Every year, right about this time, people start thinking about what they’re going to buy, what they’re going to give, and… if you’re on the selling side of things… what the heck are you going to sell THIS holiday season!
Now, take it from us, you don’t want to wait until December to figure that out.
By then, it’ll be too late.
The folks who got ahead of it will already have their designs picked, their products ready, and their holiday orders coming in.
And while they’re busy filling orders, you’ll still be trying to figure out what to put in front of your customers.
Now, maybe you’ve already got a pretty good idea of what’s going to sell this holiday season.
Maybe you’ve even got your BIG holiday products picked out already.
If so, good!
But we’ve got a little prediction for you…
And if we’re right, some of the embroidery orders coming your way this Christmas may look a whole lot different than you expect.
In fact, there are a few things we think you ought to be watching VERY closely.
Let’s take a look.
Prediction #1: Personalization Will Remain a Major Holiday Opportunity
Let’s start with one that should be pretty familiar to just about everyone: personalization.
Now, when we say personalization, we’re talking about those little touches that turn an otherwise ordinary product into something that’s made specifically for the person receiving it.
That could be their name, their initials, a family name, a date, or even a little message that means something to them.
And sometimes, it’s as simple as:
Putting someone’s name on a sweatshirt.
Adding a monogram to a towel. Stitching a family name onto a blanket.
Or putting “Grandma” on a sweatshirt that she’ll probably wear every time the grandkids come over.
Or adding some other little detail that makes the gift feel like it was made just for them.
You get the idea.
And while personalization certainly isn’t anything new, we think it’s going to remain a BIG opportunity for embroidery businesses this holiday season.
Why?
Well, you can probably already work out the answer for yourself.
When somebody is buying a Christmas gift, they don’t always want something they can just pick up off a shelf, wrap up, and hand over.
They want something that feels more thoughtful and personal. Something that shows they put some thought into the person (and gift) they’re giving it to.
And ultimately, something that makes the recipient feel like the gift was chosen (or even made) specifically for them.
And that’s exactly why we expect personalization to continue playing such a big role in holiday embroidery.
Prediction #2: Premium-Looking Gifts Will Matter
Now, just to set the record straight: We don’t think people are only going to be looking for personalized gifts this holiday season.
We think they’re going to be looking for gifts that FEEL premium, too.
So, what do we mean by “premium”?
Well, we’re not necessarily talking about the most expensive garments, the fanciest fabrics, or products that cost a fortune. (Although, hey, if that’s what you want to go for, by all means!)
We’re talking about gifts that just feel a little nicer.
The kind of thing where you look at it and think, “Yeah, this is actually pretty nice.”
And there are a few different ways you can create that feeling. For starters, the blank product itself matters.
A good-quality quarter-zip, a heavyweight hoodie, a nice fleece, a plush robe, or a substantial blanket is going to give you a much better starting point than a cheap blank ever will.
But then you have the embroidery.
Take that simple quarter-zip.
Nothing particularly fancy. Just a nice, good-quality quarter-zip that, on its own, probably wouldn’t make anyone think, “Oh, that’s a Christmas gift.”
Now add a small embroidered name or monogram.
Maybe it’s the recipient’s initials on the chest. Maybe it’s a family name. Maybe it’s something that’s specific to them.
Suddenly, you’ve got something that feels a whole lot more intentional.
Think about the placement. Think about the thread color. Think about the style of lettering. Think about packaging. Think about whether the design works with the garment rather than simply sitting on top of it.
And that’s the kind of thing we’re talking about.
You’re taking a relatively simple blank product and turning it into something that looks like it was chosen for that specific person.
And that can make the whole gift feel considerably more VALUABLE.
And you can do the same thing with all kinds of products.
- A fleece with someone's initials.
- A jacket with a family name.
- A personalized tote or duffel bag.
- A monogrammed robe.
- A set of towels.
- A blanket.
- A cap.
There are so many products that can go from “just another blank” to “this would actually make a really nice gift” with the right embroidery.
And that’s an opportunity worth thinking about as you build out your holiday offerings.
Don’t just think about what you normally embroider. Think about what your customers might actually want to give.
Prediction #3: Corporate Holiday Orders Could Be an Important Revenue Opportunity
Now, so far, we’ve mostly been talking about people buying gifts for other people.
But there’s ANOTHER group of buyers you should have on your radar this holiday season:
Businesses.
Because while consumers are out there shopping for their friends and family, companies are also trying to figure out what they’re going to give their employees, clients, customers, and business partners.
And for an embroidery business, that can create some pretty interesting opportunities.
Think about it.
A company might want to order a batch of quarter-zips with employee names. Or jackets with the company logo, or embroidered polos for the team. They could also be interested in hats, bags, blankets, robes, or other items that can be customized.
The nice thing about these orders is that they’re usually not just buying one item.
A business might need 10, 25, 50, or even 100 of something.
So if you’re thinking about what you’re going to offer this holiday season, don’t just think about individual customers.
