E29 Stitch Camp – Applique, Puff & Special FX

Embroidery Basics & Business Growth - Katie Wubben:
This segment will focus on embroidery basics, troubleshooting, and managing business growth, including a variety of techniques to achieve professional results on fabrics of all kinds as well as keeping both         sides looking great on projects with exposed backs. We'll explore multi-media designs, as well as special techniques through video demonstrations and samples.  

Non-Traditional Materials & Multi-Media Techniques - Joe Kramar:
This theme would focus on using materials like felts, twills, and wools to create unique corporate logos and designs, now also incorporating multimedia techniques.In this session, Joe Kramar ("Appliqué Joe") will dive into the "Appliqué Archetypes" framework to demonstrate how vintage techniques can elevate standard corporate logos into premium, retail-worthy apparel. Joe will break down how to deconstruct a brand's identity and rebuild it using non-traditional materials like felts, twills, and wools. Attendees will learn how to select and combine these materials with specialty threads (like chain or moss stitch) to create timeless, high-value appliqué and mixed-media designs that turn a simple uniform into a desirable, collectible piece.

• Learn to identify and apply "Appliqué Archetypes" to transform basic logos.
• Discover the best non-traditional materials (felt, twill, vinyl) to add dimension and a premium retail feel.
• Understand how to pair specialty threads and stitch types with appliqué for a vintage, heritage look.
• Gain strategies for deconstructing a logo and rebuilding it as a high-value patch, reverse appliqué, or mixed-media design.

Elevated Embroidery, Specialty Stitches & Best Business Practices - Erich Campbell:
This section will explore utilizing textural qualities, specialty stitch types, threads to enhance traditional logos, and best business practices like workflow & prospecting. In this session, Erich will explore both the ways in which we can utilize the unique textural qualities of embroidery to enhance the appearance and value of traditional logos through the use of specialty stitch types, threads, and media as well as described the design alterations and additions used when simply replicating the logo was not enough. Through real-world case studies and design examples, Erich will break down the why and how of when to change up traditional embroidery and stock design work to create higher value, more retail-styled treatments. If you want to get inspired to create collections, solutions, and higher value merch, this is your session.

Headwear for Retail Products- Justin Armenta: 
This section will focus on creating polished, retail-ready headwear, including 3D puff and subtle textural variations. We’ll dive into the art of creating polished, retail-ready headwear that captures attention and builds brand recognition. Learn how to craft clean, simplified designs that look professional and intentional — the kind of embroidery that feels right at home on the shelves of any premium retail space. We’ll explore how thoughtful design choices can elevate a logo or graphic without overcomplicating it. You’ll see that “simple” doesn’t mean “boring” — by introducing elements like 3D puff and subtle textural variations, you can add excitement, depth, and tactile appeal to your embroidery while keeping it cohesive and on-brand. Whether you’re decorating for a corporate client or building your own retail line, this session will help you strike that perfect balance between style, simplicity, and brand strength — turning everyday headwear into recognizable, retail-worthy pieces

Primary Focus:

• Utilizing embroidery software to create applique designs
• Understanding the basics of setting up a file for applique
• Choosing fabric variants and how to choose the best fabric for the purpose
• Interfacing/Backing basics for applique styles
• By the end of the class, you will be able to understand the fundamentals & proper practices to create a digitized embroidery file for applique.

This seminar is perfect for: Current shops currently digitizing in-house and outsourcing Embroidery shops, large and small, who want to expand their current skill level Current shops outsourcing digitizing but want to understand the parameters of successful files

This session introduces the fundamentals of Embroidery on Demand and why it matters in today’s market. Attendees will explore real-world use cases, key benefits, and common challenges, followed by a hands-on workflow demonstration. The class covers strategies to streamline production, manage high-volume and last-minute orders, integrate automation, and maintain consistent quality. The session concludes with a Q&A, a recap of key takeaways, and resources for next steps. Class Goals: Equip attendees with practical strategies for efficient embroidery on demand, demonstrate how automation simplifies production, and show how on-demand embroidery can drive business growth.