Custom Embroidered Patches and Emblems

Bolder is better.

Remember that bold letters and design elements embroider better and are more visible for your custom patch.

Use strong contrast to make your design pop.

High contrast works better with patches than light on light or dark on dark colors.

Open block lettering is more legible.

Avoid using narrow-type fonts, condensed fonts, and skinny fonts for embroidery as these limit visibility. Instead, use squat and bold fonts (not extra bold, though), simple script fonts, bold fonts with serifs, and freehand styles for better embroidery results.

Avoid blank spaces.

Effective use of space for your custom patch is important. Maximize blank spaces by enlarging graphic elements, extending and enlarging text, and introducing other graphic elements.

Make space for borders:

Embroidered patches are meant to have borders so leave room in your design for them. This rule applies to smaller patches with limited space as well. In addition, remember that design elements like background fills, landscapes, bars, clouds, etc., can also bleed into the border.

Use capture lines as needed.

Capture lines are thin black lines that define graphic details in embroidery. However, they are difficult to embroider accurately because they are so thin. The only way to execute them is by using a step stitch or running stitch - a series of short straight stitches going from one needle entry point to another (dot to dot). This creates a line that is neither smooth nor unbroken, making it challenging to embroider on the edges of a design.

When working on a new design, reconsider the need for capture lines. Removing them can often lead to better embroidery. If the source material is black and white, capture lines may be necessary. The only exception to this is if your source material is black on a white background.