Think about the businesses that might be looking for gifts, apparel, or branded products, too.
Because there’s a good chance they’re going to be shopping for the holidays right alongside everyone else.
And some of them could end up placing much larger orders than the average individual customer.
Prediction #4: Hats and Wearable Accessories Will Continue to Be Important
Now, here’s another one we think is worth paying attention to: Hats. And more broadly, wearable accessories.
When we think about holiday embroidery, our mind typically goes straight to sweatshirts, hoodies, blankets, and other bigger items.
But hats can make a REALLY good gift, too.
They’re fairly easy to buy for someone since you don’t have to worry as much about getting the size right, and they’re usually less expensive than some of the bigger gift options.
You can also personalize them in a lot of different ways, whether that’s a name, initials, a logo, or something else that’s meaningful to the person receiving it.
Plus, there are plenty of other accessories that can work well for embroidery.
Beanies. Totes. Duffel bags. Backpacks. Even things like gloves or scarves.
So don’t overlook the smaller stuff when you’re putting together your holiday lineup.
So when you’re deciding what products to offer for the holidays, it’s worth having some of these smaller items in the mix.
They can be easier gifts to buy, especially when someone wants to give a friend, family member, coworker, or team member something that’s a little more personal.
Prediction #5: Speed and Turnaround Time Could Become the Competitive Advantage
Another thing we think could matter a lot this holiday season is HOW QUICKLY you can get orders finished and shipped.
Now, it might not sound as exciting as personalized gifts or premium products.
But, once December gets closer, people are going to start realizing they waited a little too long to buy their gifts.
And, well, you can probably guess where we’re going with this.
They’re going to start looking for businesses that can get their orders done BEFORE Christmas.
And if someone is trying to find a personalized gift a week before Christmas, they’re probably going to care a lot less about finding the absolute lowest price.
They need to know that the gift is actually going to make it to the person they’re buying it for ON TIME.
And if you can give them that confidence?
That could be a pretty BIG selling point.
They want to know when it’s going to be ready, when it’s going to ship, and whether it’s going to arrive before they need to give it to someone.
And that’s where speed and turnaround time can become a real advantage.
If you can get orders finished quickly without sacrificing the quality of the embroidery, that’s something customers are going to notice.
Especially when they’re comparing you with another business that says their turnaround time is two or three weeks.
Preparing Your Shop: Avancé Commercial Embroidery Machines
So, if these predictions are even partly right (and we think they are), what does that actually mean for your business?
Well, it means you better BE READY for them.
The holiday rush has a way of putting everything to the test, and your equipment is no exception.
When demand picks up, the equipment you rely on every day can suddenly be put under a lot more pressure.
It has to work harder, for longer, and with less downtime.
And when you’ve already got enough on your plate, the last thing you need is your equipment making things harder.
So, if you’re expecting a busy few months, now might be a good time to look at what you’re working with.
And if an upgrade has been on your mind, now could be the time to do it.
For this section, we’re bringing the spotlight on two of our most popular embroidery machines, namely, the Avancé 1201C, and its bigger sibling, the Avancé 1501C.
If you’re new to either model, not to worry, we’ll walk you through their features, capabilities, and key differences so you can decide which one best fits your business and your workflow.
Avancé 1201C Single Head Commercial Embroidery Machine
Let’s start with the Avancé 1201C.
So, what makes the 1201C model unique and what do you actually get with the 1201C?
The Avancé 1201C is a 12-needle commercial embroidery machine designed for small businesses, startups, and home-based studios that want commercial-level results without investing in a larger (and more expensive) industrial machine. Compact, fast, and surprisingly capable, this model proves that big capabilities can come in smaller packages.
The 1201C can sew up to 1,000 stitches per minute, which is impressive for a machine its size. Measuring 23 x 23 x 63 inches and weighing about 176 pounds, it is actually the smallest and lightest model in the Avancé lineup, but don’t let that fool you. It’s built to keep up with demand.
That lightweight design also makes it one of the easiest commercial machines to transport, making it a great choice for trade shows, pop-up shops, and other live events where portability matters.
Despite its compact footprint, the 1201C is packed with features that make embroidery easier and more enjoyable.
Up front, there’s a 10.1-inch full-color LCD touchscreen control panel that makes managing designs and settings simple. You’ll find 28 built-in fonts and a library of up to 4,000 designs, so you can start creating on day one!
An extended LED lighting system keeps your work area well lit, thread break detection helps prevent mistakes and wasted production time, and its exceptionally quiet operation makes it a comfortable fit for home studios and retail environments.
To make getting started as easy as possible, the Avancé 1201C comes with everything you need right out of the box. You’ll receive five hoops, one cap frame, essential accessories, a one-year warranty that’s upgradeable to five years, and access to some of the best embroidery training in the industry, so you’re supported long after your machine arrives.
Considering everything that’s included, the 1201C offers outstanding value and comes in at a more accessible price point than its larger sibling, the Avancé 1501C, which we’ll look at next.
For complete specifications and technical details, check out the full product page.
