Every Piece of gear tells a story, and embroidery is a simple way to make it unmistakably yours. Whether it’s adding your name to a jacket , labeling gloves, marking fencing pants, or personalizing other fabric gear, each stitch is done by hand with durability and function in mind. My embroidery work is focused on helping fighters identify their gear while adding a personal touch.
As a fellow member of our wonderful community, I love helping fencers bring their ideas to life-whether it’s your club’s logo, a tournament ready persona, or a completely original design. Every project is custom designed, hand stitched, and created through a collaborative process so the finished piece feels uniquely yours.
Whether you already have a clear vision or just a rough idea, I’d love to help create something you’ll be excited to wear every time you step to your opponent.
From Idea to Final Project You’ll be Involved Every Step of the Way
1. Share Your Vision
Every project begins with a conversation.
Whether you have a complete design in mind or just a theme, color palette, symbol, or inspiration, we’ll start by talking through what you want your gear to represent
Together we will explore ideas and find a direction that fits your style, your fencing style, and your budget
2. Design and Collaboration
Once we have a direction, I’ll create a digital concept for your design using Krita
This is where the idea starts to become real. We’ll adjust the design together, refining colors, design options, and details until we have a version you’re excited to see brought to life.
Nothing is applied until the design feels right. After approval the gear is shipped to me and a 50% deposit is collected.
3. Pattern Preparation
After the design is approved, it is printed onto water-soluble embroidery transfer paper and carefully positioned on your gear to ensure accurate placement before stitching.
4. Hand Embroidery
Each Design is stitched entirely by hand using embroidery thread. unlike standard embroidery on everyday fabrics, HEMA gear is made from thick, puncture-resistant Materials that are specifically designed to withstand intense use.
Working with these fabrics requires specialized techniques and additional time to produce clean , durable stitching.
6. Final Reveal & Return
Once the embroidery is complete, the transfer paper is washed away, leaving only the finished stitching behind.
The piece is then inspected, cleaned and prepared for return.
Once Payment is complete, your finished gear can be picked up locally, or shipped back to you.
1. Share Your Vision
Every project begins with a conversation.
Whether you have a complete design in mind or just a theme, color palette, symbol, or inspiration, we’ll start by talking through what you want your gear to represent
Together we will explore ideas and find a direction that fits your style, your fencing style, and your budget
2. Design and Collaboration
Once we have a direction, I’ll create a digital concept for your design using Krita
This is where the idea starts to become real. We’ll adjust the design together, refining colors, design options, and details until we have a version you’re excited to see brought to life.
Nothing is applied until the design feels right. After approval the gear is shipped to me and a 50% deposit is collected.
3. Pattern Preparation
After the design is approved, it is printed onto water-soluble embroidery transfer paper and carefully positioned on your gear to ensure accurate placement before stitching.
4. Hand Embroidery
Each Design is stitched entirely by hand using embroidery thread. unlike standard embroidery on everyday fabrics, HEMA gear is made from thick, puncture-resistant Materials that are specifically designed to withstand intense use.
Working with these fabrics requires specialized techniques and additional time to produce clean , durable stitching.
6. Final Reveal & Return
Once the embroidery is complete, the transfer paper is washed away, leaving only the finished stitching behind.
The piece is then inspected, cleaned and prepared for return.
Once Payment is complete, your finished gear can be picked up locally, or shipped back to you.
Pricing & Custom Options
Every Embroidery is different and every design tells a different story. Because each project is created from scratch, pricing is based on the time, detail, and complexity required to bring your idea to life
The ranges below are meant to give you an idea of what to expect, but every project recieves a custom quote. If you have a design in mind or a specific budget, reach out and we can work together to find the design the fits your needs.
Custom Painted Masks Start at $75
The minimum covers the time and materials required to create a custom design, prepare the mask, create stencils, paint and complete final detailing. From there, pricing increases based on the complexity and amount of work required for each design.
Typical Project Ranges
Simple Designs
Starting at $30
Perfect for designs that make an impact without extensive layering.
