FAQs

What is monogramming?

Monogramming is simply using the first letters of your full name.  They can be done in different fonts, in different display orders.  We have many, many fonts that we can use in monogramming or use specific “monogram” fonts.  Borders and designs can also be added for dramatic or subtle effects.

Do we do small or large orders?

We are now only accepting group orders. No small personal orders.

What types of Embroidery applications can we do for you?

Regular Embroidery – This is where it’s all thread stitching for a design, logo, name or monogram.

 

Do we do screenprinting?

No.

 

How do we price our embroidery?

There are many factors to pricing. Please ask.

Our philosophy is to produce great quality work above all else and make it as affordable as possible.  We pay attention to details!  We do ALL aspects of the embroidery process from digitizing and set up to sewing and completion!  We have five commercial machines so larger quantity orders give better group pricing since we can run several at a time.  We will not cut back on stitches to save money … we only offer quality work.  It’s an absolute MUST for us.  It’s what we believe and our clients love and why they return to us!

What’s the best way to reach us?

The best way to reach us for the quickest response is by cell/text to 678.472.2661.    Email is also a great way for a quick response to  susan@thebackstitch.com.  We always answer our emails so if you don’t get a quick response we didn’t get it.  Occasionally an email gets sent to junk mail.  We try to catch them but may miss one so if you don’t hear from us let us know!  Our shop phone is 314.698.4614.

Where is our shop?

We are located at 1029 Woodgate Drive in Kirkwood (St. Louis) Missouri off Manchester Road near I-270.   The entrance to our shop is in the back of the house … double doors under a black awning with a sign.  Welcome to pull down the driveway to park. Please see Shop Hours on our HOME page.

What’s our mailing address?

If you need to mail us anything our address is …

The Back Stitch

1029 Woodgate Drive

Kirkwood, MO 63122

The best way to reach us is via text at 678-472-2661.  You can email orders and design info to Susan@thebackstitch.com.

What are our hours?

We set up orders for the week on Mondays, then “sew” Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with Friday for pick-ups and “catch up”.  Therefore, we prefer these hours for shop hours if possible so we can work on your orders:

  • Weekdays 1-4
  • Weekends – Closed
  • Please call or text for an appointment: 678-472-2661.

Due to COVID changing the way of the world, we still welcome drop-off and pick-up without any contact.
PLEASE LABEL SO WE KNOW THE ORDER IS YOURS. We ask that you label your items with your name & phone number placed in a bag or box.
Drop off is in our shop area in the back of the house.
Once the items have been dropped off, please send a text to 678-472-2661.

 

What’s our turnaround time?

Turn-around time does depend on the time of year but expect 10-20 BUSINESS days. End-of-year holiday time fills up fast and we now suggest orders for holiday in by Halloween.

We ask that you set up an appointment so we are able to review your item, select thread colors as well as the fonts. (The best way to make this happen is via: cell 678-472-2661 or email Susan@thebackstitch.com). We do have preferred shop appointment hours.

Have your own items? 

That’s okay … we can do them too!  Expensive name-brand items have an upcharge.

We also have items available. Please ask.

On this note, we do want to mention that even though it is rare,  as we do keep our machines in top shape, occasionally a machine will decide to “eat” an item as it is a machine and we are only human but nine times out of ten if this should occur we can fix it.  

  

What forms of payment do we accept?

We accept all major forms of payment … cash, check, credit card, Venmo (@the backstitch) and Zelle. We use Square for credit card payments that include Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.  We also have the new contactless/chip reader.  If you don’t have a preference, we prefer cash or check. Credit card payments are accepted and will include a service charge of 5%.  What form of info is needed for Square payments?  Name, credit card #, expiration date, security code and billing zip code for verification.

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Are you a Tax Exempt Group?

We can accommodate tax-exempt groups/clubs.  Not a problem.  You just need to provide us with your group’s tax-exempt letter/form showing your number for our files and is only needed once.

What kind of groups can we do items for?

You name it!  We can do it!  We’ve done items for businesses, schools (spirit wear), sports teams, clubs, churches, wedding parties, and musicals.  We have many wholesale catalogs available to find the items your group needs.  We do ALL aspects of the embroidery process here in-house from digitizing and set up to sewing and completion!

Orders for Christmas?

Ordering for Christmas?  That’s our busiest time of the year!  We HIGHLY recommend getting your order in as soon as possible.  By Halloween is the best.  We don’t promise what we cannot deliver.

HOLIDAY ORDERS – From October 1 to December 31, we will NOT accept new clients (except theatre shows that we always accept) so that we can take care of our existing loyal clients to get their company/group orders done. We hope you understand that they come first, especially this time of year.

What is Digitizing? 

Digitizing for embroidery is the process of taking your artwork (jpg or pdf file) and turning it into stitches for sewing.  The clearer the artwork the better for digitizing to get the best use of that image and its details.

It is a process with specialized software to create your logo so there is a fee to set it up, but once your special logo is set up, we have it for future use.

How do we begin this process?  By sending a file to us via email at Susan@thebackstitch.com.  It’s that simple.  We take it from there and do it all in-house for you.  Now … since digitizing is an art and does take a little time, we ask for some lead time to get this done effectively for you. We do need your artwork exactly as you would like it sewn.

 

What are the costs for digitizing?

This cost is a one-time fee to turn your logo/artwork to stitches.  The more detailed the artwork, the longer to set up … the more the cost. Please ask us for pricing.

What threads do we use?

We use the best!  Madeira Polyneon threads we feel are the best as are they are very resilient and fade-resistant.  We have every color available on Madeira’s Polyneon chart including Fluorescent and Space-Dyed (multi-color spools of thread).

What is Backing or Stabilizers?

We use several types and thicknesses of backing.  The reason for having a variety available is there are so many items out there with different thicknesses and makes.  A “cutaway” backing is generally used on the back of garments that will be washed frequently to help designs hold their shape.  A “tearaway” backing is used many times on thick bags, blankets and on caps.  Mesh backings are used on thinner more translucent garments so they have stabilization and are not seen from the front through the garment.

What is a Topping?

We use “Topping” on thick, plush items such as towels and blankets … anything with plush thickness or texture … even pique polos.  A “topping” is a MUST to keep stitches standing out on top of the item and not pulled into and lost in the thickness.  It’s applied before sewing and excess removed after sewing.  You won’t ever see it but it is what makes your design stand out and look great!

Can we do stitch removal?

Stitch removal can be done in some instances but always depends on a few factors such as garment type, embroidery type, how long stitches have been there and was a backing or topping used before for instance.  Once threads are removed it makes that garment area weaker and will show where stitches had been.  The new design must be larger to cover the area but won’t always cover all.  An appliqué can many times be used to cover old with new. Price depends on the time taken to remove stitches. We are not responsible for damage done (if any) in removal process.