Problems with good embroidery don’t come up frequently. When they do, it’s usually because the customer didn’t follow the directions recommended by the manufacturer.

Threads used in embroidery can be either cotton or polyester. Cotton shrinks when not washed properly. Polyester doesn’t. Polyester embroidery on polyester shirts doesn’t cause problems.

Problems can result when cotton embroidery thread is used on a polyester garment, or when a cotton garment is embroidered with polyester thread. When improperly washed, cotton embroidery thread on a polyester garment can cause puckering. This is due to shrinkage of the embroidery while the garment stays the same. On the other hand, an improperly washed cotton garment can shrink while its polyester embroidery doesn’t, again distorting the design relative to the garment.

Now you’d think that cotton-on-cotton would be no problem, because both the shirt and the embroidery thread would shrink, but would stay the same size relative to each other.

But that’s not necessarily the case. The thread and the shirt will definitely come from different lots of cotton fabric, and they won’t have identical properties. So, they probably won’t shrink at the same rate, either. And, even if they do, what good is a shrunken garment that’s too small for you?

How do you know what combination your embroiderer has used for your garment? You don’t!

Chances are that she uses polyester thread for embroidering. Besides not shrinking, polyester is more color-fast, and has better sheen than cotton thread. It preserves the appearance of the design longer. But your decorator may use cotton. Each has her own preferences, and everyone can give you good reasons why they prefer one over the other.
So what do you do? Do you need to talk to your embroiderer about the possible combinations?

Well, you could. Some people do like to know every detail of their projects. And, if you’re that type, that’s okay. But that’s not a conversation that’s necessary. You might even come across as micro-managing.

Remember, the majority of shops are owner-operated, usually with the owner as the sole operator. They’re independent entrepreneurs that don’t always take well to what they perceive as excessive control by the customer.
Rather than potentially antagonizing your embroiderer, all you really have to do is to follow the directions on the garment’s label. The garment won’t shrink, it will hold its color and shape longer, and your embroidered design will outlast whatever it’s been put on.