To achieve the best results, please follow these guidelines when preparing your artwork. We accept most common formats and work with Tajima embroidery machines.
Accepted File Formats
Our Equipment
Tajima Machines
We use Tajima commercial embroidery machines for precise, high-quality stitching on all products.
Adobe Illustrator
Our design team uses Adobe Illustrator for vector artwork preparation and editing.
I2 Embroidery
We use I2 (i> >i>) embroidery software for professional digitizing and stitch file creation.
Design Specifications
| Specification | Recommended | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Image Resolution | 300 DPI | 150 DPI |
| Max Colors (thread) | 8-10 colors | 15 colors |
| Min Text Size (sans-serif) | 0.5" tall | 0.25" tall |
| Min Text Size (serif) | 0.75" tall | 0.5" tall |
| Max Stitch Density | 1500 stitches/sq in | 2000 stitches/sq in |
Best Practices
- Bold, simple designs with clear shapes
- Vector artwork (AI, EPS, SVG) when possible
- High contrast between design and fabric
- Thick lines (minimum 1/16" for best results)
- Solid colors and simple gradients
- Very fine details or thin lines
- Photographs (need to be converted to artwork)
- Small text with serifs
- More than 8-10 thread colors
- Complex color blends and gradients
- White text on light-colored fabrics
Design Tips for Embroidery
Embroidery thread has a thickness. Fine lines may disappear or look muddy. Bold, solid shapes work best.
We match colors to standard thread charts (DMC, Robison-Anton). Exact Pantone matches may vary slightly due to thread availability.
Some fabrics (like fleece) have a "pile" that affects embroidery. We'll advise on the best stitch density for your chosen product.
Simple "stencil" designs (outline only) often look cleaner than filled areas on embroidered products.
Sizing Guide
Here's a general guide for design placement:
| Product | Typical Embroidery Area | Max Design Size |
|---|---|---|
| Left Chest | 4" x 4" | 5" x 5" |
| Full Chest | 10" x 10" | 12" x 12" |
| Hat Front | 2.5" x 2.5" | 3" x 3" |
| Hat Back | 2" x 2" | 3" x 3" |
| Hoodie Back | 12" x 16" | 14" x 18" |
| Sleeve | 3" x 3" | 4" x 4" |
Have artwork questions?
Our design team is here to help optimize your artwork for embroidery.
Contact Us →