In this video, we load a design for hat embroidery after installing the cap driver on the machine. We then power the machine back on and use the control panel to change the setting from hoop flat to hoop cap, pressing the set button to confirm the mode.
We then review the sewing area for different cap styles. Low-profile unconstructed hats have a maximum sewing height of 2.15 inches, while low-profile constructed hats have a sewing area of 2.25 inches. In hat mode, the width remains 14 inches. When we switch to cap mode, the machine automatically rotates the design 180 degrees so it will sew in the correct direction on the hat.
After loading the design, we select the colors and press set to confirm. We then trace the design with the active needle before embroidering to make sure it fits within the sewable area. If the design is too large or out of position, the machine will show an out of limit error while tracing in cap mode. If that happens, we either reposition the center or resize the design in the software. Once the design traces within the hoop area, we press start.
For cap jobs, the most useful place to start is GPI’s selection of hoops and hoopers.