Set-Up Your Own Embroidered Designs?

You’ve decided to create your own line of embroidered clothing. You’ll start with at least ten different embroidered designs but you plan to create over a hundred. You call a few embroiderers to see what the cost is to have samples made. After reviewing your quotes you realize that the digitizing fees (set-up fees) seem too costly - $25.00 to $100.00 for a small embroidered design. Why so expensive?

Considering that you’re fairly proficient with Photoshop should you purchase embroidery software to set-up your own designs? No! In addition to the software cost which can be $2,000 or more it takes at least two years of full-time practice to become an average digitizer. You can take classes but watching an embroidery machine run well-digitized designs is the best way to learn how to digitize. How will you do that without a machine?

SMX Marketing Event!

This week I’m stepping aside from my usual discussion about custom embroidered shirts because I want to tell you about an exciting event –The SMX Search Marketing Expo, held October 6-8th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. If you’re involved in online marketing you won’t want to miss this thrilling event packed with thought-provoking speakers, on-point seminars and essential networking opportunities. See you there!

Logo Sizing?

You’re creating artwork for your custom embroidered polo shirts and hats. What size should your logo be for a left chest logo? How about for the back of a hat? Here’s a sizing list:

Left/ right chest logo – 3.5” – 3.75” (may be 3.25” to 4” depending on the logo)

Hat Front - 4” wide x 2” high (some vertically orientated designs may be up to 2 ½” high)

Hat Back – a web address, location or short tag line arced around the keyhole opening works best

Hat Side - 2” x 2”

Visors - 4” wide x 1” high

Jacket Back - 10” to 12” wide or high (can be more for larger jackets)

Shirt Back - 6” wide (web address)

Names - size to work with corresponding logo

Children’s - size in proportion to garment

Embroidered Polo Shirt Shrinkage

Follow these tips to reduce custom embroidered polo shirt shrinkage:

1. Select polo shirts made from a cotton/polyester blend, 100% polyester or a preshrunk cotton fabric.

2. Avoid washing in hot water and drying in a hot dryer. Dry fewer shirts at a time to lessen dryer time or line dry.


How much will 100% cotton polos shrink? 100% cotton polos can shrink 10% - 20% of the shirt size. Therefore, expect more shrinkage with larger sizes.