Stitch Master Custom Embroidery: Ultimate DIY Guide and Service Insights

1. Introduction to Custom Embroidery Excellence

Since its humble beginnings in 2004, Stitch Master has woven a remarkable story—one that started in a garage and blossomed into a multi-service embroidery powerhouse. Driven by a simple frustration—finding it “nearly impossible” to source quality custom embroidery or best embroidery machines locally—founder Thomas Nakazawa set out to fill a gap in the market. The journey from a single embroidery machine to a thriving company with a broad portfolio is a testament to the relentless pursuit of quality, adaptability, and customer care.

This blog is your ultimate guide to the world of custom embroidery, whether you’re searching for top-tier service providers, eager to master DIY machine embroidery, or curious about the latest equipment innovations. We’ll explore how to choose the right partner for your custom projects, uncover step-by-step techniques for creating patches and hats, and demystify the technical processes behind machine embroidery. Along the way, we’ll compare equipment, break down cost structures, and spotlight resources to fuel your creative journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned embroidery professional, a passionate hobbyist, or just starting out, you’ll find actionable insights and inspiration here. Let’s dive into the vibrant, ever-evolving world of custom embroidery—where craftsmanship meets technology, and every stitch tells a story.

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction to Custom Embroidery Excellence
• 2. Navigating Custom Embroidery Service Providers
• 3. DIY Machine Embroidery: Techniques from Patches to Hats
• 4. Machine Embroidery Processes Demystified
• 5. Equipment Comparison: Matching Machines to Projects
• 6. Cost Structures and Business ROI
• 7. Design Creation Resources and Tutorials
• 8. Conclusion: Elevating Your Embroidery Journey
• 9. FAQ: Custom Embroidery Essentials

2. Navigating Custom Embroidery Service Providers

Choosing the right custom embroidery service provider can feel a bit like searching for that perfect thread color—there are plenty of options, but only a few truly stand out. Let’s unravel what sets top providers apart and how you can spot excellence in a crowded marketplace.

2.1 What Top Providers Offer: Portfolios and Capabilities

The best embroidery service providers don’t just stitch—they innovate, diversify, and specialize. Take Stitch Master, for example. What began as a quest to fill a local need has evolved into embroidery shops offering a wide array of services: custom embroidery, appliqués, screen printing, digital printing, heat applications, rhinestone embellishments, and even corporate promotional products. This kind of product range diversification isn’t just impressive; it’s essential for serving the varied needs of today’s clients.

But it’s not just about the menu of services. Leading providers carve out niches, too. Stitch Master’s role as a nationwide Greek Licensee for fraternities and sororities—especially in California—demonstrates the power of niche specialization. By catering to both retail consumers and institutional clients (think local businesses, schools, medical facilities, and social groups), they build a client base as colorful and varied as the threads they use.

Industry standards echo this approach: top providers balance a broad service portfolio with targeted expertise. They’re not just jacks-of-all-trades; they’re masters of the details that matter most to their clients.

2.2 Evaluating Quality and Reliability

So, how do you measure quality in custom embroidery? It’s not just about crisp stitches or vibrant colors—though those certainly help. Service excellence comes down to technical expertise, communication, reliability, and a dash of community recognition.

Let’s break it down:

• Technical Expertise: Customers consistently praise providers who can handle intricate logo requirements and execute designs with precision. Stitch Master’s team, for instance, is lauded for their skill in digitizing and machine operation—a must in today’s tech-driven embroidery world.
• Customer Experience: The best providers treat every project as personal, not just transactional. Stitch Master’s clients highlight the friendly, accommodating attitude of the staff, making every order feel like a collaboration rather than a simple purchase.
• Reliability and Communication: On-time delivery is non-negotiable. Top providers earn trust by consistently meeting or exceeding deadlines and keeping clients informed at every step. Stitch Master’s reputation for dependability and thoughtful communication sets a high bar.
• Community Recognition: Awards and local accolades, like Stitch Master’s feature as a “Hidden Gem” in the Fresno Bee’s People’s Choice Awards, offer external validation that can tip the scales when choosing a provider.

In short, the best custom embroidery services blend technical mastery with genuine customer care, robust portfolios, and a proven track record of reliability. That’s the kind of provider you want in your corner—one who stitches your vision into reality, every single time.

