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Powering The Stitch | Let's Talk Shop with Britta From ZSK Embroidery

Powering The Stitch | Let's Talk Shop with Britta From ZSK Embroidery  | Screenprinting.com

Josh Valencia |

In the ever-evolving world of garment decoration, staying ahead of the curve is key. If you’ve been wondering whether to expand your screen printing shop into embroidery, we’ve got some exciting news for you! We recently sat down with Britta Sanders from ZSK Embroidery on the "Let's Talk Shop" podcast, and it opened our eyes to how this ancient art form is moving into the future—and how it could benefit your business.

VIDEO

AUDIO ONLY

A LEGACY OF INNOVATION

ZSK has been around for over 150 years, originally starting with weaving machines. Today, they’re one of the leaders in industrial embroidery machines. What’s cool about ZSK is that while the basic embroidery technology—needle, thread, fabric—has stayed the same, they’re always pushing the boundaries. Think about embroidery beyond simple logos or patches. ZSK machines are used for everything from classic apparel embroidery to smart textiles that can charge your phone or monitor your heartbeat!

Yes, you read that right. Embroidery is no longer just for decorating—it’s for innovating. And for screen printers, that opens up a world of possibilities to add depth (literally) to your product line.

RELATED: HOW TO CREATE STUNNING 3D PUFF EMBROIDERY

EMBROIDERY IS EVERYWHERE

You might be familiar with embroidery from the traditional styles—patches on jackets, logos on hats—but Britta revealed that it’s now being used in ways we never imagined. Whether it’s embroidery circuits for wearable tech or 3D textures that add layers to a garment, the applications are endless. And here’s the kicker: despite all these new materials and tech, the basic structure of embroidery machines remains the same. All it takes is some creative thinking (and the right machine!) to get started.

WHY SCREEN PRINTERS SHOULD CARE ABOUT EMBROIDERY

As a screen printer, you’ve probably wondered if embroidery is worth adding to your lineup. Here’s why it’s a smart move: embroidery and screen printing complement each other perfectly. By combining both, you can create some seriously cool, unique designs that make your products stand out from the competition.

Picture this: a clean screen-printed design with embroidered highlights or textures, adding dimension and giving the product a premium feel. You don’t need to choose between one or the other. Instead, think of how mixing media can amplify your designs. Your customers will love it, and it opens up new business opportunities, from fashion brands to high-end corporate apparel.

EMBROIDERY ISN’T JUST ABOUT PATCHES ANYMORE

During the podcast, Britta also shared some jaw-dropping examples of what ZSK’s machines are capable of. Here are just a few:

  • Car mats and car seats that feature embroidered details (including heating elements!)
  • Conductive threads in clothing that allow smart textiles to charge devices or measure vitals.
  • Sailboat sails (yes, entire sails) embroidered with intricate designs and patterns.
  • Even circuit boards embroidered with specialized threads!

This proves that embroidery is far from just decorating hats—it’s an adaptable, creative powerhouse that’s being used in industries from fashion to automotive to healthcare.

RELATED: ZSK EMBROIDREY MACHINES

SMARTER MACHINES FOR THE FUTURE

One thing that stood out from the podcast was ZSK’s commitment to making their machines smarter and more efficient. Britta explained how ZSK has embraced Industry 4.0, creating machines that not only run smoother but also minimize downtime with digital tools. From software that tracks production efficiency to machines that can be upgraded with new features, ZSK is all about giving users flexibility.

This means you can start with a basic embroidery setup, and as your business grows, so can your machine’s capabilities. You don’t need a whole new machine every time—just retrofit and upgrade as needed. It’s a major win for businesses looking to maximize their investment.

BRINGING ZSK AND RYONET TOGETHER

We’re thrilled to announce that Ryonet is teaming up with ZSK to bring these amazing machines to the screen printing community. Our goal is to help you expand your shop's offerings and explore the endless possibilities embroidery brings. By combining our passion for screen printing with ZSK’s innovative embroidery technology, we’re giving you the tools to do more with your designs and grow your business.

RELATED: HOW EMBROIDERY CAN TAKE YOUR SCREEN PRINTING BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Whether you’re looking to enhance your current products with embroidery, or dive into the world of smart textiles, ZSK’s machines are flexible, reliable, and built to last. Plus, with Ryonet’s commitment to supporting and training you, you'll have everything you need to succeed.

WHY YOU SHOULD DIVE INTO EMBROIDERY

Adding embroidery to your screen printing services is a smart way to expand your offerings and attract more customers. Embroidery and screen printing complement each other, allowing you to create unique, textured designs that stand out. Combining printed graphics with embroidered details adds a premium look and feel to your products. By offering both techniques, your shop becomes a one-stop destination for custom garment decoration. This expansion opens up new opportunities and adds significant value to your business.

Ready to expand your shop and see what embroidery can do for you? Check out our new embroidery machines and get started today!