How to Convert an Image to an Embroidery File (Without Ruining Your Design)

convert image to embroidery file

So you have created or found a logo, graphic, image or even a clipart you want sewed on a hat, jacket or as a patch. Seems simple enough, just upload an image and go embroider. Well it is not that simple.

The biggest issue with converting image to embroidery is that compared to something you would scan image file is a scanned picture in a way. In other words people think that because they can do something to an image file they can do the same thing to an embroidery file as if one has anything to do with the other.

Converting image to embroidery is more complicated process than one would think and if done wrong it can lead to puckered and broken embroidery with nothing to do with graphic one wanted to stitch.

Many people think that they can print something on fabric by getting it sewed with an embroidery machine so they try to convert image file to embroidery file only to be disappointed with results.

Luckily for you this guide is going to tell you everything you need to know about converting image to embroidery file; things you would need to do it, things you should not do it and when to leave it to the professionals.

Why You Can’t Just “Convert” an Image to Embroidery

convert image to embroidery

This is probably the part where most of you would get confused with converting image to embroidery file.

While JPEG/PNG images are made of pixels embroidery file is set of instructions telling embroidery machine where to place every single stitch of the design. Another issue with converting image to embroidery is that there is no sure-fire way of doing it without losing some quality of the graphic.

Software can help you approximate the graphic you want by tracing it with stitches but it will not be able to account for separating important/unimportant lines, avoiding puckering caused by graphic being applied to different materials, underlay stitches, small text size and some other aspects of graphic design.

This is why an automatic image to embroidery file converter will most likely give you graphic that has nothing to do with graphic you wanted to stitch especially if it has fine detail.

What Is Embroidery Digitizing Really?

digitizing for embroidery online

So what is online embroidery digitizing really? In short it is a process of digitizing original artwork so it can be later stitched by an embroidery machine. Usually it is a process that takes place in a specialized computer program (Wilcom, Hatch, Tajima,) where a digitizer goes over every detail of the source image defining what stitch types and directions would have to be used to recreate the graphic with a needle and thread.

How you can think of embroidery digitizing is similar to tracing one drawing onto another with different media.

So if you wanted to trace a drawing made with pencils onto a drawing made with pens you would use similar techniques but with different tools. Same goes for embroidery digitizing but instead of using a pen or a pencil you use thread.

Step-by-Step: How to Convert an Image to an Embroidery File

If you are serious about doing DIY embroidery digitizing here is a rough outline of things you would have to do.

Start With a Clean, High-Resolution Image

When digitizing a graphic always start with high-resolution graphic that is easy to trace. Avoid low resolution images with pixels and stick to vectors (AI, EPS, SVG) or high resolution PNG/JPEG with simple colors.

Import Into Digitizing Software

If you are using a digitizing software import the graphic you want to stitch as a reference. Some embroidery digitizing programs you could use are:

• Wilcom Embroidery Studio

• Hatch Embroidery

• Brother PE-Design

• Embrilliance

Trace and Assign Stitch Types

This step involves assigning stitch types to different parts of your graphic. To define every part of your graphic you will need to use three basic types of stitches found in embroidery:

• Satin stitches: used for outlining graphic, lettering and other thin elements such as lines

• Fill stitches: used for filling large areas of your graphic with color

• Running stitches: used for intricate parts of the graphic such as delicate patterns and outlines

Set Stitch Direction and Density

This step is very important as it defines how your graphic will look and behave once it is applied to the desired medium. Density of the stitches determines how heavy the design will be while direction defines how it will look. This is one thing many people overlook resulting in their graphic looking puckered and wrong.

Add Underlay

This step is often overlooked by people who attempt to do embroidery digitizing on themselves. Adding underlay stitches adds stability to your graphic preventing it from puckering when it is being sewn on different materials. Underlay is vitally important for stretchier materials such as polos and fleeces.

Export to the Correct Embroidery File Format

Once you are done digitizing your graphic, export it to the desired file type. We will go more into detail about embroidery file types lower in this guide.

Test Stitch It

Always test stitch your graphic on a sample material to make sure that it looks presentable and does not have any broken stitches.

Common Embroidery File Formats You Should Know

You should also be aware of different file types used for embroidery digitizing. Not all machines use the same stitch file type. Here is a list of common file types used in different embroidery machines:

DST file — Tajima machines

PES file — Brother and Babylock home embroidery machines

JEF file — Janome machines

EXP file — Melco/Bernina embroidery machines

VP3 file — Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff sewing machines

If you are not going to be doing embroidery digitizing yourself it is best to ask what file type your machine uses rather than guesswork.

DIY Software vs. Professional Embroidery Digitizing Services

You can convert an image file to an embroidery file yourself by using digitizing software available for purchase or for free trial.

But should you do it yourself or should you leave it to the professionals? Well it really depends on your situation. Here are some scenarios where attempting DIY embroidery digitizing makes sense.

When DIY Makes Perfect Sense

Simplicity of the design

If you have a relatively simple design you should attempt digitizing it yourself.

