Creating the perfect embroidery file
Learn about the most common issues with embroidery files and how to avoid them
Embroidery 101: Learn the basics
1. Flat embroidery
A technique where stitches are embroidered flat on the surface.
2. Thread colors
All the available colors.
3. Tatami fill
Rows of run stitches. Used to fill large areas.
4. 3D Puff embroidery
A technique where the embroidery is raised. Used mostly for big shapes.
5. Satin stitch outline
A long, straight embroidery stitch. Used to outline an object or to cap a 3D Puff design.
6. Run stitch
A single line stitch. Used for small design details.
What to keep in mind
Part 1
Follow the guidelines
Follow the embroidery guidelines to a tee to avoid issues with your designs. You can find detailed guidelines for each embroidery product on its product catalog page under the File guidelines tab.
Part 2
Use embroidery templates
When editing embroidery files, work within the actual embroidery area dimensions. Our embroidery file templates will ensure that designs stay within the maximum permitted area.
What is digitization?
Digitization is a process that converts your design file to a format that supports embroidery. Each embroidery type requires a separate digitized file. You can re-use your digitized files for future orders of the same embroidery type. Learn more about digitization fees here.
The most common issues with standard embroidery
- Text too small, lines too thin
- Distressed or textured graphics
- Negative space objects
- Gradients
- Solid backgrounds
- Photographic images
- 3D Puff
- Side embroidery
Text too small, lines too thin
Avoid using very small letters because the embroidered text might not be legible. Keep the text at least 0.25” in height and at least 0.05” thick.
The minimum recommended line thickness for the regular satin stitch is 0.05”. For thinner lines we’ll use run stitch (a single line of stitches).
You can measure the text in Illustrator either by using the measuring tool, or by converting the font point size to inches. You can do this by going to:
File > Preferences > Units > General > Inches
0.25” is equivalent to approximately 36pt, and the letters will also have the necessary thickness. But this depends on the font. We recommend using simple fonts like Arial, Helvetica, Myriad pro.
The most common issues with unlimited color embroidery
- Too small and too many details
- Small details
- Neon and metallic colors
- Garment weight
- Gradients
- Hats
- Solid backgrounds
- Negative space objects
Too small and too many details
Avoid using graphics with details smaller than 0.86″ (20 mm) in width because they might cause color discrepancies (e.g., shifting) and embroidery stiffness.
To achieve the desired color transition between two solid colors, opt for large, simple, and filled shapes rather than graphics with several smaller bits covering a large area.
Ready to make the perfect embroidery design?
Choose a product and start creating!
What you get
Free file adjustments
If your design file won’t be up to our quality standards, we’ll send you an updated version that you’ll be able to approve with one click.
Realistic Mockup Preview
See how your design, threads, and colors will look in real life using our Design Maker Mockup Preview.
Free digitization for bulk orders
Order 25+ embroidery products and we will digitize all your files for free.
A few more important facts
Stitches and designs
Our digitizers decide on the types of stitches that will be the best for each design. Make sure to follow the guidelines because ultimately the type of stitch used will depend on your graphic.
Similar graphic, different result
Note that if you upload a new graphic that is visually similar to a design that you’d already uploaded earlier, the new graphic may not be digitized the same way as it was the first time! This is because we have multiple digitizers who manually process the files, and each of them could digitize the graphic differently.
Adjustment fees
The stitch density and direction differ in hat and apparel embroidery. If you want to use hat files for shirts or vice versa, they need to be adjusted for $2.95 per file. 3D puff isn’t available on apparel, so any previously digitized 3D puff hat files you have, need to be digitized from scratch for apparel.
Embroidery backing
Embroidery backing is an extra layer of fabric that’s placed on the inside of a product and embroidered along with the design.
Backing is commonly used for embroidery designs because it stabilizes the stitching and supports the embroidery. This ensures your designs look good and last a long time.
Ready-made designs
Don’t want to create your own embroidery file? Browse our Design Maker and choose between 3,000+ clipart graphics and pre-made Quick Designs.
Explore the most popular embroidery placement options