3. DIY Machine Embroidery: Techniques from Patches to Hats

Ready to roll up your sleeves and bring your own designs to life? DIY machine embroidery is where creativity and technology collide, giving you the power to transform blank fabric into something uniquely yours. Whether you’re dreaming of custom patches, professional-grade hats, or perfectly embroidered garments, these step-by-step techniques will set you up for success.

3.1 Step-by-Step Embroidered Patch Creation

Creating your own embroidered patches isn’t just satisfying—it’s downright addictive. Here’s how the pros (and YouTube’s best creators) do it:

1. Gather Your Essentials:
You’ll need an embroidery machine (single- or multi-needle), stabilizer, twill or felt fabric, embroidery thread (40-weight is a go-to), and embroidery hoop frames sized for your design.

2. Prepare Your Artwork:
Start with a clear image. Using software like InkStitch, import your design and adjust it to fit your hoop—say, a 4x4 inch frame. Scale proportionally to maintain crisp details.

3. Digitize with Precision:
Trace your image in InkStitch, cleaning up lines and shapes as needed. Convert outlines to satin stitches for that classic patch border. Group colors strategically to minimize thread changes and plan your stitch sequence for efficiency.

4. Stabilize for Success:
Hoop your stabilizer first—no fabric yet! Run a basting stitch to mark the patch area. Lay your twill or felt on top, then secure it with a second basting stitch. This keeps everything in place and prevents shifting.

5. Embroider the Design:
Follow your digitized sequence—blush, feet, eyes, and finally the satin border. Change thread colors as needed, or get creative with your palette.

6. Finishing Touches:
Remove the patch from the hoop, trim away excess stabilizer, and carefully cut around the border. For iron-on patches, apply a heat-activated adhesive backing. Voilà—your custom patch is ready to shine!

Pro Tip: Manual digitization gives you more control over stitch density and direction, resulting in a cleaner, more professional look than automated software alone.

3.2 Professional Hat Embroidery Workflows

Embroidering hats—especially those floppy, unstructured “dad hats”—requires a few extra tricks for pro-level results:

1. The Right Machine and File:
Load your digitized DST file onto a multi-needle machine like the Smartstitch 1201. Make sure your design is centered and sized for the hat’s front panel.

2. Stabilizer Matters:
Cut a piece of thick, tear-away stabilizer (3 oz is a favorite) to provide structure and prevent shifting. For unstructured hats, this step is crucial.

3. Hooping Like a Pro:
Remove any cardboard inserts from the hat. Hoop the stabilizer and hat together, using clips at the back to keep everything taut. This prevents folds and puckers during stitching—a must for clean results.

4. Center and Trace:
Align the design’s center with the hat’s seam. Use your machine’s trace function to ensure the needle path stays within the embroidery area.

5. Stitch and Inspect:
Start the embroidery process, monitoring for any movement. If the hat shifts, you risk unsellable results—so double-check your setup before hitting “go.”

6. Final Touches:
Once finished, remove the hat, tear away excess stabilizer, and trim any jump stitches. You’ll be left with a crisp, professional design ready for the spotlight.

3.3 Achieving Garment Precision with Modern Solutions

When it comes to garment embroidery, precision is everything. The right stabilization and hooping method can make—or break—your finished piece.

Stabilization Techniques:
Choose your stabilizer based on fabric type and design complexity. Cut-away stabilizers provide lasting support for stretchy garments, while tear-away options are great for stable fabrics.

Introducing MaggieFrame Magnetic Hoops:
If you’re tired of fiddling with screw-based hoops and battling fabric slippage, it’s time to experience the MaggieFrame difference. These magnetic embroidery hoops use high-strength magnets to automatically adapt to various fabric thicknesses—whether you’re working with delicate silk or heavy denim. The result? Even tension, reduced hoop burn, and a whopping 90% faster hooping process compared to traditional screw systems.

MaggieFrame hoops are compatible with leading industrial machines like Brother and Tajima, making them a game-changer for both small studios and large-scale production. The textured surface and generous contact area keep your fabric firmly in place, minimizing distortion and maximizing stitch accuracy.

Why It Matters:
Efficient, precise hooping isn’t just about saving time—it’s about elevating the quality of every garment you create. With MaggieFrame, you’ll spend less time setting up and more time bringing your creative visions to life.

