30 Years of Embroidery: Then & Now | TEX INC

By Sal Lucchese

The Milestone

30 Years of Embroidery.
That’s not just time — that’s experience.

TEX-INC was founded in 1996, and in those 30 years, we’ve watched the embroidery industry evolve from mechanical, hands-on machines to today’s high-speed, technology-driven production.

The tools changed.
The fundamentals didn’t.

This week, we’re looking back at how embroidery has evolved — and what still matters most.

🧵⚙️
#TEXINC #30YearsStrong #EmbroideryIndustry #Since1996


Then vs Now: Machines

Then:
• Slower machines
• Manual color changes
• Limited memory
• Mechanical troubleshooting

Now:
• Faster stitch speeds
• Digital controls
• Smart diagnostics
• Advanced interfaces

Machines got smarter — but setup, hooping, and digitizing still make or break results.

Technology didn’t replace skill.
It raised the bar.

#EmbroideryMachines #EmbroideryThenAndNow #TEXINC


Digitizing Evolution

Thirty years ago, digitizing was pure skill and experience.

Limited software.
Limited processing power.
Every stitch mattered.

Today’s software is powerful — but great digitizing still depends on understanding:
• Fabric behavior
• Stitch direction
• Density control
• Machine movement

The software evolved.
The fundamentals stayed the same.

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#EmbroideryDigitizing #EmbroideryEducation #TEXINC


 Hooping & Placement

Back in the day, placement relied heavily on experience and eyeballing.

Today, customers expect:
• Consistency
• Accuracy
• Repeatable results
• Professional presentation

Hooping and placement have become a science — not a guess.

And that’s why workflow and setup matter more than ever.

#HoopingMatters #EmbroideryPlacement #EmbroideryTips #allin1hooperpro


Materials Changed Everything

Threads, backing, needles, and fabrics have come a long way.

Then:
• Fewer thread choices
• Limited stabilizers
• Heavier garments

Now:
• High-performance threads
• Specialty backings
• Technical and stretch fabrics

More options = better results — if you know how to use them.

Knowledge is still the difference.

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#EmbroiderySupplies #ThreadTalk #TEXINC


What Hasn’t Changed (The Close)

After 30 years in embroidery, here’s what hasn’t changed:

• Proper setup matters
• Hooping is critical
• Digitizing matters
• Fundamentals always win
• Experience saves time and money

At TEX-INC, we’re proud of where the industry has gone — and even prouder to still be part of where it’s going.

Here’s to the next chapter.