If you’re planning to offer hat or cap embroidery, it’s essential to understand what comes with your cap embroidery machine—especially when buying from a trusted source like TheEmbroideryWarehouse. Whether you’re purchasing a new or used commercial embroidery machine, most units designed for cap embroidery include a full cap system.
So, what exactly is a cap system, and what does it consist of?
Cap Embroidery Machine: What Comes in the Cap System?
When you purchase a commercial embroidery machine from TheEmbroideryWarehouse, you can typically expect it to include a complete cap system, especially if it’s intended for cap or hat embroidery. A standard cap system generally consists of:
1. Cap Driver
The cap driver is the attachment that allows the embroidery machine to rotate the cap during stitching. For single-head machines, you’ll receive one cap driver.
For multi-head embroidery machines, the configuration may vary:
- One large driver system shared across multiple heads, or
- Individual cap drivers per head, depending on the machine model.
2. Cap Frames (2 per head)
Each head usually comes with two cap frames. This setup lets you hoop one cap while the machine is embroidering another—great for improving workflow and reducing downtime. The cap frames attach directly to the cap driver during operation.
3. Cap Gauge
The cap gauge is a critical tool used to hoop the cap onto the frame correctly. Regardless of how many heads your machine has, only one gauge is included, as only one is needed for the hooping process.
Why Understanding Your Cap System Matters
When using a cap embroidery machine, the components of the cap system play a major role in the quality and efficiency of your embroidery process. Proper use of the cap driver, frames, and gauge ensures tight, accurate stitching—especially on curved surfaces like the front panel of a hat.
Changeover Time: Cap System vs. Tubular System
Switching between cap embroidery and standard garment embroidery (like shirts or jackets) requires changing out the setup. Transitioning from the cap system to a tubular system can take some time, particularly with larger multi-head machines.
To optimize production, many embroidery businesses schedule cap jobs together:
- All cap orders in the morning
- Or dedicate specific days for cap embroidery. This strategy minimizes downtime and maximizes efficiency on your commercial embroidery machine.
TheEmbroideryWarehouse: Supplying Cap-Ready Embroidery Machines
At TheEmbroideryWarehouse, we provide a wide selection of new and used commercial embroidery machines, many of which include complete cap systems. Whether you’re looking for a single-head solution or a multi-head cap embroidery machine, we carry trusted brands like:
- Tajima
- Barudan
- Melco
- Butterfly
- Happy
- ZSK
All machines are vetted for performance and typically include the components needed for high-quality hat embroidery right out of the box.
Final Thoughts
If cap embroidery is part of your business offering, understanding your machine’s cap system is essential. The right setup ensures smooth operation, consistent quality, and faster production. When you buy from TheEmbroideryWarehouse, you’re not just getting a machine—you’re getting the tools and support needed to run a successful embroidery business.
Ready to invest in a high-quality cap embroidery machine?
Browse our inventory of commercial embroidery machines today or contact our team for help finding the right machine with a complete cap system.