--- title: Inside Doug's Workshop description: Our visit to Doug's full-service embroidery and merchandise workshop, with exclusive behind the scenes of Doug working on AS Colour Cotton Canvas pieces. image: https://info.ascolour.com/hubfs/Hero_Dougs-1.jpg --- CLOSE CLOSE [![asc-journal-logo](https://info.ascolour.com/hubfs/asc-journal-logo.png)](https://info.ascolour.com/the-journal) [![asc-journal-logo](https://info.ascolour.com/hubfs/asc-journal-logo.png)](https://info.ascolour.com/the-journal) - [WHOLESALE RESOURCES](https://www.ascolour.co.nz/assets) - [CREATE AN ACCOUNT](https://www.ascolour.co.nz/signup-landing/) - [GO TO MAIN SITE](https://www.ascolour.co.nz/) - [WHOLESALE RESOURCES](https://www.ascolour.co.nz/assets) - [CREATE AN ACCOUNT](https://www.ascolour.co.nz/signup-landing/) ARROW ![](https://info.ascolour.com/hubfs/Hero_Dougs-1.jpg) [Decoration](https://info.ascolour.com/the-journal/tag/decoration), [Interview](https://info.ascolour.com/the-journal/tag/interview) # Inside Doug's Workshop Oct 27, 2023 • [AS Colour](https://info.ascolour.com/the-journal/author/as-colour) 2 minute read We visited DOUG'S™, a full-service embroidery and merchandise business located in the heart of Auckland, NZ. Take a closer look inside Doug's workshop and gain some useful tips if you're a newcomer to embroidering.  **What is Doug’s and how did it all start?** We started 5 years ago making patches and have since expanded to offer a cluster of different apparel-focused services. We’re expert embroiderers, screen printers, patch-makers, label-makers and more. We bring countless interesting textile ideas to life.  **How long have you been in the industry?** I’ve been embroidering for 6 years, but only at Doug’s. I’m self-taught. All you need is Youtube, forums… and a few mistakes. ![DOUGS BLOGaa](https://info.ascolour.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DOUGS%20BLOGaa.png?width=680&height=264&name=DOUGS%20BLOGaa.png) **Why is quality so important to you?** Quality means longevity. We’re not in the business of creating cheap promotional items, but rather premium merchandise for labels and businesses who are invested in long-lasting products.  **How would you describe your design style? Where do you draw inspiration from?** Our design is grass-roots. We follow a fun, playful energy and see where it takes us. **What machinery do you use to embroider?** Tajima, forever and always. They’re built to last and can perform under the pump. ![AS_Dougs_Final-33](https://info.ascolour.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AS_Dougs_Final-33.jpg?width=8256&height=5504&name=AS_Dougs_Final-33.jpg) **What is your favourite type of embroidery?** You can’t go wrong with a classic satin stitch logo… but I love a simple running stitch, 3D puff or our original faux chainstitch. **Which projects are you most proud of?** We’re always working on great projects — but recently we’ve worked on a great project with local label Penny Sage. Proud of that one. Also designed and manufactured some real fun tees with Chris Parker. A goodie. **What are the next steps for Doug’s?** Keep building. It’s important to keep momentum, look for new areas to refine and seek out fresh opportunities. **Why do you use AS Colour blanks?** Simple really — they’re quality, affordable and have a ton of great styles. We can easily help launch a clothing brand or elevate a uniform. And quickly too. People are familiar with the cut and materials, so they sell themselves! **What are some of your favourite AS Colour pieces?** Definitely the new canvas range. The heavyweight fabric embroiders beautifully, and some newer pieces have embroiderer access. Makes our work seamless! ![DOUGS BLOGaa2](https://info.ascolour.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DOUGS%20BLOGaa2.png?width=1920&height=744&name=DOUGS%20BLOGaa2.png) **What are some of the trends happening with embroidery?** We’ve seen trends come and go, but right now heavy fabrics, tonal colours and chainstitch is big for us.  **What do you wish you’d known about embroidery when you first started?** How to be a great digitiser and how to tension your machine. Those are the most important things to get right. **What's the biggest benefit of using embroidery as your chosen decoration method?** People associate quality with embroidery. It gives you license to charge a higher price tag, develop products and accessories with a real tactile element. ![DOUGS BLOGaa3](https://info.ascolour.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DOUGS%20BLOGaa3.png?width=680&height=264&name=DOUGS%20BLOGaa3.png) Find out more about the high-level services Doug's can provide for your next project on his website [here.](https://dougs.co.nz/) Follow his journey [@hidougs.](https://www.instagram.com/hidougs/) Explore our Canvas Range, carefully designed with stylish and functional features, keeping printers and embroiderers in mind. Made from 100% Cotton Duck Canvas, ideal for those seeking long-lasting workwear or a streetwear look. 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