The Basics of Embroidery Digitizing Services: How It Works

In the old days, most embroidery was done by hand, and they could cost a pretty penny. Embroidery digitizing has made the process much easier to mass manufacture, though designing around the machines can be challenging for beginners. How do embroidery digitizing services even work? Is it worth using as opposed to normal printing?

We wouldn’t blame you for thinking all this–but we assure you, that embroidery digitizing services are essential for numerous fields. And not just clothing brand apparel! (Though it’s still the best-looking use case out there). Custom embroidery comes in handy as a great option for its durability and look, and it’ll probably work better for you than you think. 

Let’s take a look at the basics of embroidery digitizing services, how it works, and how you can use it for your brand.

How do embroidery digitizing services work?

Embroidery digitizing services are straightforward–they take your design and convert it into a digital file that is then printed by a machine. The result is a custom embroidery that suits your brand’s purpose. Simple, right? 

Well, the general process is, but there’s an expertise required to effectively convert a design from a flat image to a custom embroidery. The digitizing team instructs the machine on what stitch types to use, when to use them, and where. It requires a lot of the same knowledge as hand-sewn embroidery (but with less pain in the hands themselves).

What tools do embroidery digitizing services use?

You can ask your embroidery digitizing service of choice for what software they use, but these are the most popular options:

• Wilcom: The most powerful software for embroidery digitizing services, provides the widest range of options for digitizing. Supports almost all embroidery file types.
• Hatch: A more accessible software produced by the Wilcom company, with great options for intermediate embroidery services. Supports most file types.
• Embird: Easy to use and relatively straightforward. It’s a bit on the older side in terms of software.
• Printavo: A more modern software with added practical functionalities for businesses.
• Tajima: An advanced software that has a variety of options for high-level printing capabilities and otherwise. Works best with the Tajima embroidery hardware.

Keep in mind that some of these software (like Tajima) only work with their respective hardware. This is also why it’s often more convenient to go to an embroidery digitizing service rather than trying to do it at home. But is it worth it?

What are the benefits of embroidery?

You’ve probably found embroidery in more places than you think–baseball caps, worker uniforms, even corporate merchandise. That’s because embroidery has one of the longest shelf life in the apparel business and can even take decades to wear down. Beyond that, embroidery also has many other benefits including:

• Having a distinct professional appearance
• Working with basically any type of fabric, natural or synthetic
• Usable in numerous merchandise other than just apparel
• Looking fantastically stylish in apparel, not to mention premium
• Easy way to make any clothing brand stand out

Design tips for embroidery digitizing

So embroidery will look great for your brand–how can you make one? The design concept is actually similar to screen printing: be as simple as possible. 

While embroidery can theoretically handle very robust designs, complex designs come with complicated techniques. More stitch types, swatches, colors, and general expertise means a higher price tag for your embroidery digitizing service.

If you want to make the most of your chosen embroidery digitizing service, follow these steps:

• Make sure your design is simple. Three or four colors or less is ideal, and the colors have to be in clear blocks that the machine can read. Avoid photographic or gradient images.
• Turn this design into a vector (which you also use in t-shirt printing software). Make sure to also have the correct proportions and measurements based on what you’re printing. Putting down a measuring ruler near your art works well here.
• Convert it into an embroidery format of choice, like EXP, DST, VP3 or PES.
• Communicate with your embroidery services on thread colors, fabric, and even stitch types if you have any specific requests. 
• Optionally, learn the different types of stitches. Straight stitches are used for outlining and clear details, satin stitches are for fancy flourishes and curved lines like text, and fill stitches are for filling the blanks. Knowing these basics will help you communicate any confusing points with your embroidery digitizing services.
• Request test swatches and samples before going forward with a full mass-manufactured print. Once you’re satisfied with the result, you can move forward to requesting larger units.

You can also request to see samples of the different embroidery types your service may offer. Shirtual’s wide category of custom embroidery services includes rocking thread embroidery, retro chenille, and even young fluff embroidery. Check out our full collection of prints here!

Where to use custom embroidery 

We mentioned briefly that custom embroidery can be very versatile–but just how versatile? And what are the most common ways to use custom embroidery in brands? 

If you’re a corporate brand, custom embroidery is great for worker uniforms and corporate gifts. These stitches last longer than any type of print and will remain professional all throughout the year. It’s mainly useful for employees who have to use their uniforms consistently. Having employees wear a worn printed logo may look unprofessional to new customers, so custom embroidery avoids frequent changes or replacements. 

Beyond that, custom embroidery is also amazing for apparel services and merchandise. The different variations of embroidery make any outfit look sleek and new, even if the design is on the plainer side. Even high-fashion outlets use simple custom embroidery techniques like patching to make their designs pop.

Finding the right custom embroidery service 

So you’re going to use custom embroidery in your brand–what service should you go to? If you’re a local Singaporean, you can find a handful of on-the-ground businesses like Stitchsmith Embroidery Specialist. There are also a decent number of t-shirt printing services that have logo embroidery options for businesses.

Looking for something with a wider range of options for your apparel brand? Consider hitting up Shirtual! Our print selection is designed to appeal to creatives with a grander taste of fashion and design. Beyond our eclectic custom embroidery options, we also provide puff printing and knitted apparel, among other choices.

That’s far from the only thing Shirtual can do for your brand. Our one-stop solutions provide new brands access to worldwide distribution, elaborate production, manufacturing, storage, and consistent consultation. Focus on your branding–let us help handle the rest.