Personal use

If you are going to use the digitized graphic for personal use there is really nothing to lose by attempting DIY embroidery digitizing

You have access to digitizing software

If you have access to digitizing software you may as well put it to good use.

When to Leave It to Pros

Fine details in the graphic

Anything that involves small text or fine details should be left to the professionals.

Left chest logo placement

It is best to leave logo digitizing to the experts as it is the most technically demanding type of embroidery there is.

Cap embroidery

If you want to embroider a cap it requires an additional expertise not found in home sewing machines.

Bulk orders

Any bulk orders you might have for custom embroidered graphics should be left to the professionals as it would take too much time to digitize them yourself.

Client-facing embroidery work

If you are going to show the digitized graphic to a client it is best to leave it to the professionals to ensure quality.

Professional embroidery digitizing services exist for a reason and not just to save you the trouble of learning how to do it yourself. One experienced digitizer can make a digitized graphic faster than you could with a marker and paper saving you both time and resources. This is why it is best to leave complicated digitizing jobs to the professionals.

Tips for Better Results

Here are some additional tips that would help you get better results when you need to convert image to embroidery file.

As mentioned above you should always aim for simplicity when it comes to embroidery graphics. Less is more when it comes to embroidery so try to avoid overly detailed graphics Another thing you should avoid when digitizing a graphic is using too many colors as it can make the graphic look garish.

Different materials also require different type of stitches such as terry cloth stitching that is used exclusively for terry cloth.

When working with graphics you should always consider the size of the graphic. The graphic you want to stitch on the back of your jacket will not look as good scaled down to the size of a logo you want on the left chest of a shirt.

3D puff embroidery can be used to make embroidered text stand out on a cap by making it taller.

However it can also make digitizing more difficult as you will have to adjust the density settings in order to avoid puckering.

Where This Matters Most: Patches, Caps, and Logos

Converting image to embroidery file is not exclusive to embroidering on clothes, it can also be used for patches, caps, logos and more.

Custom Patches

Custom patches usually require a similar approach to digitizing graphics for clothing with the added step of cutting and finishing the design. Unlike the graphics you would normally stitch on clothes patches require additional stitching around the edge so they can either be glued or sewn on a desired surface. Because of this embroidery digitizing for patches is done in a similar fashion to other digitizing work for clothes with additional care taken to stitch the border and finish of the design.

Cap Embroidery

Embellishments stitched on caps have to be adjusted due to their curved surface. This means that graphics embroidered on caps have to be slightly wider than the ones that would be stitched on a T-shirt or other articles of clothing with a flat surface. This additional adjustment is not required for structured caps with foam fronts.

Logo Digitizing for Business

If you run a clothing or promotional products business logo digitizing may be something you need to do more often rather than a one-time thing. Because of this it is best to build a library of digitized logos in different file formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I convert an image to an embroidery file for free?

Some digitizing programs offer a free trial or a free albeit low-quality image-to-embroidery file conversion.

What is the best file format for embroidery machines?

DST file is the standard file type for most commercial embroidery machines. However depending on the brand of your machine you may need PES, JEF, EXP or VP3 file type.

How long does embroidery digitizing take?

It depends on the level of detail of the graphic you want to digitize. Simple logo digitizing can take anywhere between half an hour to several hours.

Do I need vector art to digitize a logo?

Not necessarily. High resolution raster graphics are completely fine as long as you can clearly see the outlines of the logo.

Why does my auto-digitized design look bad?

Auto-digitizing software often struggles to trace intricate graphics. It also fails to account for differences in materials so your graphic may look puckered with broken threads.

What’s the difference between DST and PES file?

They are simply two different file types used in different embroidery machines. DST file is used in Tajima commercial embroidery machines while PES file is used in Brother and Babylock home sewing machines.

Can any image be converted into embroidery?

In theory yes. However images with gradients or fine detail often need to be redone in order to look presentable. It is best to use simple graphics when you want to digitize an image.

Is 3D puff embroidery harder to digitize?

Yes because you have to adjust the density settings to avoid puckering.

How much does professional embroidery digitizing cost?

It depends on the complexity of the graphic and the stitch count but most companies have standard rates for logo digitizing.

Can I use one digitized embroidery file for multiple products?

It depends on how much you have to resize the graphic to accommodate the size and shape of the product. Using graphic designed for the back of a jacket on a graphic tee usually requires additional digitizing.

Final Thoughts

As you can see learning how to convert image to embroidery file can be useful to anyone from a business owner looking to embroider logos on promotional merch to someone with a home sewing machine wanting to embroider a graphic on a T-shirt. However it is also a skill with a steep learning curve that can require much time and effort to perfect. As the saying goes it is easy to describe and hard to prescribe. This is why it is best to leave complex embroidery digitizing tasks to the professionals.

If you are looking to get professional embroidery digitizing or custom patches made you have come to the right place! We offer:

✔ 2–6 hr turnaround

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✔ DST/PES/JEF/EXP/VP3 file types & more

✔ 3D Puff Experts

✔ Left chest and cap digitizing

✔ Custom patches

✔ Affordable pricing

✔ 24/7 customer support

Visit EmbPunch .com today and request a free quote!