Embroiderey Questions Answered: Unacceptable Artwork?

Have a great idea for custom embroidered hats? Did you struggle to get your design on paper only to hear that your decorator can't use your artwork? Why not?

Although your design may look good to you it may not be usable as artwork for embroidery. Here are some possible issues:

1. Low Resolution - Artwork is used as a template for an embroidery set-up. If the resolution is too low it can become too pixelated when zooming to see small details.

2. Too Detailed - Most left chest logos are 3.25" - 4" wide. If you create a detailed design on a much larger scale then most likely it can't be scaled down without eliminating some detail. Often that's easily accomplished but sometimes important elements must be eliminated.

3. Unacceptable File Type - Artwork must be opened in the digitizer's embroidery software. Unusual file formats can't always be opened. Sometimes files can be converted to another format but not always.

4. Doc / Docx/ PPT Files Aren't Accepted - Files created in word processing software can appear differently when opened in another system. Unwanted changes can effect fonts, colors and other elements

5. Incomplete Or Unclear - More information is needed to understand what you want. This often happens when verbal changes are added to a design and its difficult to visualize what is meant.

How do you get your artwork fixed so its suitable for an embroidery set-up? Ask you embroiderer what the specific problems are and if you can't fix them yourself hire a graphic designer to make the changes.

Embroidered Logo: Use Small Text?

Have small text in your logo? Don't want to eliminate it from your embroidered logo? What are your options? If you don't want to remove small text consider these possibilities:

• Enlarge the text


• Change to a more readable font such as a block


• Change to a thread color that contrasts well against the background


• Simplify the text


• Divide text between two lines

What if the text just won't fit? Consider having it embroidered in another location such as the sleeve or below the collar.

Use Letterhead For Embroidered Logo?

You're thinking about ordering custom embroidered polos. You don't have a logo but you do have a letterhead logo. Can it be used for an embroidered logo? It depends.

Many letterheads are horizontally orientated. If that is the case and the text is lengthy most likely the header design will need to be rearranged or simplified to work for a left chest logo. Then, although your embroidered logo won't mirror your letterhead, it will be recognizable and readable. Not sure how to adjust your letterhead so it will work for embroidery? Ask your embroiderer! They can suggest possible solutions.

Stock Embroidery Designs - What's the Stitch?

Stock embroidery designs are pre-made designs in stitch format available for almost any subject. They are commonly used for gifts, clubs, sports teams and school logos. Stock designs are great for groups that want to keep costs down and don't want to be involved in designing a logo.

Designs are organized by category and are available in specific sizes. Stock designs can be customized by changing thread colors and adding text. Some designs can be resized slightly although its best to pick a design that's already sized to meet your needs. When choosing a design remember what size you need (ask your embroiderer if unsure) and don't forget to leave room for text if its to be added!

All Embroidery Created Equally?

Is all embroidery created equally – NO! The quality of embroidery can vary greatly. What should you look for when judging embroidery quality?

• When setting up your order does the embroiderer ask questions about the colors, sizing and placement of the logo?
• Are your questions answered before your logo is embroidered?
• Can you request sample shirts to check sizing before placing your final order?
• Are you able to approve a proof before your order is processed? Can you request an embroidered sample shirt or hat?
• Is your order received in an organized and timely manner? Are your shirts steamed and neatly folded?
• Is your embroidery beautifully stitched in the correct thread colors? Did you receive the correct sizes? Is the quality of the garments as good as you expected?

If the quality of the garments, embroidery and service doesn't meet your standards then its time to look for a new embroiderer!

Businesses: Need a Budget-Friendly Polo?

Need a budget-friendly polo that suits everyones needs? The silk touch K500 polo is a versatile, cost-minded sport shirt that looks great, is comfortable and wears well. Why is this a popular polo choice for businesses? Its available in toddler through adult sizes, including tall and extended sizes up to 10X, it has different style options including long sleeves, pockets, long sleeves with pockets, sleeveless and 3/4 length sleeves for ladies and it comes in thirty-two colors. Need a polo that color-coordinates with a button down shirt? No problem, the K500 coordinates with the S608/L608 (long sleeve) and S508/L508 (short sleeve) oxford style shirts for men and women so your group can maintain a uniform appearance!

Embroidered Logo Tips:

Need coordinating styles? Sport shirts with and without pockets? Golf shirts that coordinate with long sleeve button down shirts? A fleece style available in youth through adult 4X? Baseball caps that match polo shirts? Ask your embroiderer! They'll direct you to styles that satisfy your needs.


Want a particular text style for your custom embroidered hats but don't want to pay more for the set-up? Show your embroider what you need and most likely they'll have a similar font in their stock collection.


Tag line text too small for your embroidered logo? Must you eliminate it? Removing small text is often the best option because it allows more room for other elements to be enlarged. But, if you really need your tag line consider:

• enlarging small text - often proportions of different elements must be adjusted for embroidered logos
• dividing text into two lines - allows you to increase font size
• changing the font - choose a more readable font such as a san serif font
• changing the text color - changing to a thread color that contrasts well against the background will improve readability

Have questions about your embroidery order? Ask your embroiderer!