Why Stitchop Prefers Gunold Puff Foam for 3D Embroidery
A raised logo gets noticed. On a custom hat, the depth of 3D puff embroidery can turn bold lettering or a simple emblem into the centrepiece of the design. The material underneath those stitches plays an important role in the result.
At Stitchop in Calgary, Gunold puff foam is our preferred choice for 3D embroidery. We value its focus on embroidery, its range of material options and the practical guidance behind it. Here is why that matters when you order custom embroidered hats.
1. Foam designed for embroidery
Puff foam sits beneath the thread and gives a design its raised shape. Gunold’s PUFFY range is made for this purpose: satin stitches cover the foam while the needle perforates the excess around the design.
That embroidery-specific approach is a strong reason for our preference. When choosing materials for a customer’s logo, we want the foam and stitching to work together. Gunold provides guidance on coverage, stitch type and design preparation, giving the material a clear role in the embroidery process.
2. Options for different raised finishes
The look of puff embroidery depends partly on the foam’s thickness and density. Gunold describes its Classic foam as producing a more rounded appearance and its Dense line as creating a sharper, taller look. These are options within Gunold’s range, rather than a comparison with every competing brand.
For us, having those choices makes Gunold an appealing starting point. A rounded script and a bold block letter can call for different treatments. The goal is to choose a finish that suits the artwork and the hat, with enough dimension to stand out and enough clarity to read well.
3. Attention to colour and clean edges
The thread should be the focus of a finished logo. Gunold recommends matching the foam colour closely to the thread wherever possible, which helps any small exposed areas blend in.
Its finishing guidance also explains how to remove the excess foam along the needle perforations and deal with small remnants around lettering. These details matter to the appearance of a finished hat, especially when a customer looks closely at the edges of a raised design. A good material choice and careful finishing belong together.
4. Clear guidance for a specialised technique
Gunold explains that artwork needs to be digitized specifically for puff embroidery. That means creating the machine’s stitch instructions around the foam, including its thickness, rather than simply adding foam beneath an ordinary embroidery file.
We appreciate that practical support. Our preference is about the whole process: an embroidery-focused material, useful options and information that helps guide the work. Other professional foam brands may also produce excellent results; Gunold is the choice we prefer for our approach.
Is 3D puff right for your logo?
Raised embroidery is especially worth considering for bold lettering and simple shapes with room for the stitches to cover the foam. Small text and intricate details may suit flat embroidery better. A design can also combine raised elements with flatter details where appropriate.
Before choosing a finish, think about which part of your logo should stand out. Your main initials might benefit from dimension while a small tagline needs a simpler treatment. Our guide to 3D puff versus flat embroidery explains the differences.
Frequently asked questions
Does the foam brand alone guarantee a great result?
No. Foam is one part of the job. Artwork, digitizing, the hat itself, stitching and finishing all contribute to the finished embroidery.
Should every logo use the thickest foam available?
The right choice depends on the design and the desired effect. Extra height is only useful when the lettering remains clear and the thread can cover the foam properly.
Plan your custom embroidered hats with Stitchop
If you are ordering hats for a Calgary business, team or personal project, send us your logo, preferred hat style and quantity. We can discuss whether flat embroidery, 3D puff or a combination suits your design.
Start your custom embroidery enquiry, or explore our embroidery work for inspiration.
Material references: Gunold PUFFY product and stitching guidance; Gunold’s foam thickness, density and digitizing guidance; Gunold Canada’s colour-matching and finishing tips.