How To Digitize A Logo For Embroidery (Step By Step Guide)

A logo digitization process consists of converting an existing logo or brand icon into a stitch file that can be embroidered on a piece of fabric. Digitizing involves transferring the logo to digitization software for machine embroidery in JPG or PNG format in order for the machine to understand it. You can convert a logo to vector with adobe illustrator. To manage and print your logo, you must convert it into an embroidery file.

Let’s take a look at a few things that will help you understand how to digitize the logo for embroidery first.

Logo Digitization

Standard computers can read images, but embroidery machines cannot. Embroidery machines can only read images that have been digitized before uploading them. A logo image can be found in files with extensions of jpg, png, or jpeg.

Once converted to their respective extensions, you can upload them to your embroidery machine. Embroidery machines use the following file types:

.dst file: This file extension is used by Tajima embroidery machines to process logos.
.exp file: Only this file extension is processed by Melco embroidery machines.
.jef file: Janome embroidery machine uses this file format to process logos.
.kwk file: This file format is used by Brother commercial embroidery machines.
.dsb file: Files in the .dsb format are the only files that can be processed and accepted by the Barudan embroidery machine.
.tap file: Happy embroidery machine file format.

A Guide To Digitizing Logos For Embroidery

In order to make a proper file that will print your logo, you first need to know what size machine you have and what type of file format you require. The easiest way to digitize embroidery is to use embroidery digitizing software, which is free and designed for embroidery machines.

Step 1: Placing Your Logo

In the beginning, you have to upload your logo or artwork in jpg or png form and design it in the software. By cropping out the unnecessary part of the logo or the blank space you don’t like, you can make the logo look better. Embroidery software also allows you to preview the logo after it has been embroidered. You can design your art and upload it to the machine.

When you select an image to be embroidered, you can perform the following operations: zoom, crop, and colors.

Step 2: Adjusting the Embroidery Design Size

It is important to enter your embroidered logo dimensions exactly as they appear on the fabric, as the machine will print them just as they appear. The logo space needs to be measured very carefully and the desired dimensions should be input exactly as they are.

A feature of the software shows you how the logo will appear on the fabric in reality, so you won’t get upset. As soon as you determine the proper dimensions, you can see how the logo will look on the product.

Step 3: The selection of a stitch type

It is possible to acquire various looks, decorations, textures, and much more by using various stitches. You must also consider the maximum stitch length and ‘push and pull’ of each stitch type, based on the type of garment.

The following are the three most commonly used embroidery stitches:

Straight Stitch

To achieve various looks, textures, and more, you can use fundamental stitching. Also, the straight stitch does not have to be straight since it can create curves as well. Similarly, you can create curved shapes by repeating a straight stitch over the same place and thick lines by repeating the straight stitch.

The most common uses for them are in shading, outlining, and details, as they are the basis for all embroidery.

Satin Stitch

Text embroidery is usually done in satin stitch. This stitch is used because it has a longer thread length and a shiny appearance. 12.1mm is the maximum stitch length of satin stitch. As it uses a long thread length, it is usually used for words, texts, borders, and shiny appearances.

Fill Stitch

As its name implies, the fill stitch is used to repeat the same pattern of stitches. This technique gives embroidery a woven appearance and feels by using alternated lines. Fill stitch lengths can go up to 4mm. As it repeats the patterns and produces durable fabric, it is most frequently used for filling, textured looks, huge graphics, and embroidery.

Step 4: Set Stitch Direction

Stitch direction allows you to specify how your embroidery machine will follow the road map created by the stitch type. The stitch pattern you choose depends on the texture, shape, and color you want. The fabric will have too many jumps and trims if you skip this step.

Stitch direction is crucial for an attractive embroidery pattern; if you don’t set the stitch direction properly, it will look unsightly. You can also save time by selecting the stitch direction correctly. In this way, the thread won’t be overused.

Step 5: Choose Your Embroidery Thread Colors

In order to avoid having to redo the process all over, it is crucial to choose thread colors that match the printing logo. The thread guidelines explain what thread color is best for each situation if you are unsure what color to choose. You can simplify your work by picking the right colors for your sewing machine, and the design will be perfect.

Step 6: Transferring The File To The Embroidery Machine

After the made-up file is copied to the machine, the next step is to run it. The embroidery file must be copied into the software or machine. Using a USB drive, a data cable, or a disk, upload it to the machine. Copy the software directly from the same computer if you have it installed

Step 7: Getting the machine ready

The design elements must first be entered before digitizing the logo on the fabric. Before printing on the fabric, you need to define needles, threads, orientation, and embroidery sequence. Embroidering materials can be placed into embroidery frames by sliding them into machine arms.

Step 8: Take a look at your digitized logo

The logo will be digitized on the product by your machine. If it needs to be adjusted, redo it after making changes as needed after you’ve completed it, and compare it with the design. The steps should be repeated after any adjustments have been made to reach the perfect solution. Your embroidery logo has now been digitized

Embroidery Digitization Tips & Tricks

In order for your logo to look great during embroidery digitizing, follow these tips. Here are some tips and tricks to help you:

1. Keep the design simple: Embroidery is easier when a design is simpler, which makes digitization easier.
2. Choose the right thread: Your embroidery’s look and feel will be affected by the thread you choose.
3. Use high-quality images: The final product will look sharp and clear if you use high-quality images when digitizing your logo.
4. Test before you stitch: Make a pattern test on a scrap piece of fabric before stitching your logo. By doing this, you can make any necessary changes before committing to a final version of the work.
Your finished embroidered logo will be beautiful and high-quality if you follow these tips and tricks.

Final thought

Following these simple steps will help you digitize your logo. You won’t have to spend too much time doing it, and it is straightforward. Using your digitized logo on an embroidery project is easy once it is done.

Having learned how to digitize, you can now create vector art and embroidery files for yourself. Want us to do it for you? No worries, with vectorior you get logo setup on all of your products. That means one of our digitizing experts will ensure that your company logo is digitized in the best way possible. In the meantime, you can convert your logo to vector format with our logo vectorization service. Schedule an appointment to get the best service.