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Ready to stitch your mark on the world? Whether you’re crafting for fun or building a business, mastering these techniques—and choosing the right tools—will set you up for embroidery excellence. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the art and science of machine embroidery in the chapters ahead!

4. Machine Embroidery Processes Demystified

Machine embroidery is where artistry meets engineering—a dance between digital design, fabric science, and mechanical precision. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens between uploading your artwork and watching a needle bring it to life, this section will pull back the curtain. Let’s break down the core technical steps, from digitizing your designs to selecting stabilizers and operating your machine for professional-grade results.

4.1 Digitizing Mastery: From Artwork to Stitch Files

Digitizing using embroidery machine software is the heart of machine embroidery. It transforms creative vision into language your machine understands.

Manual vs. Auto Digitizing:

Digitizing can be done manually or with auto tools. Manual digitizing, as shown in InkStitch video tutorials, gives you granular control over every detail: stitch direction, density, sequence, and color changes. This method is perfect for intricate or high-impact designs where you want to optimize every thread. Auto digitizing, on the other hand, is faster but often less precise—think of it as the difference between a custom-tailored suit and one off the rack.

Orientation and Stitch Density:

Orientation matters. For hats, for example, your digitizer needs to know if the design will curve over a cap or lay flat on a shirt. The Smartstitch 1201 workflow demonstrates how even a well-digitized file must be centered and oriented correctly to avoid off-center results. Always communicate placement details to your digitizer—hat or flat, left chest or back panel—so the stitch file is optimized for your project.

Stitch density is another critical factor. Too dense, and you risk thread breaks or puckering; too loose, and the design lacks definition. InkStitch’s simulation tools let you preview density and adjust before you ever thread a needle. For complex designs or heavy fabrics, increasing density may be necessary, but always balance it with your fabric and stabilizer choice.

Practical Example—Hat Embroidery:

The Smartstitch 1201 case study offers a real-world glimpse:

• Upload your DST file via USB.
• Ensure the design is centered and correctly sized for the hat’s embroidery area.
• If the starting point isn’t centered, have your digitizer adjust the file—this prevents skewed or off-balance results.
• Use your machine’s trace function to verify placement before stitching.

Pro Tip:

Even seasoned embroiderers often outsource digitizing to specialists. A professional digitizer typically charges $15–$25 per design, but the investment pays off in cleaner results and fewer production headaches.

In summary, digitizing is more than just file conversion—it’s the art of translating vision into stitches, where every parameter matters.

4.2 Stabilizer Selection and Machine Operations

If digitizing is the brain of embroidery, stabilizers are the backbone. The right stabilizer ensures your design sits crisp and clean, no matter the fabric or complexity.

Cut-Away, Tear-Away, and Wash-Away:

• Cut-away stabilizers stay with the garment, providing permanent support—ideal for stretch fabrics like knits, t-shirts, and sweatshirts.
• Tear-away stabilizers are best for stable woven fabrics; they’re removed after stitching, leaving a clean finish.
• Wash-away stabilizers dissolve in water, perfect for sheer fabrics or lacework.

Choosing the correct weight is crucial. Lightweight stabilizers suit delicate fabrics and simple designs, while medium and heavy weights are reserved for dense stitching or challenging materials like denim or 3D puff embroidery.

Topper Integration:

For textured fabrics (think towels or fleece), a topper—usually a thin, water-soluble layer—prevents stitches from sinking in, ensuring crisp, visible embroidery.

Threading and Tension:

Operating your embroidery machine, such as the Brother PR620, involves more than just loading a file. Threading follows a numbered guide system, with embroidery-specific threads fed through tension mechanisms and around cylindrical holders. Bobbin placement is equally precise: the thread must wind clockwise and pass through designated slots for consistent tension.

Hoop Positioning and Carriage Systems:

Proper hoop installation is essential. Open the carriage lock, slide the hoop beneath the presser foot and needle, and secure it. This ensures even tension and accurate stitch placement.

Machine Workflow:

• Activate the presser foot and start the embroidery sequence (often indicated by a green light).
• The machine will pause for color changes, prompting you to switch threads as needed.
• Always test your setup before full production—run a sample to check for puckering, misalignment, or stabilizer issues.

