Custom embroidery on cushions
and flex printing for textile customisation
Textile customisation means adding a motif to a finished textile. The request we get most often is the embroidered cushion: a logo for a restaurant, a name on a garden seat pad. We work with two methods, embroidery on industrial embroidery machines and flex printing with a cutting plotter and heat press. We customise our own made-to-measure products as well as garments you send us.
Two methods, two different results
Both put a motif on a textile permanently, but by completely different means. One stitches with thread, the other transfers a film under heat and pressure. That leads to different looks, different suitable materials and different artwork requirements.
Embroidery stitches the motif into the fabric
The motif is stitched into the weave with thread. We work with professional industrial embroidery machines. The stitching sits in the material rather than on it, which is why embroidery is so hard-wearing and survives rough treatment. That is the reason workwear is traditionally embroidered rather than printed. Visually it creates a raised, premium surface.
Flex printing transfers a cut film
A special film is cut by a cutting plotter and weeded, meaning everything not part of the motif is removed by hand. A heat press then transfers the motif onto the textile under high pressure. Flex prints have high opacity and long durability, including on dark fabrics.
Why our press applies even pressure
We use a printing machine with a patented silicone printing plate. The plate applies the same pressure into every unevenness of the textile. Around seams, edges and pockets this prevents spots where the film only partly bonds, which is exactly where a flex print starts to peel otherwise.
Which materials work
Flex printing suits cotton textiles, softshell and unconventional materials as well. For embroidery, fabric thickness and construction matter more than the fibre itself. With our own outdoor fabrics we check this on the specific fabric before confirming, rather than answering it in general terms.
Embroidery and flex printing compared
Which method fits comes down to four questions: how it should look, how hard the textile is used, how fine the motif is, and what artwork you have.
| Aspect | Embroidery | Flex printing |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | motif is stitched into the weave with thread | cut film is applied with heat and pressure |
| Appearance | raised, textured, visible thread structure | flat, smooth, high opacity even on dark fabric |
| Durability | very high, the motif sits in the material | high, the motif sits on the material |
| Typical use | workwear, logos on cushions, names | sports jerseys, vests, T-shirts, leisure wear |
| Fine detail | limited with very small type, each stitch needs room | fine contours possible as long as the plotter can cut them |
| Artwork needed | a motif template, we prepare it for the embroidery machine | a vector graphics file, we can create it for you |
| Large areas | laborious, the whole area is filled with stitches | well suited, the film covers the area in one piece |
What we customise
Garden furniture cushions, wall cushions, kitchen bench pads and cable awnings can all carry embroidery or a flex print. The motif is applied after confection, on the finished piece. For multi-part products we agree beforehand which part carries the motif and where, so that it stays visible in use. Browse the base products under seat cushions and patio furniture cushions.
Embroidery for workwear is the classic case here: jackets, vests and shirts carrying a company mark. We customise leisure wear as well. That is a standalone job without buying a base product from us. Because someone else's goods run through our machines, we clarify material, quantity and motif size on the actual item beforehand.
It cannot be added online. Every job goes through an enquiry, because motif, placement and material have to be judged together. Tell us through the service centre what you want customised and attach your artwork if you have it.
Embroidered cushions
The most common customisation job is the embroidered cushion. Four questions shape the result: which cushion, which motif, where it goes and how often it will be washed.
Logo embroidery on cushions
For hospitality and retail we embroider the company mark onto seat cushions, back cushions and seat pads. Because the motif sits in the weave as stitching, it survives daily service and cleaning. For larger quantities we fix position and size once and keep them across the whole run, so every cushion looks the same.
Names, initials and dedications
On garden seat pads and lounge cushions we embroider names, initials or a short dedication. That is the usual route for gifts and for families who want to tell their seat pads apart. Short lettering works cleanly even at small sizes, while very fine serif typefaces reach the limits of the method.
Decorative cushions, embroidered rather than printed
For indoor decorative cushions the question is usually embroidery or flex print. Embroidery pays off for small, clear motifs and when the cushion is actually used rather than only displayed. For large, colourful motifs flex printing is the cheaper and faster choice.
What we need to know first
Whether the cushion comes from us or from you, how many pieces, how large the motif should be, and whether artwork exists. With those four answers we can say which method fits and what it costs.
From enquiry to finished motif
The route is the same for both methods. The more precise your first message, the faster the quote.
1. Enquiry with four details
What should be customised, which motif, how many pieces, and by when. That is enough for a first assessment of which method fits and what it will cost.
2. Artwork checked or created
For flex printing we need a graphics file in vector format. If you do not have one, we create the artwork for you. For embroidery we prepare your motif template for the embroidery machine.
3. Approval before production
Before the first stitch and before the first print we confirm size and placement with you. Neither method can be undone, which is why approval deliberately comes before production.
4. Production and shipping
On our own products customisation happens after confection and before dispatch, so it all arrives in one parcel. Customer goods sent to us go back to you once customised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tell us the motif, the quantity and the deadline
Send us what should be customised and what the motif looks like. You get our assessment of whether embroidery or flex printing is the right choice, along with a quote.