In embroidery, what you see on the garment is only half the story. The real magic begins with digitising—the technical process of turning your artwork into a format embroidery machines can read.
We don’t outsource this process. Why? Because high-quality embroidery depends on precise digitising tailored to your logo, garment, thread type, and embroidery style. Many providers cut corners—but we stitch them right in.
What Is Embroidery Digitising?
Embroidery digitising is the process of converting a logo or design into a stitch file that tells our machines how to bring your design to life. It determines stitch type, direction, density, and even which needle to use.
Think of it like creating a blueprint for your embroidery. A poorly digitised file can make even the best design look messy, misaligned, or just… off.
Key Areas of Professional Digitising
1. Artwork Preparation
Small text, gradients, and shadows don’t always translate well to thread. We adjust designs to maintain clarity without losing impact—especially important for embroidered logos.
2. Stitch Type Selection
Different parts of a design may require:
Satin stitches for borders or medium text
Fill stitches for large areas
Running stitches for outlines or fine detail
3D puff for raised, bold lettering
Chenille for soft, looped, textured finishes—great for varsity-style looks
Each of these requires its own unique digitising strategy.
3. Needle & Thread Considerations
We use a variety of thread types—like metallic, polyester, or fine threads—depending on the design and garment.
Certain threads require specific needle sizes and types to avoid fraying, breakage, or puckering. For example:
Fine threads: smaller needles for intricate detail
Metallic threads: large-eyed needles to reduce friction
Puff embroidery: special digitising to cut through foam layers cleanly
4. 3D Puff Digitising
This eye-catching technique involves laying down foam beneath the thread for a raised finish. It needs:
Increased density
Sharp entry/exit points
Controlled stitch angles to slice cleanly through foam
Get it wrong, and the puff collapses. Get it right, and it pops—literally.
5. Chenille Digitising
Chenille requires a completely different file structure, often using chain and loop stitches for that textured, classic feel. It's commonly used on letterman jackets, patches, or high-end branding pieces.
6. Stitch Density & Underlay
The stitch density must be perfectly balanced—too tight, and the fabric puckers; too loose, and the design loses shape. We apply the right underlay to stabilise the fabric before the top stitching begins.
7. Pull & Push Compensation
All fabrics stretch and react differently under high-speed stitching. We calculate the right adjustments so your design doesn’t shift, warp, or misalign—especially important on stretchy fabrics like performance wear.
8. Fabric-Specific Settings
A design stitched onto a fleece needs completely different settings from one on a softshell or polo shirt. We tailor every digitised file to the fabric’s weight, texture, and weave.
Why We Digitise In-House at PrintLab.Clothing
Most providers outsource digitising to cheap third-party services. The result? Generic files that don’t account for your fabric, thread, or stitch type. That’s why we never outsource.
Our in-house digitising gives you:
Consistent quality across every garment
Fewer thread breaks and production issues
Accurate test runs before your order goes live
Custom files built for your specific needs, not one-size-fits-all shortcuts
The Difference You Can See and Feel
Whether it’s a small left-chest logo or bold back-of-jacket branding, every stitch should be:
Sharp
Durable
Comfortable
True to your brand
And whether we’re running fine thread on lightweight polos or doing 3D puff on a heavy-duty hoodie, we make sure every file is perfect before it hits the machine.
📞 Want to see the difference pro digitising makes?
Call us today on 023 9257 1900 and let PrintLab.Clothing turn your logo into something worth stitching.