Quality Assurance:

Professional results come from rigorous testing. Evaluate fabric behavior, adjust machine settings (stitch density, tension, length), and ensure your stabilizer performs as expected. Avoid inconsistent, low-quality stabilizers—they often cause irregular stitch patterns and wasted material.

In short, mastering stabilizer selection and machine operation is the difference between amateur and pro results. Take the time to test, tweak, and perfect—your finished embroidery will thank you.

5. Equipment Comparison: Matching Machines to Projects

Choosing the right embroidery machine is like picking the perfect tool for a masterpiece. The market offers everything from single-needle hobby models to multi-needle commercial workhorses, each with distinct strengths. Let’s unravel the differences and see how innovation in hooping technology can supercharge your workflow.

5.1 Single-Needle vs. Multi-Needle Showdown

Single-Needle Machines:

Machines like the Brother PRS100 are great for beginners or low-volume projects. However, they require manual thread changes for each color—imagine stopping your flow every few minutes to swap threads. This slows production and limits efficiency, making them less suitable for commercial operations.

Multi-Needle Machines:

Enter the Smartstitch 1201 and similar multi-needle embroidery machine models. These are engineered for speed and versatility:

• Automatic Thread Changes: No more manual swaps—multi-needle machines switch colors automatically, slashing downtime.
• Production Speed: With maximum speeds reaching 1,200 stitches per minute, they’re built for volume and consistency.
• Workspace: The Smartstitch S-1201, for instance, offers a 9.5" x 12.6" embroidery area and a 7-inch touchscreen for intuitive control.
• Durability: Commercial machines are constructed for long hours and heavy use, with robust frames and precision components that maintain stitch quality over time.

Accessories and Workflow:

Commercial machines often come with a range of hoops and accessories, enabling continuous production. In contrast, entry-level machines may include only a few hoops, limiting flexibility.

Support and Training:

Professional suppliers provide comprehensive training and business support, while local sewing centers may focus more on hobbyist needs.

Cost-Benefit Analysis:

While entry-level commercial machines like the Smartstitch S-1201 offer a manageable investment for small businesses, established brands like Tajima and Barudan are preferred for high-volume, long-term reliability.

Bottom Line:

If you’re scaling up, multi-needle machines are a game-changer—think of it as upgrading from a flip phone to a smartphone. Once you experience the efficiency and power, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.

5.2 Optimizing Workflows with Hoop Innovations

Hooping may seem like a small step, but it’s a massive lever for productivity and quality. Traditional hoops, with their screw-tightening mechanisms, are slow and prone to uneven tension—especially on challenging fabrics.

Enter MaggieFrame Magnetic Hoops:

MaggieFrame’s magnetic embroidery hoops revolutionize garment hooping:

• Speed: Magnetic hoops cut hooping time by 90% compared to screw-based systems—what once took three minutes now takes thirty seconds.
• Durability: Crafted from high-grade PPSU engineering plastic, MaggieFrame hoops are over 40 times more durable than standard plastic hoops. They withstand the rigors of daily, high-volume use without warping or losing magnetic strength.
• Fabric Versatility: The powerful magnets automatically adapt to different fabric thicknesses, from delicate silks to heavy denim, ensuring even tension and reducing hoop burn.
• User-Friendly Design: Built-in reference lines make alignment a breeze, and the hoops are compatible with a wide range of industrial machines, including Brother and Tajima.

For garment embroidery, MaggieFrame magnetic hoops are a clear upgrade—saving time, reducing errors, and lasting longer. If you’re ready to leave behind the headaches of traditional hooping, this is your next step toward embroidery excellence.

6. Cost Structures and Business ROI

Embroidery isn’t just an art—it’s a business. Understanding how pricing models, cost structures, and smart investments shape your bottom line is essential, whether you’re running a side hustle or managing a full-scale operation.

6.1 Pricing Models: Stitch-Count vs. Flat Rates

Embroidery pricing is both an art and a science. Two primary models dominate the industry:

Stitch-Count Pricing:

This method charges based on the total number of stitches in a design.

• Up to 6,000 stitches: $2.50–$7.75 per piece, depending on order volume.
• Complex designs (12,000–14,000 stitches): $3.75–$10.75 per piece.

