolutely no experience, I assumed that once I got my new embroidery machine set up I would simply be able to insert the fabric, thread the needle, and stitch out a flawless design right away. I knew nothing of the different kinds of stabilizers (which may be used above and/or underneath the embroidery area); numerous types of thread (I prefer polyester over rayon, and use several different brands); special hardware and software enabling new designs to be downloaded, edited, and transferred from computer to machine; needles of various sorts; different sized embroidery hoops; and special bobbin thread.
Needless to say I had a lot of learning to do! My first few weeks of embroidery work were a miserable failure and I almost gave up my newfound hobby, but after a little more experimentation I decided that maybe I could figure it out after all.
To this day I am still learning new things about the embroidery process, but it is actually a lot of fun and the possibilities are endless if you have the right resources, supplies, and the time to devote to it.

Our Process:
The product to be embroidered (for example, a Fuzzi Bunz pocket diaper) first gets matched with the correct stabilizer, which helps to create even stitching and reduce puckers in the finished design. Then a rectangular "hoop" is placed inside of the diaper's pocket (between the fleece and the PUL) and another rectangular hoop is set on top of the PUL and pressed into the hoop inside of the diaper. This holds the fabric taut during the embroidery process.
After the hoop is set the fleece part of the diaper is pulled out from underneath of the hoop so that it does not get sewn over. The design is selected and the hoop is fastened to the machine.
When I embroider sewn items like diapers and shirts it is necessary to stay by the machine at all times in order to hold the fabric that is not inside of the hoop away from the needle so that it will not be sewn on. It is much easier to embroider on a flat piece of material than a pre-made item. The average design on our site (10,000 stitches) takes 20 to 30 minutes to stitch out, not including the time between manual thread changes, thread trims, or hooping and unhooping.
When the design is finished being stitched out the diaper is removed from the hoop, the stabilizer is cut off, and the excess threads are trimmed.

Embroidery Pricing:
Fussybutt embroidery pricing is in line with the industry standard of $1 per 1000 stitches. We do not normally charge a hooping fee, but may do so in some cases.

Embroidering on PUL:
When we embroider on PUL fabric or pocket diapers, we add an extra layer of PUL behind the embroidery work so that there are no problems with leakage. Our embroidered pocket diapers have been tested by hundreds of customers and there have never been any problems with leaking. We are so confident about the fact that they will not wick through the embroidery, we offer a money back guarantee.