How to digitize a logo for embroidery
Digitizing a logo means deciding, for every part of it, which stitch sews it, in what order and at what density. Here are the decisions, in the order they matter.
1. Start from the cleanest file you have
A vector logo (SVG, AI, EPS or PDF) is best: its edges are exact. A PNG works if it is at least 1000 px across with a plain or transparent background. A photo of a printed logo works least well: its blur becomes ragged edges in thread.
2. Set the real size first
Embroidery is sewn in millimetres, and what sews at 90 mm wide on a jacket back will not at 50 mm on a cap. Choose the hoop and width before anything else, then check the smallest part: lettering under 5 mm tall does not read, and details under about 2 mm are left out.
3. Fewer colours
Each colour is a thread change. Merge near-identical shades and drop gradients: a logo of four flat colours sews faster and cleaner than one of twelve.
4. The stitch types
| Part | Stitch | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Large area | Fill (tatami) | Rows about 0.4 mm apart cover without puckering |
| Narrow band, 1 to 7 mm | Satin | Long glossy stitches across the band |
| Thin line, outline | Running stitch | A single line of short stitches |
5. Underlay and order
Underlay - a light layer sewn first - holds the fabric flat so the top stitches sit on it, not in it. Sew from the centre out and from the back of the design to the front, so later stitches are not pulled out of place.