Making the edges of Patches or Emblems.

Earl Smith

Ive been embroidering for a number of years now and when I make patches I have always stitched a satin stich around the edge.
Now I have an order for a large number of fireproof patches for a multination industrial firm. They need to be done properly, ie; with a Merrowed edge.
Is Merrow the only firm that makes machines for patches or are there other brands?
Ive looked at overlockers but not been able to see if they will do the job or not.
Can anybody give me some insight please.

Thanks
Earl

minimalist

If I remember correctly some have converted Juki overlock machines to sew a merrow stitch. I'd be more likely to just get the merrow since they kinda wrote the book on doing that process. Are the merrow machines expensive there? Maybe contract out the edges to someone who has one?

pd87

I know that their are some companies from china building a machine like this. But I don't know the quality of this machine.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqJPzP3xWPk

But it costs around 2500 USD I think. Better you go with a used Merrow, you can't go wrong with a quality machine like this and they don't loose too much value if you decide to sell it a year later.

Earl Smith

Hi and thanks for the answers.
pd87, Ive sent a PM.
Minimalist. The Merrow costs about double what it costs in the States. About $4,500+. A Juki costs around $2,000 but if its not the right machine there is no point in buying it.
Maybe I should think about buying the Merrow and let it be known that I can offer this service to other embroidery houses.

Earl.

embthreads

I have a friend that bought a merrow machine and found that there was quite a big learning curve to get the edge just right. Btw, Merrow makes many models for different uses. The machine for patches is the MG-3U. They are very hard to find a used one and go for about $2000 used.

minimalist

Earl,

Here's a youtube video of a Juki MO-2516N doing a merrow style stitch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2nehErUlBM

Atlas Levy: http://www.atlaslevy.com/Home-Sewing-Machines_c_4.html

I've never done business with them but maybe you could contact them about using a Juki instead of the merrow?

embthreads listed the style of merrow that does the patches but there are different configurations on the MG-3U as they can be configured slightly different.

http://www.merrow.com/a.php?app=5512

They have 5 different configurations with the last being a flat edge MG-2U.

Also, here is a link to merrow refurbished machines:

http://www.merrow.com/Sergers_and_Ov...g_Machines/m3u

minimalist

Earl,

I checked out the link for the chinese made machine. It's made in Taiwan which usually means much better quality. If the price is right maybe give it a try.

I called merrow and they don't have any refurbished machines. They quoted me around $3100 for a new machine.

Robert Young

I can agree with this! unless you have a SKILLED person waiting in the wings.. I would opt to sub this part out to someone who does.. The learning curve is up there, AND the amount of patches they have to do per hour... they get carpel tunnel , etc.

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www.volant-tech.com
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Earl Smith

Hi
Thanks for your suggestions etc. I finally just got the offer price for the Merrow in Germany, $5,700. A new one in the states is "only" $3,500 max. Thats taking the p***.
The Taiwan machine is $2,200 so it looks like thats the one for me.

Robert Young

Mr Smith. Per your own advice on another thread:

"Number one advice. Make sure whichever machine you buy has 100% support and that its nearbye. If you ever have problems it must be instantly sorted out and not just on the telephone."

Please let us know how this works out for you. Thanks!

__________________
Modern Embroidery Designer
www.volant-tech.com
www.volantfineart.com