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Glossary of Embroidered Apparel Definitions

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Custom Artwork Example by Randy Fountain

Randy Fountain artworkA high activity sportswear fabric that absorbs, wicks and dries faster than average golfwear.

Duck Cloth

Tightly woven fabric that provides wind and snag resistance.

DSC00073Descriptions of Apparel

Describes buttons or trims that are the same color as the garment onto which they are sewn.

A cap style with a low slope that is more closely fitted to the head. Can be either structured or unstructured.

See Taslan but with a dull finish.

A mix of different colors of yarns knit together to create a

Erik-Portraitheathered effect.

A product that has gone through a process to produce a smooth, lustrous hand.

Similar to a pique knit, but with a more open texture for increased breathability. Larger knit than Cool Weave.

A high density, anti-pilling fleece made of knit micro-fibers that are brushed less than a regular fleece garment. It has a high capacity for warmth without the weight.

Fife-Ad-1An ultra-fine stripe that is knit into the fabric.

Fabric that is tightly woven from a very fine poly thread and has a sueded finish for a luxurious, soft feel. Microfiber fabric is naturally water repellent due to its construction process and when specially treated, can also be waterproof.

A cap with a slope height in between that of a High Profile and Low Profile. It is most often structured with buckram.

Buttons made from Mother of Pearl, with a logo inscribed on them. A jacquard knitting pattern in which the jacquard forms a design similar to small nail heads.

The combination of a knitting and spinning process developed by JERZEES® for their blended fleece that helps prevent pilling.

A process in which yarn dyed fabrics or piece dyed garments are put through an additional dye color to create unique colors.

A type of fabric where the fibers are either cotton or blended man-made fibers.

A pocket attached to the outside of a garment. Buttons that have a pearl-colored hue.

Buttons that incorporate pewter and horn tone, usually one encompasses the other.

Buttons that have a dull, metallic hue.

A type of dye used to create a distressed or washed look. A process developed by Lee® to help prevent pilling on fleece garments.

A knitting method that creates a fine textured surface that appears similar to a birdsnest or waffle weave.

The part of a shirt or jacket where the garment fastens together. A warm polyester lining found in the body or sleeves of outerwear garments. It has more loft than a regular nylon lining.

PC90H Hoodie

Seattle Seahawks Hoodie. Style PC90H

Features similar characteristics to cotton and silk, has excellent luster and very little shrinkage.

Alternating rows of 2 different pique knits; one knit is a baby pique, while the other is a larger pique that resembles small circles knit closely together.

A high activity sportswear fabric that absorbs, wicks and dries faster than average golfwear.

Tightly woven fabric that provides wind and snag resistance.

 Describes buttons or trims that are the same color as the garment onto  which they are sewn.

A fleece outerwear fabric made from at least 50% materials reclaimed from recycled plastic soda pop bottles.

Edgemont Junior High School. Home of the Eagles.

Edgemont Junior High School. Home of the Eagles.

A 2-ply weave of different color yarns that run parallel against each other so that both colors are visible.

A laundering process in which a catalytic substance is added to create a chemical change in the fabric resulting in a very soft finish, smoother appearing surface and reduced shrinkage.

A more upscale horn tone button with an etched pattern. When the back portion of the garment is longer than the front. Assists in keeping the garment tucked in during normal activity.

Small holes or perforations made in a series to allow for breathability. Finished with either stitching or brass grommets.

Refers to a garment’s fit as being generous and roomy.

A dyeing process that occurs after the garment is assembled.

A wash process where softeners are added to finished garments to help the cotton fibers relax or bloom.

Police Department

Fife Washington Police Department Patch from early 2000’s

The result is a fabric with a thicker appearance, reduced shrinkage and a softer hand.

A chevron or zig-zag pattern, knit into fabric.

A cap style with a high slope structured with buckram-a stiff fabric lining. Less fitted to the head.

Buttons that appear to be manufactured from horn.

A medium sized broken check effect that is knit into the fabric.

A fabric that has two plys knit simultaneously to form one thicker and heavier ply. It has more natural stretch than a jersey knit, a soft hand, and the same appearance and feel on both sides.

Buttons with a lustrous, rainbow-like hue.

Arm Patch for the Puyallup Police Department

Arm Patch for the Puyallup Police Department

A pattern knit directly into the fabric during the manufacturing process. Typically, 2 or more colors are used.

Fabric has a definite smooth side, the outside, and a textured side, the inside.

A flat rib knit, with specified dimensions, that is used to function as a placket and placket facing.

A looped piece of fabric in the neck of a garment for the convenience of hanging the garment on a hook. Can also be located at the center of the back yoke on the inside or outside of a garment.

A semi-oval panel sewn into the inside back portion of a garment, just under the collar seam, to reinforce the garment and minimize stretching when hung on a hook. The patch also allows for the garment tag or label to be sewn below the neckline to help prevent irritation.

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Antonio-Massey

Antonio Massey

Production Team: Folder

Antonio Massey recently joined NWCA in June of 2022. His role on the Production Team has greatly improved our processes and productivity. Antonio is always willing to lift heavy boxes or help his co-workers during busy times. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his dog and mastering video games.

Alicia-Wada

Alicia Wada

Shipping Clerk

Alicia Wada is passionate about helping her co-workers at Northwest Custom Apparel in any way that she can. She works in our Shipping and Logistics department. Alicia, who goes by Ali, has a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics. She lived in Japan for ten years and recently brought her family to America in 2019. She is interested in learning crafts and textile art from around the world.

