Embroidery Digitizing Services

Short answer: embroidery digitizing turns your logo into a stitch file that an embroidery machine can run. We hand-digitize every logo in house, starting at $16.99 as a one-time charge, and we keep the file on record so an exact reorder does not pay for it again. Send a vector file (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) or a high-res PNG, and the digitizing is done as part of your embroidery order.

A logo file and a stitch file are two different things. Your logo is a picture. A stitch file is a list of instructions: where the needle goes, in what order, which way the thread runs and how tight it packs. Somebody has to build those instructions by hand, and that work decides whether the logo comes out sharp or comes out as a blob.

What Our Digitizing Includes

• A hand-built stitch file. No auto-digitize button. A person maps every part of your logo.
• The right stitch type for each shape. Run stitch for fine lines, satin for lettering and borders, fill (tatami) for big areas.
• Underlay and density set for your garment. A pique polo, a fleece hoodie and a structured cap all need different foundations so the logo does not sink, pucker or shift.
• Pull compensation. Thread pulls fabric as it sews. Shapes get widened on purpose so circles stay round and letters stay even.
• Clean pathing. A smart stitch order means fewer trims and color stops, which keeps edges lined up.
• Thread color matching. Give us your Pantone colors and we match the closest thread and show you before we run.
• A check before production. We sew it out and look at it before the full run goes on the machine.
• File storage. Your file stays on record for reorders.

Want the deep version? Read why your logo needs to be redrawn for thread and stitch counts, file types and logo prep.

Digitizing and Embroidery Pricing

See every rate on the pricing page, or read how much custom embroidery costs for what moves the number.

What File Should You Send?

Only have a fuzzy file? Our design team can redraw it first. Ask us what that costs for your logo. AI-generated logos are fine too, as long as the file is big and clean.

Turnaround

Digitizing is part of your embroidery order, not a separate line in the schedule. Standard production for the whole order is 10–14 business days from your approved proof, plus shipping. Got a hard date? Put it in the quote form and we will tell you up front what is possible.

Sizes, Puff and Different Garments

• One file, one size. A stitch file cannot be scaled much. Going up or down more than about 10–15% breaks the density, so a new size means new digitizing.
• 3D puff is its own file. Puff gets digitized differently from flat stitching so the thread fully covers the foam. Bold letters only. See flat vs puff vs 3D foam embroidery.
• Small text has limits. Lettering under about 0.20 inch (0.25 inch on caps and pique) fills in. If your tagline is tiny, we will tell you before you pay for it.

Reorders and Your File

We keep your stitch file on record, and as a matter of practice we hold files indefinitely. An exact reorder with no art changes skips digitizing. If the artwork changes, even a little, that part gets set up again. The full rules are on our reorder and artwork storage page.

Need just the file for your own machine? Ask us. Call or email with your logo and the format your machine reads, and we will tell you what we can do.

Ready to put the logo on something? See custom embroidery services, embroidered hats in bulk and embroidered polos in bulk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is embroidery digitizing?
It is the process of turning artwork into a stitch file an embroidery machine can read. A digitizer sets every stitch type, direction, density, underlay and the sewing order by hand.

How much does embroidery digitizing cost?
Digitizing starts at $16.99 as a one-time charge per logo and size. Large or very detailed designs, like full jacket backs, are quoted. An exact reorder does not pay for digitizing again.

What file do I need to send for digitizing?
A vector file (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) is best. A high-res PNG at the size you want stitched also works. Screenshots and low-res JPGs give poor results.

How long does digitizing take?
Digitizing is done as part of your embroidery order. Standard production for the full order is 10–14 business days from your approved proof, plus shipping.

Can I get my stitch file for my own embroidery machine?
Ask us. Call or email with your logo and the format your machine reads, and we will tell you what we can do.

Can one stitch file be used for a hat and a jacket back?
No. A stitch file only scales about 10–15% before the density breaks down, so a different size or placement needs its own digitizing.