Avancé 1501C Single Head Commercial Embroidery Machine
The Avancé 1201C packs an impressive amount of capability into a compact machine.
But if you’ve looked through everything it offers and found yourself thinking, “I just wish it had a little more…”—whether that’s more needles, a larger embroidery area, faster production, or greater capacity, then the Avancé 1501C might be exactly what you’re looking for.
It takes everything people love about the 1201C and adds many of the upgrades power users have been asking for—more needles, a larger embroidery area, faster production speeds, greater capacity, and added versatility.
So what exactly does the Avancé 1501C add to the menu?
For starters, the Avancé 1501C shares many of the same features as the 1201C. You’ll get the same intuitive control panel and user interface, the same onboard memory, and the same built-in library of fonts and embroidery designs.
It also comes with the same training and support, along with the same starter package of embroidery essentials, including thread cones, backing, bobbins, needles, oil, tweezers, scissors, and other accessories.
In other words, everything you need to get up and running is included.
So what’s different?
Simply put, it’s bigger. In every way that matters.
The physical size of the machine measures in at 33 x 30 x 63 inches. Yes, it takes up a little more space than the 1201C, but that larger footprint serves a purpose.
It makes room for a generous 22″ × 14″ embroidery area and supports larger hoops, giving you the flexibility to embroider larger designs and handle bigger projects with ease.
The 1501C is also built for higher-volume production. It can sew at speeds of up to 1,200 stitches per minute and features 15 needles, allowing you to keep more thread colors loaded and spend less time stopping for thread changes. The result is faster production, greater efficiency, and less downtime between jobs.
At 197 lbs. (excluding the stand), it’s every bit the commercial-grade machine it looks and feels like.
Another advantage is that the 1501C can grow with your business. You can start with a single machine today, then add additional units as your production needs increase.
By networking multiple machines together, you can build a modular embroidery setup with two, three, six, or even more machines.
If you’d like to learn more about how a modular embroidery setup works and when it makes sense, be sure to check out our in-depth guide.
For complete specifications and technical details, view the full product page for the Avancé 1501C.
Why Purchase Your Embroidery Machine From ColDesi?
We’ve covered a lot on this page.
From our holiday-season forecasts and predictions to the embroidery equipment that helps make it all possible.
By now, you may even have your eye on one of the Avancé embroidery machines we mentioned earlier.
But there’s SOMETHING we haven’t talked about yet. And that’s WHO you buy your machine from!
Let’s say it how it is: You can find embroidery machines in a lot of places.
A quick search online will prove that.
So we’re not going to tell you that ColDesi is the only place you can buy one.
We’re going to tell you WHY we think you should buy yours from us.
Consultative Equipment Selection
To start with, we take a consultative approach with every new customer when it comes to equipment selection.
If you’re not 100% sure which machine you need… No problem.
That’s what we’re here for. We’ll help you figure it out!
You can speak with an embroidery specialist and talk through what you’re looking to do with your business.
From there, you can get a better idea of which equipment actually makes sense for you.
Rather than simply choosing a machine based on price (or whichever machine the internet decided to recommend that day).
Professional Training
For another thing, we don’t just sell you a machine and send you on your way.
After all, you’re going to have to learn how to use the thing.
With ColDesi, you’ll get professional training to help you get comfortable with your new machine.
You’ll learn how to operate it, get the most out of its features, and figure out what button does what.
Technical Support
And, of course, there’s technical support.
When you have a question, run into an issue, or just aren’t sure how to get your machine to do what you need, you can reach out to our support team for help.
The point is, you won’t be left to figure things out on your own once the machine arrives at your door.
Startup Supplies and Accessories
So, what else is included when you purchase your embroidery machine from ColDesi?
Essential supplies and accessories.
You need them to actually start using your machine, too. And that’s something we’ve thought about.
Our current Avancé packages include startup supplies and accessories, so you can get started without having to figure out everything else you need on your own.
Digitizing Resources
You don’t have to be a graphic designer or an experienced digitizer to get started, either.
On top of the pre-loaded fonts and embroidery designs that come with each machine, you can also take advantage of ColDesi Graphics.
If you have artwork that needs to be turned into an embroidery file, the ColDesi Graphics team can handle the digitizing for you.
They’ll create the design, test-sew it, and send you the finished file ready to run on your machine.
So if you have a design in mind but don’t know how to turn it into an embroidery file…
You have somewhere to turn.
Long-Term Business Relationship
And that’s NOT where our support ends.
We’ve helped more than 50,000 people start or expand their businesses with embroidery equipment.
And we’ve got plenty of resources to help you along the way, from our podcast and educational articles to how-to guides, video demonstrations, explainers, and more.
As your business grows, you can keep coming back to these resources to learn, troubleshoot, and find new ways to improve your embroidery business.
Prepare Your Business for Holiday Demand
Talk with a ColDesi embroidery specialist about your production goals, the products you want to offer, and which Avancé commercial embroidery machine is the right fit for your business.