Examples: – Labeling gear with basic name ($30 for a pair of gloves) – Stylized Initials – Small Icons – Single Color Designs – Minimal detail designs
These designs usually require less design time and less thread while still receiving the same care and attention as every piece
Custom Designs
Typically $75-150
Examples: – Custom Symbols – Club Logos – Animals, Crests or Themed Artwork – More Detailed Composition – Multi-element Designs
This is where your idea becomes a truly personalized piece of HEMA gear.
Advanced Designs
Typically $200+
Examples: – Intricate Design – Fine Detail Work – Multiple Stencil Applications
These projects become a true showcase piece while still being built for use at practice, events and more.
Simple Designs
Starting at $30
Perfect for designs that make an impact without extensive layering.
Examples: – Labeling gear with basic name ($30 for a pair of gloves) – Stylized Initials – Small Icons – Single Color Designs – Minimal detail designs
These designs usually require less design time and less thread while still receiving the same care and attention as every piece
Custom Designs
Typically $75-150
Examples: – Custom Symbols – Club Logos – Animals, Crests or Themed Artwork – More Detailed Composition – Multi-element Designs
This is where your idea becomes a truly personalized piece of HEMA gear.
Advanced Designs
Typically $200+
Examples: – Intricate Design – Fine Detail Work – Multiple Stencil Applications
These projects become a true showcase piece while still being built for use at practice, events and more.
Have a Different Budget or Idea?
These Prices are Guidelines, not rigid limits. if you have an idea that doesn;t fit neatly into one of these catagoties, reach out anyway. I can often adjust the design, simplify details, or change the scope to create something that works for you and your budget.
I’m also open to discussing trades or alternative arrangements on a case-by-case basis, especially for projects that allow me to express creativity, develop new techniques or are a design that I am invested in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you embroider any HEMA gear
Most fabric-based HEMA gear can be considered for embroidery, including gloves, jackets, pants, and other gear. Because protective fabrics vary in thickness, construction, and accessibility, each project is reviewed individually before approval.
Can I provide my own design?
Yes. Existing artwork can often be adapted into a stencil-friendly design that works with the shape and mesh of a fencing mask
Do I need to know exactly what I want?
No. Many designs start as a conversation. we can work through themes, colors, or details to find an approach that fits.
Can you work within my budget?
Yes. Every project is custom quoted, and we can often adjust complexity, colors, or details to find an approach that fits.
Will embroidery weaken my protective gear?
No. Embroidery is performed with care to maintain the integrity of your gear. However, because HEMA gear is designed with puncture-resistant materials, stitching requires specialized techniques.
Can I ship my gear to you?
Yes, after we discuss the project and approve the design, you can ship your gear to me for customization. Shipping details and timing will be coordinated before sending any equipment.
Are there any designs you won’t paint?
I love helping fencers create unique designs and bring their ideas to life, but I do have some boundaries around the artwork I create.
I will not paint designs that promote hate, discrimination, sexually explicit content, or intentionally harmful messages. Beyond that, I’m happy to discuss most ideas – including darker themes, fantasy, historical inspirations, and battle worn aesthetics.
If you’re unsure whether an idea will work, feel free to ask. we can often adapt a concept into something that fits both your vision and medium of a fencing mask.
How long does the embroidery take?
Time depends on the design, size, placement, and the type of gear being embroidered. Simple labels can be completed within a day of receiving the gear, while custom designs can take days due to the difficulty of working with the protective fabric.
What if I change my mind after you start?
Design approval happens before any stitching begins. Once embroidery has started, changes may not be possible without additional work or costs. We will confirm placement and design details before starting.
Do you offer repairs or re-stitching?
If there is an issue caused by my workmanship, I will work with you to resolve it. Damage caused by normal use, equipment wear, or misuse is not covered. I can offer repairs to normal wear and tear at a cost dependent on damage.
Can you embroider club or team gear?
Yes! club orders, matching gear labels, and group projects are welcome and discounts may apply for bulk work. Contact me to discuss designs, quantities, and pricing.
