30 Years of Embroidery: How the Industry Has Changed Since TEX-INC Began
This year marks 30 years of TEX-INC—and three decades is a long time in the embroidery industry. Since 1996, embroidery has evolved from a slow, manual, technician-driven trade into a fast-moving, technology-powered industry that blends creativity, automation, and precision.
Looking back over the last 30 years isn’t just nostalgic—it shows how far embroidery has come and why experience still matters.
Here’s how the embroidery industry has changed from then to now.
The 1990s: The Technician Era
When TEX-INC started, embroidery was far more hands-on and mechanical than it is today.
Back then:
• Machines were slower and louder
• Designs were digitized almost entirely by hand
• Memory was limited
• Color changes were manual
• Training came from experience, not videos
If you wanted to succeed, you needed strong mechanical skills. Troubleshooting meant understanding tension, timing, hooks, and thread paths—not software menus.
Mistakes were expensive, learning curves were steep, and experience was everything.
Digitizing: From Art to Science
In the early days, digitizing was an art form learned through trial and error. Software was basic, processing power was limited, and every stitch decision mattered.
Over time:
• Digitizing software became more advanced
• Auto-features improved (but still require knowledge)
• Design efficiency became a priority
• Machine-specific digitizing became common
Today, digitizing is faster—but good digitizing still depends on understanding fabric, stitch behavior, and machine movement. The tools changed, but fundamentals didn’t.
Machines Got Faster — Expectations Got Higher
Modern embroidery machines are faster, smarter, and more consistent than ever before.
Major changes include:
• Higher stitch speeds
• Better thread break detection
• Improved user interfaces
• Digital controls and diagnostics
• Networked and USB-based design loading
But faster machines also mean less room for error. Poor setup, bad hooping, or incorrect digitizing shows up immediately at high speeds.
Technology didn’t eliminate skill—it raised the bar.
Hooping and Placement Became a Science
Thirty years ago, placement relied heavily on eyeballing and experience. Today, accuracy and consistency are expected.
Industry shifts include:
• Increased demand for repeatable placement
• Growth of specialty garments and hats
• Higher customer branding standards
• More focus on efficiency and speed
Hooping systems, placement guides, and workflow improvements became critical—especially for production environments.
Materials Evolved Dramatically
Thread, backing, needles, and fabrics have all changed significantly.
Then:
• Fewer thread choices
• Heavier, less forgiving fabrics
• Limited backing options
Now:
• High-performance polyester threads
• Lightweight and stretch fabrics
• Specialty backings for every application
• Technical garments and performance wear
These advancements expanded what embroidery can do—but also increased the need for knowledge and proper setup.
Education Moved Online — Experience Still Matters
One of the biggest shifts in the last 30 years is access to information.
Today:
• Tutorials are everywhere
• Forums and social media share tips instantly
• Training is more accessible than ever
But experience still separates good results from great ones. Knowing why something works matters more than copying settings.
That’s where real-world knowledge built over decades still makes a difference.
From Decoration to Branding
Embroidery has shifted from simple decoration to brand identity.
Customers now expect:
• Consistent logo placement
• Clean, professional stitching
• Premium finishes like 3D puff
• Uniform branding across products
Embroidery shops are no longer just stitchers—they’re branding partners.
What Hasn’t Changed in 30 Years
Despite all the advancements, some things remain constant:
• Proper setup matters
• Hooping is critical
• Digitizing makes or breaks results
• Fundamentals always win
• Experience saves time and money
Technology supports embroidery—but knowledge drives it.
30 Years Strong — And Still Moving Forward
At TEX-INC, we’ve seen the industry grow, change, and innovate over three decades. From mechanical machines to digital workflows, from manual digitizing to modern software, the embroidery industry continues to evolve.
But one thing hasn’t changed: quality comes from understanding the process.
As we celebrate 30 years, we’re proud to continue supporting embroiderers with education, innovation, and tools designed to make embroidery better, faster, and more consistent—without losing the fundamentals that built this industry.
Here’s to the next chapter.