All of my work is custom and I work closely with you to execute your vision. My tallitot often become family heirlooms which brings me incredible satisfaction as an artist. While my purpose here is not to offer a lecture on cheap goods and China imports, it must be understood that I make everything myself which involves many hours of labor (not to mention expensive fabrics and custom computer setup.) Labor can be costly as is the cost of maintaining expensive embroidery machines. You may not realize that the beautiful tallit bag you ordered takes me 2-3 hours to make (cut, sew, embroider and finish.)
Is there a standard size for an atarah?
An atarah typically is 2-1/2″ to 4″ wide and 24″ to 36″ long. The size depends on the person it is for, overall design of the tallit and, of course, the length of the blessing. I recommend that the ends reach at least to the collar bone on each side, but usually a bit longer.
Is there a standard size for corners?
No. Most often they are 3″ to 4″ square but can be any size or shape large enough for the design. In fact, there don’t have to be any corners. Many people place plain squares on the back to to reinforce the corners so that the tzitzit don’t tear it. The only requirement is that tzitzit are tied according to halacha in each of the four corners of the garment. However, many people add decorative corners to the front of the tallit and I have thousands of designs to choose from. I coordinate thread colors with the colors of the garment. Some clients who have extra large tallitot opt to put corners on both sides so that they are seen when the tallit is folded back over the shoulders.
Is it permissible to mix silk or linen with wool, acrylic or cotton?
The Torah forbids us to mix linen and wool (specifically the wool of sheep, lamb and rams) in our clothes called “shatnez.” However, to avoid any possible halacha problem, it is best not to mix plant fibers with animal fibers.
How long will it take to have my items embroidered?
Generally speaking, I need 10 days – 2 weeks to complete your order. I usually have several projects in work with strict deadlines so it could take longer. Please plan ahead and allow adequate time. I need a minimum of 8 weeks for a custom tallit.
Do you have fabric for me to choose from?
I have silk fabric in dozens colors in stock and can order other colors from my supplier. If you need to match your fabric, you can send a swatch or spool of thread to me and I will do my best to match it.
Can I use my own fabric? How much do I have to send?
Unfortunately, I can no longer accept fabric supplied by customers unless it is silk, wool or cotton. There have been problems with fine China silks puckering despite having a fusible backing applied. I cannot embroider on polyester so please don’t send it. Also, bear in mind that fabrics should be balanced: that means they should be the same weight and material as the body of the tallit.
For an atarah, I need a strip between 6″-8″ x the full width of the fabric, which is usually 45″-54″ wide. For an atarah and corners, I will need a strip that is at least 12″ x the full width (approx. 1/3 yard.) Trimming/hemming is done after the embroidery is finished, so DO NOT pre-cut your fabric.
Can I use my own thread?
I only use 40 wt. polyester and metallic threads which are specifically made for high speed machine embroidery. It is not the same as regular sewing thread. I have hundreds of colors in my inventory and I can usually match your fabric very closely. Many customers send a fabric swatch of the color desired and I rarely have a problem finding a match. But if the exact color is critical, you may purchase your own thread (not sewing thread.) Also, please do not send rayon thread; it breaks very easily and is not colorfast. Some of the manufacturers of embroidery thread are: Floriani, Gunold, Isacord, Kingstar, Madeira, Robison-Anton and Sulky. Some brands, such as Gutermann and Coats & Clark are available in fabric stores. Most of the others are online or at specialty stores where embroidery machines and fabric are sold.
What designs are available?
I have thousands of designs in my collection in Jewish themes, as well as other categories. I am happy to send images to look at in a particular category and the thread/fabric colors can be customized. If I don’t have something that meets the client’s needs, I will provide links to several embroidery sites online and will purchase a reasonably priced design.
If you have a picture that you want to turn into an embroidery design, it must be digitized into a format that an embroidery machine can read. I can do many designs in-house for a small fee. Complex designs are sent out to a professional digitizer. The price starts at $25 and is based on the size, complexity of the design and number of color changes. See the digitizing page for a more in-depth description of the process.
What other services are available?
I will attach an atarah and/or corners for a nominal fee (around $20) if the tallit is sent to me. I can also tie the tzitzit (ashkenaz or Sephardic.) Other general sewing, hemming, lining, etc. are billed at $40/per hour.
What forms of payment do you accept?
All work must be paid in full before the item is shipped — no exceptions. For custom orders, a 50% deposit is required with the balance due before the order ships. I will provide drawings, screen shots and pictures of the finished product.
At the risk of seeming un-American, I am completely frustrated with the post office. Checks sometimes take 2 weeks to arrive. For that reason, all payments must be done electronically. I accept Venmo (available for both Android and iPhone) and Zelle Pay, which is a bank-to-bank service offered by most financial institutions. I do not accept PayPal. For online invoicing I use Square; however credit card processing fees continue to rise and can be costly for small businesses like mine. Therefore, all online credit card payments over $50 will have a 3% fee added.
If you have any other questions, please contact me. I will add to this section as issues arise.
