Guides

Embroidery, explained simply

Everything you need to take a logo from artwork to a clean, machine-ready sew-out, without the jargon.

Getting started

How to digitize a logo for embroidery

A plain-English guide to digitizing a logo for embroidery: what digitizing actually means, how auto-digitizing works, and how to turn your artwork into a clean, machine-ready file in minutes.

11 min read · Read →
Reference

Embroidery file formats explained

Which embroidery file format do you need? A clear comparison of PES, DST, JEF, EXP and XXX, which machines use each, and why DST is the safe universal choice.

10 min read · Read →
Artwork prep

The best image to use for digitizing

What kind of image digitizes well? How to prep your artwork for embroidery, vector vs PNG, resolution, simplifying detail, and the sizes thin lines and text need to stitch cleanly.

10 min read · Read →
Sizing

Left-chest logo size & placement

Standard embroidery sizes and placement for left-chest logos, caps, sleeves and full backs, with dimensions in mm and inches, plus rough stitch counts.

9 min read · Read →
How-to

How to convert a PNG to an embroidery file

Turn a PNG or JPG logo into a machine-ready embroidery file. Why you can't just rename it, how tracing works, and how to get a clean PES, DST or JEF.

10 min read · Read →
Buying guide

Free embroidery digitizing, explained

Where to get embroidery digitizing for free, the trade-offs of free tools and built-in fonts, and when auto-digitizing or a paid digitizer is worth it.

10 min read · Read →
Pricing

How much does embroidery digitizing cost?

What logo digitizing actually costs, why prices vary, per-logo vs subscription pricing, and how to keep stitch counts and bills down.

10 min read · Read →
Explainer

Auto-digitizing vs hand-digitizing

Auto-digitizing or hand-digitizing? A clear comparison of speed, cost, quality and control, when each makes sense, and how to get a clean machine file either way.

10 min read · Read →
How-to

How to convert an SVG to an embroidery file

Turn an SVG logo into a machine-ready embroidery file. Why SVG is the ideal starting point, how digitizing works, and how to export PES, DST, JEF, EXP or XXX.

10 min read · Read →
How-to

How to embroider a hat or cap

A practical guide to cap and hat embroidery: the right logo size, where to place it, design limits on a curved panel, and how to prep a machine-ready file.

10 min read · Read →
Reference

Embroidery underlay explained

What embroidery underlay is, the main underlay types, and why this hidden first layer of stitches decides whether your design sits crisp or sinks into the fabric.

9 min read · Read →
How-to

How to convert a JPG to an embroidery file

You can't rename a JPG into an embroidery file, it has to be digitized into stitches. Here's how to turn a JPG logo into a PES, DST, JEF, EXP or XXX file your machine can sew.

9 min read · Read →
How-to

Can you digitize embroidery without software?

You don't need Wilcom, Hatch or any desktop embroidery software to digitize a logo. Here's how online auto-digitizing turns your artwork into a machine file in your browser.

9 min read · Read →
Comparison

Best PNG to embroidery converters

An honest comparison of the best ways to convert a PNG to an embroidery file: Ink/Stitch, SewArt, Wilcom Hatch, Embrilliance, Brother PE-Design and Embify, with the right pick for logos, patches and beginners.

10 min read · Read →
Workwear

Workwear embroidery that survives the wash

Why embroidery on uniforms fails after industrial laundering, and how to stop it, fabric by fabric, from polo piqué and fleece to hi-vis and denim. Stabiliser, underlay, density and thread choices that last.

10 min read · Read →