Your Embroidered Logo: Increase Cap Design Size?

Wish your embroidered cap design looked bigger? Its 2.25" high x 2" wide so it looks small when embroidered on a hat. You'd like to increase the size but your embroiderer says it can't be larger because its the maximum height for cap designs.  But, because its a vertically-orientated design, it doesn't take up much space on the front of the hat. Is there anything you can do?

To start, keep in mind that an ideal cap design is 2" - 2.5" high and 4" wide. If your design fits that area it won't look small when embroidered on a cap.

First, consider editing your design so it has a horizontal orientation.  This may involve rearranging the design elements.  For example, if you previously had a centered image with text below try placing the image to the left of the text so your design fills more of the available space.

Second, consider eliminating lesser elements such as small text. These elements can be located on the back of the hat if necessary.

Third, try adjusting the spacing within your design. For example, if you have a large gap between design elements that are stacked vertically, lessen that space so you have more vertical room to increase the size of those elements.

If the above suggestions don't work well then consider using just text and arrange it so it occupies the most space with the 2.25" high x 4" wide area.

Finally, consider using an abbreviated form of your design such as the image or a shortened version of your business name (a simple, favicon-like image) and locate this design in the center of one of the front panels. This look is popular now and its off-set appearance will attract extra attention for #YourEmbroideredLogo.

Once you decide what works best for you, size your design to 2.5" high x 4" wide or less depending on your choice, print it at that size, tape it to a hat and stand three feet away to see how it looks!

Your Embroidered Logo: Artwork File to Embroidery File

You're ready to order embroidered long sleeve polos for your crew. You have an artwork file for your business logo but you don't know if it will work for an embroidered logo. How is that determined? How does your artwork become translated into stitches embroidered on shirts?

Once your artwork is received by your embroiderer:

Its correctly sized for a left chest logo (2.5" - 4" wide depending on the design).

The resolution is checked to see if its clear enough to see the detail in the design. 

Adjustments are made if necessary. Changes can include eliminating small text or dividing small text into two lines so the font size can be increased. 

Your artwork file is used as a template to create a stitch file.  Stitches in different types, lengths and directions are assigned to the elements in your design.

Your digitized file (your artwork translated into stitches) is saved into an embroidery software format (so file edits can be made if necessary), an embroidery machine file and a digital proof file (often a jpeg or pdf) are also created. The proof file is sent to you.

Once you approve your digital proof then your order is scheduled to be run on an embroidery machine.

Need changes? The embroidery software file is modified and a new digital proof is created.  Once you approve your embroidery proof a new machine file is created and your custom embroidered long sleeve polo shirts are scheduled to be embroidered.

Your Embroidered Logo: Production Process

Wondering why it takes a few days to receive your custom embroidered pocket polo shirts? You can order and receive a plain shirt from Amazon in 1-3 days but that isn't a custom item.  What process is involved in producing custom embroidered shirts?

Your pocket polos are ordered and received - Most embroiderers order garments from their apparel supplier on a per-order basis.  Most items are received in 1-2 days but delays can occur.

Your artwork is translated into a stitch file - A digitizer uses your artwork to create a stitch file. A digital proof is also created and sent to you for your approval.  This process usually takes 1-2 days but it can take longer if edits are required.

Embroidery machine time - Machine time is scheduled once your garments are in stock and you've approved your embroidery set-up.  An embroidery machine is prepped with the correct thread colors and stitch file information. Your shirts are embroidered.

Shirts are trimmed - Your shirts are trimmed, steamed and folded.  They are organized by style, size and color.

Shirts are prepped for shipping - Your shirts are counted and packed.  Your shipping label is prepared and tracking information is emailed to you. Your order is shipped.

Yes, ordering custom embroidered pocket polo shirts takes extra time.  But, once you wear your shirts you can maintain a professional uniform appearance while advertising your business!