Erik-Mikelson

Erik Mickelson

Manager

Erik Mickelson’s position as Manager is more than a job, it’s a passion. It’s always fun and exciting because he enjoys marketing, computers, and coming up with innovative ideas to help NWCA grow. He majored in accounting and finance at Washington State University, graduating in 1996, and returned to school to obtain his Master of Business from WGU, graduating in 2016. Erik continually strives to advance his education through podcasts, audiobooks, and industry tradeshows. He is married to a remarkable and caring wife named Wendy, a Registered Nurse, with whom he shares his many hobbies and a love for the outdoors.

 

Ruth-Nhoung

Ruth Nhoung

Production Manager

Ruth Nhoung is our Production Manager and Northwest Custom Apparel is lucky to have her. Thanks to her vast knowledge of machine embroidery and dedication to creating a comfortable and supportive work environment, the production plant runs smoothly and customers are pleased with our work. She is a loving mother and grandmother and enjoys spending quality time with her siblings. She says, “I love everything about Northwest Custom Apparel: the people, the atmosphere, the work, and the customers. I love what I do and I embrace all of NWCA’s core values”.

Steve-Deland

Steve Deland

Art Director

Steve Deland has been our amazing Artist since 2017. He loves working at Northwest Custom Apparel because he appreciates the goal-oriented, progressive-thinking management style. He is most passionate about his art, which includes scroll saw woodwork, and his five grandchildren.

 

Taylar-Hanson

Taylar Hanson

Sales

Taylar Hanson is a highly acclaimed Saleswoman at Northwest Custom Apparel. She has a BA in Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles from Washington State University. “Go Cougs!” The best part of Taylar’s job is getting to work with longtime customers who trust us to do the best work and take care of their needs. She is passionate about appreciating nature, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Nika-Lao

Nika Lao

Sales

Nika Lao is very knowledgeable in how the business is ran because she began as an Embroidery Machine Operator and has worked hard to become the excellent and personable saleswoman she is today. She enjoys the stress-free environment and the many chances to connect with her co-workers over potlucks, BBQs, and bowling parties. Nika is a proud sister of two highly successful brothers and can boast mastering three languages herself: Khmer, Thai, and English. She is an avid camper, enjoys going to farmer markets, and loves cooking.

Bradley-Wright

Bradley Wright

Accountant

Bradley Wright has been a vital team member of NWCA since 2017. As our accountant and knower-of-all-things, Bradley is proud to work closely with his wonderful colleagues. He studied at the University of Washington. These days he dedicates his free time to his new house.

Dominic-Nguyen

Dominic Nguyen

DTG Operator

Dominic Nguyen recently joined our Direct-To-Garment department. He says he loves the family work environment at Northwest Custom Apparel. In his free time, Dom likes to listen to music, hangout with friends, and play video games. He comes from a very big family which can be very chaotic at times, but is always exciting.

Sothea-Tann

Sothea Tann

Production Team: Trimmer

Sothea Tann recently joined the Production Team in 2022. She finds Northwest Custom Apparel to be a good working environment with helpful and friendly staff. In her free time, Sothea spends quality time with her family and, overall, focuses on a peaceful and happy lifestyle.

Brian-Beardsly

Brian Beardsley

DTG Supervisor

Brian Beardsley has been with Northwest Custom Apparel since 2018. He is our DTG Supervisor. Brian loves that he gets to work with high-tech machines in a fun atmosphere. He has a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. He said, “I always wanted to create visually interesting assets in a variety of mediums”. In his free time, he enjoys building and painting models, playing video games, designing, and playing his guitar.

UT-Tri-Tran

UT Tri Tran

Embroidery Machine Operator

UT Tri Tran loves Northwest Custom Apparel so much that, although she has already retired after a long career in machine embroidery operations, she is happy to return part time. She says, “I love the family style work environment and how everyone shares food, laughter, and fun on a regular basis.” In her free time she is dedicated to living a healthy and peaceful lifestyle with her friends and family.

Bunsereytheavy-Hoeu

BunsereytheavyHoeu

Embroidery Machine Operator

BunsereytheavyHoeu, who goes by Theavy, won our Operator of the Year in 2021. She takes on many roles in the production team. She says, “These are not my co-workers, these are my family! I cherish all the memories we make together”. When she goes home to be with her family, she makes the most of her time with them by holding family get-togethers and even karaoke competitions.

Sreynai-Meang

Sreynai Meang

Embroidery Machine Operator

SreynaiMeang is a hard-working Machine Operator. She is most passionate about helping people. Sreynai, who goes by Nai, likes to exercise in her free time and talk with her family in Cambodia.

Kanha-Chhorn

Kanha Chhorn

Embroidery Machine Operator

Kanha Chhorn has been an Embroidery Operator with Northwest Custom Apparel since 2018. She is delightful and always makes everyone smile and laugh. Kanha takes on additional tasks that allow us to exceed our customers’ expectations. In her free time, she can be found at her local temple or spending quality time with her family and friends.

Savy-Sorm

Savy Som

Embroidery Machine Operator

SavySom is one of our Machine Operators who is passionate about embroidery and sewing. She enjoys working at NWCA because of its flexibility. She has two teenage sons and loves spending time with her family on the weekends.

Sorphorn-Sorm

SorphornSorm

Embroidery Machine Operator

SorphornSorm has been a Machine Operator since 2011. One of her four sisters works here as well. Her other relatives are in Cambodia. In her free time, Sorphorn studies English, listens to music, and enjoys exercising.

Jim-Mickelson

Jim Mickelson

CEO

Jim Mickelson, after a successful career with a major oil company, founded Northwest Embroidery in 1977. This was the first commercial embroidery in the Pacific Northwest. Over the years, Jim has become the guru of embroidery never refusing to answer a question or offer advice to his fellow embroiders. Jim and his wife Leeanna raised four wonderful children who went on to successful business careers.