Graphic design tips for embroidery

Logos on apparel are not the same as in print. The artist needs to make alterations to compensate for the embroidery process which includes height, width, and texture, or depth. The third dimension is achieved by using thread.

The most common:

Type: no smaller than 1/4 inch tall

Thicken lines: Most logos require that type be thickened. A good rule of thumb is to fatten everything from 1/64" to 1/16" depending on the fabric type, the overall size of the logo itself, etc. Since not all fabrics are the same, your logo may need to be adjusted for various pieces. For circular areas of designs, draw past the point they would normally end up due to the push and the pull of the thread. It is much easier for a puncher to digitize a design after the artist has changed these things first, than for the puncher to try to compensate blindly.

Fill-in: Depending on whether you are printing on a solid or a design print, you may need to add additional colors. Fills Areas are usually thicker than about 3/8". Create a border, or column, all the way around the shape. Draw the columns at least 1/4" wide (@ 4X enlargement), again using dividers, so that they end up sewing at 1/16". These column borders help keep the fill edges more stable and give the design a nice, clean look.

Knockouts: Save on stitches for areas that need no color by allowing the fabric to show through

Details and features: May be lost, flattened or dull. For a pique polo you need to greatly exaggerate features such as silhouettes of people's faces.