Embroidery
How embroidery works
An embroidery machine sews the logo into the fabric with rayon or polyester thread, working from a stitch file rather than from your artwork directly. Converting the logo into that file is called digitising: it sets the order, the direction and the density of every stitch, and it is done once per design at a given size.
Because the mark is thread rather than ink, it sits slightly proud of the fabric, it does not crack or wash out, and it reads as the more formal of the decoration methods. What it will not do is fine detail. Thread has a physical width, so hairlines, small lettering and photographic artwork close up rather than resolve, and a logo usually has to be simplified before it is digitised.
What embroidery suits
Embroidery is the default on structured apparel and headwear, where the fabric is heavy enough to carry the stitching without puckering and the branding sits in a defined panel. It is at its best on solid shapes and bold lettering in a small number of thread colours.
Products and materials it works on
- Caps, beanies, bucket hats and visors
- Golf shirts, polos and woven shirts
- Jackets, softshells, fleece and hoodies
- Aprons, towelling and heavier canvas
- Bags with a flat, stitchable panel
Lead time, minimum quantity and artwork
- Lead time
- Confirmed with your quote, against stock and quantity
- Minimum quantity
- Depends on the product and the branding method
- Artwork
- Vector artwork (AI, EPS or PDF) is best, because it can be scaled and simplified before digitising. Keep lettering above roughly 5mm tall and avoid hairlines and gradients: thread cannot hold them. Colours are matched to a thread chart, so they are close to a Pantone reference rather than identical to it.
Other branding methods
Screen printing
Laser engraving
Sublimation
Pad printing
Digital printing
Debossing and foiling
Doming and badges
Vinyl heat transfer
Pen branding
Ask us to price your order
Add the products you want to a quote list, tell us the quantity and how you want them branded, and we come back with pricing. Nothing on this site carries a price because every job is costed on the product, the quantity and the decoration.