You’ve got a logo file, but an embroidery machine needs more than the picture. It needs instructions for where the stitches go, in what order and how close together. Making that file is called digitizing. Here’s what happens between sending us the artwork and getting it stitched.
The file tells the machine how to sew
A digitizer works through the design one area at a time. Lettering might need satin stitches, while a larger shape needs a fill. Stitch direction changes the way the thread catches the light, and density affects how much of the fabric gets covered.
There’s also stitching underneath the visible design to help support it. The order matters too: we plan how the machine moves through the logo so the parts line up without unnecessary jumps.
The garment is part of the job
A curved cap and a flat polo chest don’t stitch the same way. Stretch, seams and the space available affect how we prepare the design. That’s why we ask what the logo is going on and how big you want it.
We digitize by hand in our shop so we can make those decisions for the piece we’re producing. The setup typically runs $50 to $100 per design, and we keep the file on record.
Why not just convert the image?
Automatic digitizing tools can give you a starting point, but the result still needs someone to check it for the fabric, size and design. Saving a PNG with a stitch-file extension won’t do that work.
A good result comes from the file and the machine setup working with the garment. Doing the digitizing by hand gives us control over those choices; it isn’t a promise that any logo will stitch perfectly at any size.
What if your logo has tiny details?
Send it and we’ll look. Small letters, narrow gaps and thin lines can be hard to reproduce in thread. We may suggest thicker lines, a little more space or a simpler version for the smaller placement.
You might keep the full design for a larger print and use the simpler mark on hats. We’ll show you what needs changing before it goes into production.
What should you send?
A clear PDF or PNG is a good starting point. Include the garment, placement and logo size. If all you have is a screenshot or a JPG, send that for review rather than trying to convert it yourself.
A larger original gives us more detail to work from, but enlarging a blurry image won’t make it clearer. If it needs rebuilding, we’ll explain the work and any design fee.
Can you learn to digitize it yourself?
Yes, but allow time to learn the software and test the stitching on the type of fabric you’ll use. What looks right on a screen can still sew out with gaps, puckering or crowded lettering.
If you’re ordering finished garments from us, we can handle that preparation with the embroidery order. For help with the original logo or print artwork, see artwork preparation.
A few questions we get
Can you use a file from another embroiderer?
Send it with the artwork and tell us the garment and size. We’ll review what you have before saying whether it’s ready for this job.
Will the same file work on a hat and a hoodie?
It may need changes. The shape, fabric and placement are different, so we’ll check rather than assuming one setup fits both.
Do you keep the file for my next order?
Yes. Send your previous order details when you reorder, and tell us about any changes to the logo, size or garment.