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If you have ever wondered how embroideries are done that the logo comes out looking very beautiful, neat, and blends with the merch, then you may want to consider knowing how to digitize a logo. Because therein lies the secret to the beauty!
Oftentimes, printed logos are not as preferred as embroidery logos because the print can deteriorate over time and wear off the merch. hence, most brands prefer to use embroidery instead. And to get this done, you have to digitize your logo for embroidery.
As easy as this may sound, digitizing a logo isn’t entirely straightforward. In fact, it’s a complex process, one which you need a guide from an expert to carry out effectively.
You can bypass this complex process by having our expert team at SleekBlue Media Houz handle it for you. But if you choose to believe that it’s something you can do, then follow these steps below.
Let’s get started!
What is Logo Digitization?
Before we go to explain how to digitize a logo, we must first understand what it really means.
Digitizing a logo is synonymous with “how to embroider a logo. Usually, before you can use an embroidery machine, you have to convert your logo to such a way the machine understands them. You can do this by converting them to embroidery files.
Every file depends on the kind of machine you have, hence, you must use the correct file format for the machine.
What I’m trying to say is that before you can use your logo for embroidery, you have to digitize it. The process is what we’d discuss below.
READ MORE: How to Make a Logo in Adobe Photoshop Easily
How to digitize an image for embroidery?
To digitize an image for embroidery is also known as how to digitize a logo. Follow the steps below.
How to Digitize a Logo
Here’s how you can digitize a logo for embroidery
#1. Use a Digitizing Software
The first step to digitizing an image for embroidery is to have a logo. If you don’t have one, you should consider making one or requesting one from our designers.
Whether you are looking for a baby item logo, real estate logo, restaurant logo, or any type of branding, we have a suitable design for you.
Afterward, place the design file into a digitizing software to remove any spaces around the image for embroidery. You can use Adobe Illustrator to digitize your images.
#2. Set Appropriate Size
The next step is to ensure you set your image to the appropriate size. measure the space on the merch where you want your logo to appear.
Before you lock the picture, ensure you have set the correct and precise dimension for your logo. This is because the final product will have the exact design size of the logo over it.
READ MORE: 10 Best Computer for Graphic Design
#3. Choose Stitch Type
Manufacturers use different stitch types to create unique designs, looks, textures, etc. The fabric type, maximum stitch length, push and pull resistance of cloth are all factors that you must consider.
Common stitch types for machine-based embroidery include;
- Straight stitch
- Fill stitch
- Satin stitch
a. Straight Stitch
The straight stitch is a foundational stitch for embroidery in which straight lines of stitches are repeated to make a pattern. You can create thick lines by repeating a straight stitch many times.
It’s important to note that straight stitches are not just for straight lines, they can be used to make curved shapes too.
Straight stitches are most commonly used for shading, outlining, and more detailed work.
b. Fill Stitch
Just as the name implies, the fill stitch is majorly used to fill in patterns. They are alternating lines used to give the embroidery a woven appearance. The maximum stitch length for fill stitches is 4mm.
Fill stitch is also known as ceding stitch or tatami stitch and is most commonly used for creating a textured look, filling in blank space, larger designs, and more durable applications.
c. Satin Stitch
If you want to embroider your text, then the satin stitch is the stitch type you need. Its longer thread length gives it a shiny look that works perfectly for lettering. The maximum stitch length for satin stitches is 12.1mm.
Satin stitches are most commonly used for borders, words, and text, and achieving a shiny look.
READ MORE: What is Digital Printing? How Does it Work?
#4. Stitch Direction
Creating a stitch direction allows you to create a guide the machine can go with. This step is very important as the machine needs instructions for every stitch.
The pattern of the stitch can give the fabric different shades and contours to replicate the logo design in the best way possible.
Do not skip this step as your end product may have to undergo wackiness and a very uneven stitch pattern by the machine. The correct stitch will save you in terms of threads costs and time as well.
As they say, a stitch in time saves nigh
#5. Choose Embroidery Thread Colors
Selecting the right thread colors is just as important as determining your fabric and stitch type.
The colors decide how accurately you replicate the digitized version of your logo. Ensure you select the colors that’d complement your logo design.
#6. Transfer and Digitize File for Embroidery
After converting your logo file to an embroidery file, the next step is to upload the converted embroidery file to the machine you’d use for embroidery.
The transfer process is very easy. You can use either a USB cable, a flash drive, or a computer that contains the embroidery software.
At this stage, it is essential that your embroidery machine recognizes the file before it starts working on it. Hence, ensure you’re using a file type that’d be easy for the machine to recognize.
Below are several file formats for an embroidery machine.
- .kwk: embroidery file format for Brother commercial embroidery machines
- .exp: embroidery file format for Melco commercial embroidery machines
- .tap: embroidery file format for Happy commercial embroidery machines
- .jef: embroidery file format for Janome commercial embroidery machines
- dst: embroidery file format for Tajima commercial embroidery machines
- .dsb: embroidery file format for Barudan commercial embroidery machines
READ MORE: What Does Collate Mean When Printing?
#7. Prepare the Embroidery Machine
Before your embroidery machine can start stitching your digitized logo over your merch, you must first prepare it for stitching.
You must notify the machine about the preferred settings it should use. From the threads to the stitching pattern, thread colors, orientation, and needles, the system has to be aware of these settings.
However, all of these largely depend on the type of stitch you intend to use and the software as well.
#8. Test your digitized logo with a sample
The final step is to test the performance of the machine while working with your digitized logo.
Before you go ahead to produce in bulk, you must first carry out a final check to see if the design requires any last-minute changes before you start embroidering.
READ MORE: What’s the Difference Between Vinyl and Flex Printing?
Conclusion
Now that you know how to digitize your logo, you can start by creating your own logo. But, if you want us to do it for you? No problem. One of our in-house expert designers will ensure your brand logo is digitized in the best way possible.
If you have any questions or suggestions, let us know in the comments section.
All the best!
Reference – Graphicsprings
