The Embroidery Benchmark

Embroidery is the ultimate stress test for garment manufacturing. Unlike screen printing, which can be masked or mass-produced with relatively low variance, embroidery requires precise calibration of machinery and high-quality raw materials. On the CNFans spreadsheet, items generally fall into three distinct quality tiers based on these factors. Understanding these tiers is essential for predicting what will arrive at the warehouse.

Tier 1: The Budget Tier (Economy)

Price Range: Typically under $15 USD.
Target: Mass market, non-essential basics.

At the entry-level, corners are cut to minimize machine time and thread usage. This tier is functional but lacks refinement.

• Stitch Density: Low. You might see the garment fabric showing through the gaps in the embroidery. The logos often look flat rather than raised.
• Connecting Threads: Highly visible. Machines are not programmed to cut the thread between distinct letters or design elements, leaving a "bridge" of thread that you must trim manually.
• Precision: Circles may look polygonal or oval. Sharp corners are often rounded due to low needle speed or poor stabilization.
• Backing: Messy. The stabilizer material inside the garment is often thick, papery, and left untrimmed, which can irritate the skin.

Tier 2: The Mid-Range Standard

Price Range: $25 - $45 USD.
Target: Daily wear, standard streetwear.

This is the most common tier found on spreadsheets. It represents a balance between cost and aesthetic accuracy. For 90% of consumers, this quality is sufficient.

• Stitch Density: Medium to High. Coverage is solid with no fabric showing through. The embroidery has a slight texture and lift.
• Connecting Threads: Minimal. Major gaps usually have cut threads, though you might find very small connecting strands between close letters.
• Precision: Font weights are generally accurate. Alignment is standard, though complex logos might show minor deviations upon macro inspection.
• Thread Quality: Standard polyester threads are used. They are durable and colorfast but may have a generic shine that differs slightly from luxury matte cotton threads.

Tier 3: High-End Precision (Premium/1:1)

Price Range: $50+ USD.
Target: Enthusiasts, collectors, luxury alternatives.

This tier focuses on replicating the exact manufacturing process of high-end design houses. The cost encompasses slower machine speeds for higher precision and premium raw materials.

• Stitch Density: Ultra-High. The embroidery feels substantial and produces a genuine 3D effect where appropriate. The stitches are packed tightly, creating a smooth, uninterrupted surface.
• Connecting Threads: Zero. Automatic thread trimming is calibrated perfectly. Every letter stands alone.
• Precision: Laser-accurate. Circles are perfectly round, serifs on fonts are sharp and distinct, and kerning (spacing between letters) is consistent.
• Thread Quality: Context-aware. If the original requires matte mercerized cotton, this tier uses it. If it requires high-sheen viscose, that is used. The thread matches the sheen and texture of the retail counterpart exactly.
• Backing: Clean and soft. The stabilizer is removed cleanly, often using water-soluble toppings or careful trimming to ensure comfort.

Quality Control (QC) Inspection Guide

When your item arrives at the CNFans warehouse, request detailed macro photos of the embroidery. Look for the following indicators:

• The Halo Effect: Check the edges of the embroidery. Tier 1 and 2 often have puckering fabric around the logo (the halo) because the tension was too high or the stabilizer was insufficient. Tier 3 lies perfectly flat.
• Letter Separation: Zoom in on text. In lower tiers, letters like 'a' and 'e' often close up (the hole in the middle disappears). In Tier 3, these gaps remain open and clear.
• Loose Ends: Count the fraying ends. High-quality processing will have everything sealed. Budget tiers will have loose threads that could unravel if pulled.

By categorizing spreadsheet finds into these three tiers, you manage expectations effectively. High precision requires high investment; expecting Tier 3 embroidery at Tier 1 prices will only lead to disappointment.