You see embroidery everywhere. On team shirts, work uniforms, tote bags, and hats, among many others.
But have you ever wondered how it’s actually done, or what makes one company that does it better than the next?
Embroidery does more than just decorate fabric. It helps businesses look sharp, teams feel connected, and brands stay memorable. But getting it right takes more than a machine and some thread. It takes skill, care, and the kind of service that treats your order like it matters, because it does.
In this article, we’ll break down what embroidery really is, how it started, and what makes Oak and Twine different from the rest. If you're looking for embroidery that lasts and service you can count on, you're in the right place.
What is Embroidery?
Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric using a needle and thread. It has become a way to add logos, names, patterns, or images to shirts, hats, tote bags, jackets, and more.
Some embroidery is done by hand, stitch by stitch. Others, like what we do at Oak and Twine, are created using industrial embroidery machines that follow digital designs for clean, consistent results.
Embroidery can be both practical and creative. Businesses use it to add branding to uniforms and merchandise. Artists use it to make fabric pieces that tell stories or express emotion. Some people even frame embroidery like art or pass it down as gifts. It’s also used for team apparel, custom gifts, staff gear, and more.
Unlike printed designs that may fade or peel, embroidery is stitched directly into the fabric. This makes it last longer and look more polished, giving a clean finish that holds up through wear and washing.
There are two main types of embroidery: hand embroidery and machine embroidery. Hand embroidery is done with a needle and thread by hand, often for art pieces or personal projects. Machine embroidery, which we use at Oak and Twine, uses advanced equipment to sew designs quickly and with consistent quality. Your artwork is first turned into a digital file, which tells the machine exactly how to stitch the design.
Some of the earliest records of embroidery come from ancient Egypt, where people used it to decorate clothes, tents, and furniture. In ancient Greece, embroidered garments were worn in daily life and even in battle, with quilted clothing used as armor.
Across cultures, embroidery was tied to status, religion, and storytelling.
However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that industrial embroidery started becoming more mainstream. What was once done by hand with needle and thread grew into something bigger.
We keep that spirit alive with tools that bridge the past and the present. One of our favorite pieces sits right in our conference room: the very embroidery machine we used during our The Scout Guide shoot.
For us, embroidery is part of a bigger dream. It’s how we help others build something lasting, through quality, craft, and a commitment to leaving a mark that matters.
We know you have options when it comes to embroidery. But not every shop treats your order with the same care.
At Oak and Twine (a locally owned team based in Chattanooga), we take pride in doing things the right way.
You won’t be passed off to a customer service line. When you reach out to us, you may talk directly with Robbie or Jessie, people who actually understand your project and care about how it turns out.
For local clients, we welcome in-person meetings at our showroom, where you can view real samples and talk through your ideas with us. Being part of your order from start to finish is our goal, and we aim to always leave you happier than when you came in.
Our process is hands-on because your brand matters. We keep order minimums low, offer up to 15 thread colors, and make sure your artwork is digitized properly so it comes out clean and professional on fabric.
We don’t rush things or take shortcuts. We just do the job well.
When someone sees your logo stitched onto a jacket or shirt, it says something. It tells them who you are, what you represent, and how seriously you take your image. That’s why we put so much thought into every project.
At Oak and Twine, we work with all kinds of businesses, such as:
Medical facilities/groups
Marketing groups
Local shops
Schools
Event organizers
No matter the industry, our goal stays the same: help your brand look sharp, feel unified, and stand out in all the right ways.
Your apparel isn’t just clothing. It’s a reflection of your brand. We help make sure it sends the right message.
We keep things simple so you can focus on what matters. Our quote process is quick and clear. You’ll get straightforward pricing based on how many pieces you need and how detailed your design is.
There’s a one-time $30 fee to digitize your artwork, which helps make sure every stitch lands exactly where it should.
You’ll also get a clear timeline so you know when your order will be ready. If you have questions, you can reach out at any time, by phone, by message, or in person.
If you're in Chattanooga, stop by our shop. You can touch and feel different materials, compare thread colors, and talk with someone who’s ready to walk through every detail.
Embroidery lasts a long time, only if it’s done well. When it's rushed or poorly handled, you end up with thread that unravels, colors that don’t match, or designs that just feel off.
That’s not how we do things.
At Oak and Twine, we stay focused on quality. We take time to get the details right, we respond quickly, and we always deliver the same level of care no matter the size of your order.
When you choose the right team, you get more than good embroidery. You get support, trust, and results that last.
If you're looking for embroidery that looks sharp, feels professional, and actually lasts, we’re here to help. At Oak and Twine, we make the process simple, the service personal, and the results worth every stitch.
Contact us today to speak with someone from our team, or stop by our Chattanooga shop to see samples in person. You can also request a quote online, and we’ll get back to you fast with clear pricing and next steps.
Let’s bring your brand to life, one stitch at a time.
