Embroidery Digitizing fee

Digitizing is a one-time setup fee required for all new logos or custom designs before embroidery can begin.

Embroidery Digitizing – What to Know

When creating embroidery from a logo or custom graphic, digitizing is required before stitching can begin.

What is embroidery digitizing?

Embroidery digitizing is the process of converting an image file (JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF, AI, PSD, CDR, etc.) into a stitch file that tells an embroidery machine how to sew the design.

This is a manual, professional process and is not automatic.

Why is digitizing important?

Quality digitizing affects:

• The final look of the embroidery

• Stitch count & pricing

• How well the design performs on different garments

While skilled digitizers can achieve impressive results, not all graphics are suitable for embroidery.

I’m only adding a name — do I need digitizing?

No.
If your item only requires simple lettering (such as a name) using one of our available fonts, no digitizing fee is required.

What designs work best for embroidery?

✅ Recommended for embroidery

• Vector artwork (AI, EPS, CDR)

• JPG or PNG files (72 DPI or higher)

• Designs with clean edges

• Designs using 8 colors or fewer

❌ Not recommended for embroidery

• Photographs

• Faces

• Color gradients (some exceptions may apply)

• Extremely detailed designs

• Low-resolution or blurry images

If you’re unsure whether your design is suitable, email us at
info@thingsandstuffcustom.com and we’ll be happy to review it.

How much does embroidery stitching cost?

Once your design has been digitized, we will email you the per-garment embroidery cost.

• Typical pricing for a left chest design ranges from $8–$12 per item

• Pricing may vary based on:

  • Stitch count

  • Design size

  • Garment type

Final pricing will be provided after digitizing is complete.

Turnaround time

• Digitizing typically takes up to 2 business days

• If you are new to us, please allow up to one week total from digitizing approval to:

  • Embroidery production

  • Order completion

  • Ready-for-pickup notification

If you have a deadline, please let us know before placing your order so we can confirm availability.

Will I receive a physical product?

No.
Digitizing is a one-time setup service, not a physical product.

Once your design is digitized:

• We can accurately calculate stitch count and production costs

• Your design can be reused for future embroidery orders

You may request a copy of your digitized file, which will be emailed to you.
Please note:

• Embroidery files require specialized embroidery software

• These files cannot be viewed on mobile devices

• They are not compatible with programs such as Word, Photoshop, Illustrator, or PDF readers

• These files cannot be used for printing, websites, or social media

Do I need to pay the digitizing fee again for future orders?

No.
We store your digitized design on file. The digitizing fee is only required again if:

• The design is changed

• A major size adjustment is requested

How long do you keep digitized files?

As long as we’re in business 😊
We still have digitized designs from customers we worked with over 11 years ago.

Embroidery Files Policy

For quality control reasons, we only accept embroidery files digitized through our shop.

This allows us to test, revise, and approve stitch quality before embroidery is done on customer garments.