What Is Digitizing for Embroidery?
Digitizing for embroidery is the process of converting a regular image, logo, or artwork into a stitch file that an embroidery machine can read. Unlike normal image editing, digitizing requires placing stitches manually so the final embroidery looks clean, smooth, and professional.
If you want to embroider logos on hats, shirts, jackets, uniforms, patches, bags, or promotional items, digitizing is the first and most important step.
Why Is Digitizing Important?
A perfect embroidery result depends on perfect digitizing.
Good digitizing ensures:
- Clean and sharp outlines
- Smooth satin stitches
- Proper density (not too heavy, not too light)
- No thread breaks
- Perfect results on any fabric like cotton, polyester, fleece, caps, leather, or denim
Cheap digitizing often causes puckering, gaps, uneven stitches, and messy results. That’s why professional digitizing is required for quality embroidery.
How Does Digitizing Work?
Digitizing is done using specialized software such as:
- Wilcom
- Hatch
- Pulse Tajima
- Embird
- Brother PE-Design
The digitizer manually adds:
- Stitch types (satin, fill, run)
- Pull compensation
- Underlay stitching
- Density
- Pathing
- Trim and lock stitches
Finally, the design is exported to machine-readable formats like DST, PES, JEF, EXP, VP3, HUS, etc.
What Files Are Needed for Digitizing?
You can digitize from almost any file:
- PNG
- JPG
- AI
- SVG
- EPS
Higher-quality images create better embroidery results.
Best Practices for High-Quality Digitizing
✓ Use clean and high-resolution artwork
Clear images make it easier to digitize properly.
✓ Add proper underlay
This ensures the design stays stable on fabric.
✓ Choose the correct stitch type
Satin for small areas, fill for larger areas.
✓ Set correct density
Too much density = thread breaks
Too little density = gaps
✓ Keep small text readable
Minimum recommended letter height = 0.25 inches (6 mm)
Digitizing for Different Fabrics
Fabric plays a big role in how digitizing should be done:
| Fabric Type | Digitizing Requirements |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Medium density, standard underlay |
| Caps/Hats | Strong underlay, center-out stitching |
| Fleece | More density + topping |
| Polyester | Reduce density to avoid puckering |
| Leather | Long stitches + less penetration |
Advantages of Professional Digitizing
- Clean and sharp finish
- Faster embroidery machine output
- No wastage of thread
- Better quality for business branding
- Customer satisfaction and repeat clients
Typical Prices for Digitizing
Most embroidery digitizing services charge:
- $10–$20 for small logos
- $25–$50 for detailed or large designs
- $5–$10 for text-only designs
Prices depend on size, details, and stitch count.
Who Needs Digitizing Services?
- Clothing brands
- Custom merch creators
- Sports teams
- Uniform suppliers
- Promotional product companies
- Small home-based embroidery businesses
If you’re running a business in embroidery, digitizing is your foundation.
