If you’ve ever tried to get your logo embroidered (either on a shirt or cap) and the business asked for a “stitch file,” it’s understandable that you would feel somewhat confused; many people do. This is where “embroidery digitizing services” come into play; they take and convert your basic logo into the file format that can be used by an embroidery machine. This blog will show you all the details in a casual way, as if you had a friend talking to you over tea about it.
A “Stitch File” Explained
Simply put, the “stitch file” is a digital representation of your entire logo. The file gives the embroidery machine the directions about where to put each individual stitch of your logo. Without the file, no matter how advanced or high-quality an embroidery machine may be, it would not “know” how to sew your design. Because of this, anytime you want something embroidered onto uniforms, bags, or merchandise, you need to go through the process of having an embroidery digitizing service create your stitch file.
Step 1: Get a Great Quality Logo
Make sure the logo file you wish to submit for embroidery digitizing has been checked prior to submission. The logo must be legible without being pixelated. The best type of file to use is a vector file; however, if the only available format is .png, please check that the .png is of a high enough resolution. Logos with excessive shadowing and/or effects will require some type of editing prior to digitizing for embroidery. Logos that are simpler typically will be easier to stitch, plus the end product will appear cleaner in actual life. Many people are unaware of this until the finished product arrives.
Step 2: Only Use Reliable Embroidery Digitizing Services
Choosing good embroidery digitizing services makes a huge difference; a good digitizing service knows how to set the stitch density, angle, and type for the best results. Free digitizing tools may be sufficient for small jobs but usually lead to messy stitched products and wasted materials. If you are spending money on embroidery, do it right from the beginning by getting the stitch file prepared correctly.
Step 3: Understanding Stitch Types
Embroidery digitizers will set the best types of stitches to use when creating your logo. Satin stitches are used primarily for the edges and letters of your logo, while fill stitches will be utilized for larger areas of your logo. A running stitch is a connection between different areas of your design. Learning the basics will provide you with an understanding of how to better communicate to the digitizer the final result of your logo.
Step 4: Size and Fabric Factor into How the Stitch File is Created
Let the embroidery digitizing service know what type of item you will be placing your logo onto before they create the stitch file. Each item (jackets, t-shirts, caps) has a different setting required for the machine to create the stitch file. If the sizing for the embroidery is too small, thinner text may be bunched together. Likewise, if the fabric is too flimsy, heavy-weight thread used in stitching may create creases in the fabric. You should also inform them of any other type of material that you will be using for your logos (denim, fashion fabrics, etc.). This will assist the digitizer in selecting the best stitching method so that your logo is beautifully placed on top of the fabric.
Step 5: Review Stitch Test to Avoid Errors
It is standard practice among all reputable embroidery digitizing companies to perform a test run prior to full production. A test run of your design allows you to identify small details that may have been overlooked (such as overlapping of threads or color mismatches). By performing a simple test, the cost and waste of fabric will be much less than by doing nothing. Too many times, people do not perform a test run, and, as a result, their logo looks very funny on all fifty shirts.
Final Thoughts
Digitizing your logo into thread is more than simply pressing a button. There are many components involved, and this requires caring, experience, and a basic understanding of the properties of the fabric being used to create the final product. It is for this reason that it is so important to select a good digitizing company. When you have the proper stitch file, it will not just be visible but will look good, hold up to wear, and provide an impression of quality and integrity for your brand. This is why professional embroidery digitizing services come in handy more than you think. It’s the one small thing that ends up making a huge difference in the long run.
