Client Spotlight | Imaginary Foundation

Who: Imaginary Foundation | San Francisco, CA

Background: From the Imaginary Foundation website: "The Imaginary Foundation is a think tank from Switzerland that does experimental research on new ways of thinking and the power of the imagination. They hold dear a belief in human potential and seek progress in all directions. The small clandestine team is headed up by the mysterious "Director," a 70-something über-intellectual whose father founded the Dadaist movement."

Product: Referred to us by a previous customer, Imaginary Foundation was looking to develop metal pins to correspond with their existing soft goods collection. They submitted a Venn Diagram style print to be made using soft enamel. After the first sample was created, we reviewed the results with the client and we decided to make a few changes. We went back to the drawing board, and the final result was a perfectly designed soft enamel pin that came packaged on a custom printed header in an individual plastic zip bag.

Verdict: The ability to sample prior to full production provides customers the assurance that they will always receive the perfect product that they envisioned. It's not uncommon that a digital design looks different when it's transformed into a metal pin, or other branding product. Have confidence that when you work with Ways & Means, you will always be satisfied with the item you order. Contact us today for more information!

Choosing a Fold or Cut for Your Woven Label

There are 5 common types of folds or cuts that you will want to consider when creating the woven label that's best for you and your brand. Ways & Means provides the highest quality high density damask woven labels available on the market.

Straight Cut Woven Label

Extremely versatile, a straight cut label has no fold at all and can be sewn just about anywhere on a garment. Typically a straight cut label is sewn on all four sides, however it can also be sewn on only the left and right sides, or top of the label because all edges have been heat sealed to prevent fraying.

Center Fold Woven Label

Center Fold woven labels are creased in the center and sewn into a seam. The crease in the center helps the label lie flat and simple care and content information can be included on the back of the label to serve dual purposes, if desired. Sometimes referred to as loop labels as well, however, loop labels do not have a firm center crease.

End Fold Woven Label

An end fold woven label provides an elegant way to add a branding label that does not need to be sewn into a seam. The end folds eliminate the corners of the label for a soft, itch-free result. Wide and skinny is the most common shape for an end fold woven label.

Manhattan Fold Woven Label

Manhattan fold woven labels are almost exclusively used for hem tags. The extra fold on the top edge eliminates exposed corners, for the cleanest look and softest feel. The fold in the center can be creased or looped, depending on the thickness of the fabric.

Mitre Fold Woven Label

A mitre fold woven label has each end folded up, creating two tabs that can be sewn into a seam. After applied, the label hangs down on the tabs and can double as a hook loop. Mitre folds labels work best with a short and wide logo.

If you have further questions about woven labels, please send us an inquiry.

Woven Label Samples by Ways & Means

Client Spotlight | Joe King Art

Who: Joe King Art | Orange County, CA

Background: Joe King has a vast repertoire which includes illustrated and commercial art. Native to Southern California, he grew up skating the streets of Long beach and it’s surrounding cities. School was always an uphill battle, but after only a few semesters at his local junior college it became apparent that illustration and design were going to become his career. Since 2005 Joe has been working with iconic brands such as Crooks N Castles and OBEY, as well as forming his own company, Rook.

Product: When Joe first approached us to make custom metal pins, we were up for the challenge. The unique, and incredibly detailed artwork that Joe was creating, was like nothing Ways & Means had produced before. The first round of soft enamel pins, turned out perfectly, and since then we've created an array of both hard enamel and soft enamel pins, as well as embroidered patches.

Verdict: Don't let details sway your opinion about the branding product you would like to design. Sometimes with just a few small changes, or maybe none at all, even the most unusual and abstract designs can be transformed into a small metal pin, or other interesting product. Contact us for more info if you have a design you'd like to make today. 

What is a Woven Overlock Stitch?

If you are purchasing a custom embroidered patch, chances are you will hear the term "woven overlock stitch." Also referred to as a merrow border, a woven overlock stitch is the thicker woven edge that creates a border on many embroidered patches.

Not only does a woven overlock stitch typically create a better looking patch, it also provides longer durability and the best possible protection against shredding.

The only disadvantage to this type of border, is that you can only apply a woven overlock stitch on simple shaped patches. Here are some examples of both types of embroidered patches.

Embroidered Patches with a Woven Overlock Stitch

Embroidered Patches without a Woven Overlock Stitch

As you can see from the examples above, a clean edge is still possible on a patch without a Woven Overlock Stitch, it simply has a different look. For patches that have a more intricate shape, the edge is made using the same embroidery technique which is used to embroider the design. The patch is then cut as close as possible to this edge using thermal, hot cut technique.

Please contact us for further information on custom embroidered patches. Your sales representative will be able to determine all of your options to turn your idea into a beautifully made, custom patch!

Client Spotlight | Routine Baseball

Who: Routine Baseball | Franklin, WI

Background: Routine Baseball is a baseball-focused, lifestyle apparel brand, founded by people who have a passion for the game and wanted a high-quality brand that accurately represented the culture. Routine provides baseball gear for players to rep off the field, as well as clothing and accessories for the average, baseball-loving guy and gal.

Product: Routine Baseball has been working with Ways & Means for over three years, mainly focusing on their custom woven label and woven patch needs. Most recently however, we have produced a series of metal pendants that fit perfectly with the baseball lifestyle culture of the company.  Using thick, 3mm antique silver metal, three different designs were etched into the pendants. One particularly unique design was a “friendship” style necklace that came split in two with separate matching ball chains.  

Verdict: Custom metal items provide a unique branding opportunity for clients looking to standout from the crowd. Add custom packaging, like Routine Baseball, and you have a complete package that can be sold at retail shops everywhere.

Client Spotlight | Burnside Knives

Who: Burnside Knives | Portland, OR

Background: Burnside Knives creates essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts and working professionals. They source the highest quality materials for their knives and pride themselves on providing something you can be proud to own and carry. Burnside Knives looks to the future with an eye on the past. Each product they design draws from their roots. Dedicated to each customer, Burnside Knives are built to last.

Product: Burnside Knives came to Ways & Means to manufacture custom snapbacks. They decided on a black mesh-back hat with custom features throughout. Their front logo was done in both 3D puff embroidery and standard embroidery. The inside cap includes a custom woven label with company details, as well as custom printed taping with “Knife Vibes” woven throughout. The final touch was a small custom label for the back snapback to tie everything together.

Verdict: Custom snapbacks allow for multiple branding opportunities. From the front embroidery and woven labels to the inside cap features, Burnside Knives developed a great looking hat that matches the overall feel of their company.