The more intricate the design, the higher the cost. Volume discounts are significant—single-piece orders can reach $8.00, while bulk orders (73+ pieces) drop to $4.00 per item for similar stitch counts.

Flat Rate Pricing:

Flat rates offer predictable costs, regardless of stitch count or design complexity. This model simplifies budgeting, especially for large orders or recurring business.

Monogramming:

For simpler jobs, pricing may be $1–$3 per 1,000 stitches or $1–$2 per inch for monograms.

Stitch Master’s Competitive Edge:

Stitch Master leverages these models to offer competitive pricing, applying the same attention to detail and customer care whether it’s one item or five hundred. Their flexible strategies ensure clients get value, quality, and transparency.

Pro Tip:

Strategic order consolidation can yield dramatic cost savings—moving from single-piece to 300+ piece orders can reduce per-piece costs by up to 70%.

6.2 Investment Analysis for Long-Term Profitability

Embroidery can be a lucrative venture, but maximizing ROI requires smart investments and process optimization.

Earning Potential:

Commercial embroidery operations can generate over $65 per hour in profits, especially with efficient equipment and workflows. This outpaces many traditional business models and highlights the scalability of embroidery.

Equipment ROI:

Considering embroidery machine cost, investing in commercial-grade equipment and tools like MaggieFrame pays dividends:

• Labor Savings: Cutting hooping time by 90% means more garments produced per hour, directly boosting revenue.
• Material Savings: Consistent tension and fewer misalignments reduce wasted fabric and defective products.
• Durability: MaggieFrame hoops’ longevity (40x that of standard hoops) slashes replacement costs and downtime.

Cost Optimization Strategies:

• Design Optimization: Limiting designs to 8,000 stitches or fewer can cut costs by up to 50% compared to more complex patterns.
• Bulk Ordering: Volume discounts for larger orders dramatically improve margins.
• Quality Workforce: Skilled operators and efficient production processes minimize errors and waste.

Market Outlook:

With the global corporate clothing market projected to reach $92.9 billion by 2032, embroidery remains a growth industry. Strategic investments now position your business for long-term success.

Bottom Line:

Smart pricing, efficient tools, and strategic planning transform embroidery from a craft into a profitable enterprise. With the right approach—and the right partners—you can stitch your way to sustainable growth and creative satisfaction.

Ready to elevate your embroidery business? The next section will guide you through the best resources and tutorials to sharpen your skills and fuel your creative journey.

7. Design Creation Resources and Tutorials

Embroidery design creation is where imagination meets technology—a space where your ideas leap from sketchbook to stitch file, ready to be brought to life by your machine. Whether you’re a beginner eager to digitize your first patch or a seasoned pro chasing advanced effects, today’s resources make mastery more accessible than ever. Let’s explore the best platforms, workflows, and community-driven insights for unlocking your creative control.

7.1 Digitizing Workflows with InkStitch

If you’ve ever wished for a “paintbrush” that could stitch, InkStitch is about as close as it gets. This open-source extension transforms vector art into files, offering free machine embroidery designs through its vibrant tutorial ecosystem.

Step-by-Step Digitizing:

• Import and Prep: Start by importing your artwork into Inkscape. Adjust your document size to match your intended hoop—say, a 4x4 inch frame for a patch. Pro tip: Hold down “Control” while resizing to keep proportions crisp.
• Vector Conversion: Use Inkscape’s path and node tools to trace outlines and shapes. Clean up any stray lines and smooth curves for a professional look. The YouTube tutorial “How to Make an Embroidered Patch Using InkScape/InkStitch + Brother PR620 Embroidery Demo” demonstrates this hands-on, showing how to lock images, lower opacity, and manually adjust nodes for precision.
• Stitch Assignment: With InkStitch’s satin tools, convert your vector lines into satin stitches—perfect for bold borders. For filled areas, assign fill stitches and adjust density as needed.
• Simulation and Preview: One of InkStitch’s standout features is its simulation tool. Before you ever thread a needle, preview your design’s stitch-out, tweak color sequences, and spot potential issues. This “what you see is what you get” approach saves time and reduces costly mistakes.
• File Management: InkStitch supports a wide range of embroidery file formats (like PES, DST), and lets you customize color palettes, create basting stitches, and manage your workflow from start to finish.

