When it comes to creating high-quality embroidered and printed garments, the quality of the final product is only as good as the artwork provided. At SpeedStitch, we want to make the process as smooth as possible for our customers, ensuring you get the best possible results with minimal hassle. Here’s everything you need to know about artwork requirements for both embroidery and print – and why they matter.
Why Do Artwork Requirements Matter?
We know that when you send us a logo or design, you expect it to look amazing on your garments. But not all files are created equal! Having the right artwork in the right format means:
- Sharper detail – Crisp, professional-looking embroidery and print.
- Faster turnaround – No delays due to artwork needing adjustments.
- Lower costs – Avoid extra charges for artwork re-drawing or editing.
- Consistent branding – Your logo looks exactly how you envisioned, every time.
Let’s break it down by decoration method:
Embroidery Artwork Requirements
Embroidery is all about precision and stitchwork. To ensure your design stitches out beautifully, we need:
1. High-Resolution Artwork
- Preferred format: Vector files (.ai, .eps, .svg, .pdf) or high-quality PNG/JPEG (at least 300dpi).
- Avoid pixelated or low-resolution images—they don’t translate well into embroidery.
2. Simple & Clear Designs
- Small text and fine details don’t embroider well. We recommend fonts no smaller than 5mm in height.
- Gradients and very fine lines don’t translate well to thread, so solid colours work best.
3. Font & Text Considerations
- Minimum font size: Embroidery machines require text to be at least 5mm high for legibility.
- Best font types: Bold, sans-serif fonts work best (e.g., Arial, Helvetica) as they stitch clearly.
- Avoid: Thin, script, or highly detailed fonts—they can become unreadable when stitched.
4. Colour Specifications
- Let us know the exact thread colours you want! We match to Pantone shades or the closest embroidery thread equivalent.
5. Size Matters
- Maximum embroidery size depends on the placement. A left chest logo is typically 100mm wide, while larger back designs can be up to 250mm wide.
Print Artwork Requirements
Printing offers more flexibility in detail and colour, but still requires clean artwork for the best results.
1. Vector Files for Best Quality
- Preferred format: Vector files (.ai, .eps, .svg, .pdf) ensure sharp edges and scalability.
- If providing a raster image (.png or .jpeg), ensure it’s at least 300dpi at actual print size.
2. Transparency Matters
- If your design has no background, make sure you send us a transparent PNG or vector file.
- Flattened images with white backgrounds may not print as expected!
3. Colour Mode & Matching
- Artwork should be in CMYK colour mode, not RGB, for accurate colour reproduction.
- If you have specific brand colours, send us the Pantone references to ensure accurate matching.
4. Print Size & Bleed
- Let us know the exact dimensions you want the design printed at.
- If you’re providing artwork for all-over printing, include a 3mm bleed to avoid unwanted white edges.
Common Issues & How to Avoid Them
Many common artwork issues can delay orders or affect quality. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Blurry or pixelated images – Always provide high-resolution artwork.
- Too much detail for embroidery – Simplify your design for the best stitch results.
- Incorrect file types – Avoid screenshots or Word document images; vector files work best.
- Colour discrepancies – Provide Pantone codes to ensure consistency.
- Unreadable fonts in embroidery – Ensure text is at least 5mm high and in a simple, bold font.
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered!
If you’re unsure whether your artwork meets the requirements, don’t worry – we’re happy to help. We offer artwork advice and can tweak files where needed to get them print or embroidery ready. Just send us what you have, and we’ll guide you from there.
By following these guidelines, you’ll get the best possible results while keeping things smooth and efficient. Need your logo embroidered or printed? Get in touch today!