Embroidery - Artwork & Digitizing Guide

Embroidery Artwork & Digitizing Guide

Great embroidery starts with smart art prep. Use the file tips below for clean edges, consistent stitch density, and accurate brand colors. Not sure? Upload what you have—we’ll help.

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Best File Types

Preferred (Vector)

  • AI, EPS, or PDF (vector).
  • Convert text to outlines; embed/expand strokes.
  • Remove effects (glows, shadows, gradients) or include a flat version.

Acceptable (Raster)

  • PNG or JPG at ≥ 1000 px width for left-chest; larger for backs.
  • Clean, high contrast artwork—no compression artifacts.
  • Transparent background preferred for PNG.

Common Sizes & Placements

  • Left chest: 3.0–3.5 in wide (max ~4.0").
  • Hat front: up to ~4.5" wide × 2.25" tall (curved surface limits height).
  • Sleeve: 0.75–1.25" tall wordmarks; small icons 1.25–1.75" square.
  • Full back: 8–10" wide typical; 12" max on many garments.

Need exact placement? Download a printable template below, mark your preference, and upload it with your logo.

Detail Limits (Text & Lines)

Garment Area Min Letter Height Min Stroke/Gap Notes
Left Chest / Sleeve 0.25" (6.4 mm) 0.03" (0.75 mm) Use sans-serif; avoid thin serifs & script flourishes.
Hat Front 0.28" (7.1 mm) 0.035" (0.9 mm) Curvature reduces small detail; keep shapes bold.
Back / Large Marks 0.3" (7.6 mm) 0.035" (0.9 mm) Filled areas need venting; we’ll add underlay as needed.

We’ll recommend tweaks if detail falls below stitch-friendly limits.

Thread Colors & Brand Matching

  • Provide a Pantone Solid Coated value if available; we’ll match to our thread library.
  • Maximum thread colors per location vary by design; 1–8 is typical.
  • Metallic & speciality threads available; may affect lead time and cost.
  • Gradients are converted to solid steps or hatching; send a flat version if possible.

We always send a color-callout proof. Physical sew-outs available on request.

Digitizing (Turning Art into Stitches)

Digitizing builds the stitch map (pathing, density, underlay, pull-comp) for your design. It’s a one-time setup per size/placement.

  • Reuse: once digitized, we keep your file for future orders.
  • Resizing: ±10–15% is usually OK; bigger changes may need a new file.
  • Complex effects (distressed, tiny outlines) may be simplified for clean results.
  • Appliqué available for very large marks to reduce stitch count and weight.

Typical Ranges

  • Left chest / hats: ~5,000–12,000 stitches
  • Back logos: ~30,000–80,000+ stitches

Digitizing often starts around $25.00 (design-dependent).

Ask about physical sew-out samples for critical color or texture.

Tips to Avoid Rework

Do

  • Send vector art when possible; outline fonts.
  • Use bold shapes and solid color blocks.
  • Share Pantone numbers for brand colors.
  • Tell us garment type/material (performance knit, heavy canvas, etc.).

Avoid

  • Tiny script, hairline strokes, distressed textures at small sizes.
  • Photo/gradient fills without a flat alternate.
  • Leaving background boxes or artboards in raster files.

Artwork FAQs

Yes—basic cleanup is often included with digitizing. Full redraws are quoted after we review your file.
We match as closely as thread libraries allow and include a color-callout on your proof. Physical sew-outs are available for critical approvals.
Absolutely. We archive your stitch file and reuse it for repeat orders. Size or placement changes may require edits.

Ready to get started?

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We serve Louisville, Oldham County, and surrounding areas with fast, local support.

For more information, please contact us.

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