Interthread Embroidery Makes Pieces Pop

Terri Ehrman places a piece of fabric in the hoop of the embroidery machine at her business, Interthread Embroidery.

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

Experts in the art of embroidery, Interthread Embroidery can take any name, logo or vision and turn it into a wearable piece that stands out.
The Huntington business started with humble beginnings over 23 years ago, out of the basement of owner Maryann DeSimone. Each year, Interthread has grown and gained more customers allowing DeSimone to setup a full studio that serves any embroidery or screen printing needs.

“It’s just been growing every year,” DeSimone said. “Last year, I grew over 20 percent. It’s a great business and I’ve loved doing it all these years.”

DeSimone worked as a salesperson for embroidery equipment for three years, giving her an opportunity to learn the industry inside and out. Ready to start a  business of her own, she leased a machine, taking orders from local organizations and schools.

DeSimone’s husband designed the logo, representing her family with five points of a star. Beginning at a time when the internet was just developing, Interthread represents the advancement of technology.

“I know for me when I started my business it was a big thing to choose the name and logo that matches up to my vision,” DeSimone said. “This is important to people. When they choose to embroider and wear this, it’s a representation of who they are and the business they’ve built.”

Interthread caters to a variety of industries from non-profits to local businesses. As long as an item can be “hooped,” meaning it fits in a clamp that holds it in the machine, it can be embroidered, so the possibilities are endless. Those looking to place an order are invited to stop by the studio to get a glimpse of Interthread’s operations. A rendering of the finished product will be created to ensure it meets the customer’s wishes.

“I feel when someone comes here, we can walk them through the process and show them the embroidery machine,” DeSimone said. “Many are amazed by the technology. We can show them exactly how a name will look in a particular font.”

If a business has a distinct logo, it can be immortalized through digitization. DeSimone works with a digitizing company that converts the logo into a code the machinery will understand.

“The digitizing is very important,” DeSimone said. “It will start as a blank canvas, then the machine knows to sew the red down first, then green on top and so on. It looks like a blob of colors, but then details emerge and black is usually last to outline them.”

To help customers reduce costs, Interthread offers an assortment of pre-digitized designs.

“People think embroidery is really expensive, but it doesn’t have to be,” DeSimone said. “We have 30-40 fonts and access to thousands of stock designs. So if someone wants a rainbow and name, we can find that and it doesn’t have to get sent for digitizing.”

Interthread does not set a minimum order size, taking on one piece or bulk orders. DeSimone does not believe in saying no. If her business has the ability to get it done, she gets it done.

To broaden services, Interthread brought in a heat-press machine that will silk screen and make large prints. A particular design can be converted into a screen or assembled with stock images.

“The prints I would say are used for larger space, like a full front or back of a t-shirt,” DeSimone said. “To do embroidery on a t-shirt that size would be expensive, since it’s based on stitch, and just heavy to wear. If there’s a lot of colors or big quantity, it’s a better option.”

DeSimone has rolled out a baby line that has been cherished by customers. Everything from baby blankets to stuffed animals can bear the initials and date of birth of a child.

DeSimone has expanded to monogramming jackets and bags.

“I’ve had customers from years ago, that have bought stuff for their child and say, ‘The only thing I put away from when Joey was a baby is the bathrobe from you.’ I love this, because when he grows up and pulls it out one day, he will know it was his,” DeSimone said.

Interthread Embroidery
Call for appointment
631-549-1934
interthread.com