Professional Embroidery Digitizing Services Across the USA

Core Embroidery Stitch Types

Three primary stitch types form the foundation of all embroidery. Learn more about embroidery stitch types here:

Satin Stitch (Column Stitch):
The most common stitch for text, borders, and outlines. Stitches run perpendicular across a narrow column, creating a smooth, shiny surface. Maximum width is typically 10mm-beyond that, stitches become too long and prone to snagging. Proper digitizing uses multiple columns with overlap rather than forcing a single wide satin. Poor satin digitizing creates loose, droopy edges or excessive density that puckers fabric.

Tatami Fill (Fill Stitch):
Used for large filled areas like background shapes and solid blocks. Stitches run at consistent angles (usually 45°) in rows, creating a woven texture. Stitch density determines whether the fill is soft and flexible or stiff and bulletproof. Production-grade tatami uses variable density-denser at edges for clean definition, lighter in centers to preserve hand-feel. Underlay is critical for tatami to prevent fabric show-through.

Running Stitch (Walk Stitch):
Single-pass stitching for fine details, outlines, and underlays. Forms the foundation beneath satin and tatami. Triple-run (three passes) creates bold outlines. Running stitch is fast, uses minimal thread, and adds flexibility-making it ideal for stretchy fabrics like performance polos and Dri-Fit.

Advanced techniques like 3D puff embroidery and applique digitizing build on these fundamentals.

Vector vs. Raster: Why Format Matters

Embroidery digitizing requires clean source artwork-preferably vector files like AI, EPS, or SVG. Here’s why:

Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF):
Made of mathematical paths, not pixels. They scale infinitely without quality loss. A digitizer can zoom to 1000% to see exact curves and sharp corners. Perfect for logos, text, and geometric designs.

Raster files (PNG, JPG, BMP):
Made of pixels that blur when enlarged. A 500px PNG that looks fine on screen becomes a pixelated mess when zoomed for digitizing. Small text details disappear. Curves become jagged steps.

If you only have a low-resolution raster file, professional vector conversion services can manually redraw the artwork before digitizing. This ensures sharp edges, legible small text, and proper stitch angle optimization. Auto-trace software exists but produces inferior results-manual redrawing is worth the investment for production-quality output. Read more about Vector Art vs Embroidery Digitizing.

Digitizing for Different Fabric Types

Different fabrics require different digitizing approaches. See our guide on digitizing by fabric type:

• Cotton twill (polos, hats): Stable fabric, standard density works well.
• Performance fabrics (Dri-FIT, moisture-wicking): Require reduced density and strong underlay to prevent fabric show-through. Stretch compensation prevents distortion during hooping and stitching.
• Fleece and knits: Need even lighter density and strategic underlay to avoid sinking into the pile. We use knockdown stitches for towels and fleece.
• Leather and vinyl: Minimal underlay (prevents holes), reduced penetrations, and wider stitch spacing to avoid tearing. See our leather embroidery guide.
• Heavy canvas (Carhartt, tote bags): Increased density and multiple underlay passes to ensure proper penetration and coverage. See our guide on canvas tote bags.

Production shops often specialize in specific garment types-and your digitizer should adjust files accordingly.

5 Most Common Digitizing Mistakes

1. Over-density: Creates stiff, puckered embroidery that feels like cardboard. Causes thread breaks and needle breaks on multi-head machines.
2. Poor pull compensation: Letters gap apart, designs distort, fabric tunnels during stitching. Read our full pull compensation guide.
3. Excessive trims: Increases machine time and creates loose thread tails. Production shops hate trimming manually mid-run.
4. Wrong stitch angles: Causes shading, uneven coverage, and directional distortion on stretchy fabrics.
5. Ignored fabric type: Using the same density for fleece and twill guarantees puckering problems.

Professional digitizers adjust these variables based on your specific production setup, fabric type, and quality requirements. Avoid these common digitizing mistakes.