What Is Embroidery Digitizing?

If you’ve ordered custom embroidery before you’ve probably heard the word “digitizing”.  What is digitizing?  Digitizing is the process of converting artwork into a stitch file that can be read by an embroidery machine and interpreted as different stitch types.  Is digitizing a “one step”, click the button process?  No!

Preparing Artwork for Embroidery Digitizing

First, the digitizer must analyze the artwork to see if it should be edited for embroidery.  Not all logos that were designed for a print media such as a business card will work well for embroidery.  Many designs need to be simplified.  In addition to correctly sizing a logo, some elements such as outlining may need to be eliminated and small text may need to be enlarged.

Pathing in Digitizing

After the artwork has been modified in graphics program, the file is opened in an embroidery program where it is used as a template for creating a stitch file.  First, the digitizer must decide how the “pathing” in the logo will run.  The pathing is the sequence of stitches in a design from start to finish.  Pathing can affect how an embroidered design will “lie” when it is finished.  If a design isn’t embroidered in the correct sequence, you may have unwanted gaps of fabric or uneven text.  The pathing will also affect how long the design will run on the machine during the embroidery process.  Although you may not care what the running time is, a shorter, smoother design will cost you less.

Assigning Embroidery Stitch Types

Next, the digitizer assigns stitch types to each section of the design based on what stitches will best represent the artwork.  The digitizer starts by adding the underlay stitches.  Although you can’t see underlay stitches in a finished logo, having the correct underlay stitches is essential to creating a great looking logo.  Underlay helps stabilize the fabric to the backing (another essential element in embroidery), lay down the nap of the fabric so that the remaining stitches have a smooth surface to embroider on and add density to the design.  Not using the correct underlay can cause the stitches to sink into the fabric or allow the shirt fabric to show through the design.  Although there are only three basic stitch types: run, satin and fill stitches, there are variations of these stitch types.  For example, fill stitches are used to cover large areas; but, the digitizer must decide what type of fill stitch to use, the direction of the fill and where the fill should start and stop in the design. When making these decisions the digitizer must consider what type of fabric the logo will be embroidered on and make appropriate adjustments.  Stitches will sink into fabrics such as polar fleece and lay on the surface of denser fabrics such as nylon.  A logo that was originally digitized for denim, a fabric that allows stitches to lay on the surface, won’t look as good when embroidered on a pique knit where the stitches sink into the fabric. 

The Push and Pull of Embroidery

Another important aspect of embroidery is the “push and pull”.  A design may move while being embroidered.  This will cause some stitches to shrift.  This shifting can occur when using bulky fabrics, long stitches, large areas of thread and a tight bobbin thread.  A digitizer must account for the possible effects of push and pull on a design and make adjustments to compensate.

The Embroidery Sew-Out

Although many left chest business logos are fairly easy to digitize, designs with fine detail, small text and lots of color changes require more set-up time.  Digitizing is a careful process that requires time and experience to be performed correctly.  The digitizer must know how the stitches he sees in his embroidery software will embroider on different fabrics.  A well digitized design will enhance your logo so look for an embroiderer who provides quality digitizing.

Embroidery in Osceola, WI

Corporate apparel is a popular choice for businesses that want to enhance their image in the marketplace. This strategy offers benefits to business owners and employees, as well as to the customers. If you are considering a corporate uniform for your business, here are some reasons why it may be advantageous to you.

Present a Professional Image:

A well-dressed staff portrays an image of quality and professionalism to your customers. When a person walks into your business he or she can immediately identify your work force among the crowds. Your employees appear neatly dressed and eager to do their job. A professional image increases the legitimacy of your business and makes you appear to be a leader in your industry.

Create A Sense of Unity:

Just like a team uniform, work apparel gives employees a sense of unity as they work to reach a final goal. Because everyone is dressed the same, there is no pressure for employees to wear expensive clothes in order to compete with their colleagues. Uniforms promote equality by making differences between the staff members less noticeable.

Save Money:

Work apparel eliminates the need for employees to spend money on a corporate wardrobe. They only need to purchase a few pieces of clothing for each workweek. Plus, employees do not need to worry about their favorite outfit getting ruined while completing work-related tasks.

Identify Your Employees:

Uniforms are especially important for workers in the service industry who may show up at your door to work in your home. Landscapers, electricians, plumbers, and others who enter homes should be readily identifiable by their work apparel. Uniforms not only immediately identify you, the also instill an image of professionalism while you are outside the office working.

Advertise Your Company:

With branded corporate apparel, you and your employees become walking advertisements for your business. Whether you are working outside of the office or just grabbing lunch, your company name and logo is getting exposure in the marketplace. This type of free advertising is extremely valuable to your brand recognition.

Eliminate Inappropriate Dress: 

Work uniforms ensure that each employee is dressing appropriately as a representative of your business. You will no longer need to send out reminder memos of what is and is not appropriate on casual Fridays.

When choosing your corporate apparel, it is important to keep in mind the type of work your employees will be doing. For example, an HVAC repairman may need a heavy-duty outfit that allows him to crawl under houses and get dirty without ruining his clothes. On the other hand, an executive who spends most of his day in an office may prefer a polo shirt or button-down oxford. Your employees will appreciate uniforms that will allow them comfort as well as functionality when completing their jobs.

The good news is that there are a variety of options available when choosing corporate apparel for your business. Wrinkle-free fabrics keep your staff looking neat without requiring a lot of effort. Most styles of clothing are available in a wide array of colors.