Accessibility and Community:

InkStitch is globally accessible, with multilingual support and a thriving online community. Whether you’re troubleshooting a tricky fill or seeking inspiration for your next project, you’ll find answers in forums, Facebook groups, and YouTube demos. This community-driven learning means you’re never stitching alone.

Creative Control:

InkStitch’s flexibility empowers you to:

• Preview stitch direction and density.
• Group color changes for efficient production.
• Simulate designs at different speeds and angles.
• Export files for most commercial embroidery machines.

Beyond the Basics:

Platforms like Hatch Academy and Embroidery Legacy offer hundreds of lessons for those ready to go deeper—covering everything from stitch types to density management and avoiding common pitfalls like jump stitches or excessive stiffness.

In short, InkStitch and its ecosystem put powerful digitizing tools at your fingertips, whether you’re crafting a one-off patch or building a custom embroidery business. Dive in, experiment, and let your creativity lead the way.

7.2 Advanced Techniques: 3D Puff and Textured Effects

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to add dimension and drama to your embroidery. Advanced techniques like 3D puff and textured effects transform flat designs into tactile works of art—think logos that pop off a cap or patches with irresistible texture.

3D Puff Embroidery:

This technique uses a layer of foam beneath the stitches to create raised, sculptural effects. Udemy courses and Hatch Academy tutorials break down the process:

• Digitizing for Puff: Adjust your stitch sequence to cover the foam cleanly, using denser, wider satin stitches.
• Pathing: Plan your stitch order to minimize gaps and ensure the foam stays securely sandwiched.
• Finishing: After stitching, carefully remove excess foam for a crisp, professional look.

Textured Effects (Tufting, Couching):

Textured embroidery goes beyond flat fills. Techniques like tufting and couching add tactile interest:

• Tufting: Involves using longer stitches or specialty threads to create a plush, raised surface.
• Couching: Lays a decorative thread on the fabric surface, then secures it with small stitches, often in contrasting colors or metallics.

Learning Platforms:

• Hatch Academy: Offers step-by-step video guides for both 3D and textured effects, focusing on digitizing strategy, stitch types, and troubleshooting.
• Embroidery Legacy: Provides in-depth lessons on registration, pathing, and fabric-assisted digitizing—essential for mastering advanced textures.

Practical Tips:

• Always test on scrap fabric before running a full project.
• Choose stabilizers that support the extra weight and movement of textured stitches.
• Preview your designs with simulation tools to anticipate thread coverage and density.

Community Support:

Join user groups and forums to share results, ask questions, and discover creative solutions to common challenges. Peer-to-peer learning can accelerate your journey from “curious” to “confident.”

The Takeaway:

Advanced embroidery techniques aren’t just for the pros. With today’s resources, anyone can experiment with 3D puff, tufting, and other effects—adding signature flair to custom projects and standing out in a crowded market.

8. Conclusion: Elevating Your Embroidery Journey

Custom embroidery is more than decoration—it’s a fusion of artistry, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit. Whether you’re choosing a service provider, diving into DIY digitizing, or optimizing your workflow for business growth, the right resources and tools make all the difference. By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations like InkStitch and advanced hooping solutions, you unlock new levels of efficiency, quality, and creative control. Here’s to every stitch—past, present, and future—telling your unique story.

9. FAQ: Custom Embroidery Essentials

9.1 Q: What is stitch density, and why does it matter?

A: Stitch density refers to how closely stitches are placed together in an embroidery design. Too much density can cause thread breaks or fabric puckering, while too little can make designs look sparse or unfinished. Adjust density based on fabric type and design complexity for the best results.

9.2 Q: Which file formats are commonly used for machine embroidery?

A: The most common file formats include DST, PES, EXP, and JEF. Your choice depends on your embroidery machine’s brand and model. Always check your machine’s manual or software requirements before exporting your design.

9.3 Q: How can I troubleshoot skipped stitches in my embroidery?

A: Skipped stitches can result from dull needles, incorrect threading, improper tension, or unsuitable stabilizer choice. Start by replacing the needle, rethreading the machine, and ensuring the stabilizer matches your fabric. Running a test stitch can help identify and resolve the issue before full production.

Ready to take your embroidery to the next level? Explore tutorials, join community forums, and don’t be afraid to experiment—your next masterpiece is just a stitch away.