A custom embroidered logo passes through five stages before it reaches your polo shirt. Understanding the process helps you supply the right file first time and avoid delays.
Stage 1: Artwork review
We look at your logo and assess:
- Size it will be stitched at (usually 7 to 10cm for a chest)
- Colour count (each thread colour adds production time)
- Fine detail and minimum line thickness
- Text legibility at final size
If any element is too small, too thin, or too complex, we recommend simplifications before digitising starts.
Stage 2: Digitising
Digitising converts your logo into stitch paths. The digitiser decides:
- Direction of each stitch
- Density of fill stitches
- Underlay for fabric stabilisation
- Path order (which element stitches first)
This is a craft, not a simple file conversion. A well-digitised logo stitches cleanly; a poorly-digitised one distorts the fabric or produces uneven edges.
Cost: £25 one-off per new logo. Waived on orders over 50 units. Re-use the same digitised file on any future order at no extra cost.
Time: 1 to 2 working days.
Stage 3: Test stitch
Before production, we run a test stitch on a sample of the same fabric. This is where we catch:
- Fabric puckering (needs different underlay)
- Thread colour mismatches against your brand guide
- Letter spacing that needs tightening
- Distortion on stretchy or thin fabrics
You approve the test stitch (usually via photo) before we run the full order.
Stage 4: Production
Commercial embroidery machines run multiple heads simultaneously, stitching the same design on 2 to 6 garments at once. Production rates:
- Small logo (7cm, 5000 stitches): 3 to 5 minutes per garment
- Medium logo (10cm, 10,000 stitches): 6 to 10 minutes
- Large back piece (30cm, 60,000 stitches): 40 to 60 minutes
An order of 50 chest logos typically runs in one working day.
Stage 5: Quality check and finishing
Each garment is checked for:
- Loose threads (trimmed)
- Backing paper removed
- Final thread density
- Correct placement
For orders with extra finishing (folding, tagging, poly-bag packing), this happens in the garment finishing stage.
File formats we accept
Best to worst:
- Vector (.ai, .eps, .pdf, .svg): ideal, we can scale and digitise cleanly
- High-res PNG (300 dpi, transparent background): workable
- PDF with embedded vector: fine
- JPG or low-res image: often requires redraw before digitising
If you only have a low-res logo, we can redraw it as vector for £15 to £40 depending on complexity.
Thread colour matching
Embroidery threads come in a standard chart (Madeira, Isacord). We match your brand colour to the nearest thread shade.
For strict brand guidelines:
- Supply Pantone references
- We provide thread sample before production for approval
For simpler brands, we pick a visually close match.
Stitch count and pricing
Embroidery is priced by stitch count, not size directly:
| Stitches | Design example | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5,000 | Small text or simple icon | £2.50 to £3.50 |
| 5,000 to 10,000 | Standard chest logo | £3.50 to £5 |
| 10,000 to 20,000 | Detailed chest or small back | £5 to £8 |
| 20,000+ | Full back piece | £10+ |
The digitiser tells us the stitch count after processing.
Common fabrics and what to expect
- Polo shirts (piqué): ideal, stitches cleanly
- T-shirts (jersey cotton): works with proper stabiliser
- Hoodies: good on the chest, trickier over pockets
- Fleece: can distort, needs careful digitising
- Caps: excellent, uses a specialised cap frame
- Bags and totes: good on canvas, not on waterproof nylon
Lead time
Standard production:
- New logo, first order: 5 to 7 working days (includes digitising + test)
- Re-order with existing file: 3 to 5 working days
- Same-day or next-day possible on 1 to 5 units with existing file
Ordering
Send your logo and garment choice to [email protected]. We will reply with:
- Recommended size and placement
- Digitising quote
- Production quote (per unit)
- Lead time
- Sample test timeline
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