Logo embroidery adds a one-of-a-kind custom touch to any garment. Hobby clubs, organizations, small businesses, and corporations can all benefit from this type of apparel. It will help members of a company stand out at a trade show, identify various teams at a tournament, or give all the members a sense of belonging and solidarity, no matter what kind of group they belong to. When arranging for logo embroidery, there are several important points to consider.

1. The Quality of the Image Affects the Quality of the Finished Product

It's extremely important for the art submitted for embroidery to be clean and crisp. A detailed image with fine lines and small print will not translate well to embroidery on decorated apparel. It's best to design a brand new image for this specific purpose. Important points to consider are:

• Any text on the image must be 1/4" tall or larger
• Images should be saved as Adobe Illustrator vector files for best translation to embroidery
• The image should be simple and clear cut without a lot of fine details that won't be appreciated in the medium

2. Logo Embroidery Uses a Variety of Stitches to Create a High Quality Design

When envisioning the finished product, it's important to consider the way a design will look once it has been translated to embroidery. Large areas that are a single color will be covered with a fill stitch. This stitch is smooth and flat. Smaller areas, such as lettering, are typically covered with a satin stitch that has a rounded shape. Fine details are added with a walking stitch. Keep the limitations of these stitches in mind and choose an embroidery design that can be translated well using these three stitch types.

3. The Fabric of Choice Will Have a Major Impact on How the Embroidered Apparel Looks

The best fabrics for embroidered garments are sturdy and thick without deep pile. Twill fabrics and standard outerwear materials work well. It's best to avoid fabric like fleece or terry cloth that has a deep pile, as this can obstruct the embroidered images. It will lose much of its sharpness and clarity in this type of fabric. Soft fabrics like silk or rayon are more difficult to embroider because a high number of stitches are required to stabilize the embroidery and provide a quality image.

4. The Function of the Garment Plays an Important Role in Determining the Best Materials

Embroidered apparel for corporate wear, such as a polo with a company logo, can be embroidered with rayon. This fiber is smooth and sleek, making it the ideal choice for upscale designs. If the apparel will be used for a sports team, scouting group, or other activity that's harder on the garment, its best to opt for polyester thread for logo embroidery. This choice is much more durable.

5. The Location of the Embroidery is Vital in Designing a Garment That Will Serve Its Purpose

Traditional logo embroidery in the upper corner of a shirt is a common default selection. However, it's important to consider the precise purpose of the apparel. If the shirts are for a gardening club or volunteer group who serves food at a shelter, these individuals are likely to wear an apron that may cover the carefully chosen embroidery. In this case, it may be better to move the design to the back of the shirt, or embroider a sleeve. If the apparel is for a group that participates in outdoor activities, a jacket or other type of outerwear may get more attention than the shirt worn underneath.

6. Specialty Thread Can Make All the Difference

The purpose of the apparel and the logo will help determine if and when specialty thread is appropriate. This choice doesn't work for all garments, but it can make a big difference when used correctly. For a younger group, neon, rainbow, color changing, or glow-in-the-dark thread can offer an exciting addition to the embroidery design. Consider the thrill of glowing shirts on a group camping trip, or the excitement of a young garden group at rainbow thread in all the colors of a stunning flowerbed. Metallic or reflective thread can give certain pieces of embroidery an upscale look that's sure to stand out. When using specialty thread, keep the embroidery design extra simple so the thread itself can really stand out.

With these considerations in mind, designing high quality, custom logo embroidery is easier than ever. The right design will create a new favorite garment for everyone in the group.