🪡Creating the perfect embroidery file

Embroidery adds a professional, textured look to your products. But because it’s stitched (not printed), your designs need a bit more prep work. Follow these best practices to ensure your embroidery comes out looking sharp every time.

1. Flat embroidery: A technique where stitches are embroidered flat on the surface.

2. Thread colors: All the available colors.

3. Tatami fill: Rows of run stitches. Used to fill large areas.

4. 3D Puff embroidery: A technique where the embroidery is raised. Used mostly for big shapes.

5. Satin stitch outline: A long, straight embroidery stitch. Used to outline an object or to cap a 3D Puff design.

6. Run stitch: A single line stitch. Used for small design details.

What to Keep in Mind

• Use DYLI’s Built-In Designer: Our system automatically flags designs that are too small or unsuitable for embroidery. If something needs adjusting, you’ll get a prompt so you can fix it before production.

• Minor Alterations May Happen: If guidelines aren’t fully followed, we might make small tweaks (like slightly enlarging text or adjusting spacing) to ensure the design embroiders correctly.

• Check for Updates: Always look for any updates to our embroidery guidelines. We’re continually improving the process to help you create the best possible products.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Standard Embroidery

• Text Too Small or Lines Too Thin

  • Keep text at least 0.25″ tall (≈ 36pt font) and lines at least 0.05″ thick.

  • Smaller text or thinner lines can become illegible.

• Overly Detailed or Distressed Graphics

  • Fine details don’t translate well to stitches. Simplify small elements and avoid rough textures.

• Solid Backgrounds & Big Fills

  • Large filled areas can be stiff and increase stitch count. Where possible, leave blank space or simplify shapes.

Unlimited Color Embroidery

• Tiny Designs with Many Details

  • Avoid placing tiny elements smaller than 0.86″ (20 mm) wide. Small shapes can shift or look distorted.

• Gradients & Complex Color Transitions

  • Threads aren’t great at smooth fades. Stick to large, solid color blocks if you want multiple colors.

• Neon or Metallic Threads

  • Specialty threads look great but have unique requirements. Check with us about availability and best practices.

3D Puff & Side Embroidery

• 3D Puff

  • Creates a raised effect but requires special spacing and stitch planning.

• Side Embroidery

  • Placement can be tricky on curved surfaces (like hats). Double-check sizing and area constraints.

Tips for Success

• Simplify Your Design: Bold shapes and clear text work better than highly detailed art.

• Check Font Sizes: Make sure your letters and lines meet the recommended minimum sizes so they’re legible.

• Reuse Digitized Files: If you have a design that’s already digitized and approved, you can save time and cost by using it again for the same type of embroidery.

• Join Our Community: Connect with fellow creators and collectors on our Discord. Share ideas, get feedback, and stay in the loop on all things DYLI.