The Dos and Don'ts of Custom Embroidery (You'll Thank Us Later)

Custom embroidery is more than just stitching a design onto fabric—it's a craft that transforms ordinary apparel and accessories into polished, professional, and personalized pieces. Whether you're outfitting your team with branded uniforms, creating promotional merchandise, or launching your own fashion collection, custom embroidery can help you make a lasting impression.

For businesses, non-profits, sports teams, schools, content creators, and fashion designers, the stakes are high when it comes to representing your brand or message. A well-executed embroidered polo, hat, or jacket can elevate your image, while mistakes in the process can lead to wasted time, money, and disappointing results. If you're a seasoned pro or ordering custom embroidery for the first time, these tips will help make your project a success.

The Dos of Custom Embroidery

Achieving beautiful, high-quality custom embroidery starts with careful planning and attention to detail. Follow these essential dos to ensure your project turns out exactly as you envision.

1. Do Choose High-Quality Materials

The foundation of great embroidery is the quality of the materials you use. High-quality fabrics and threads look better and last longer. Choose durable materials that can withstand the embroidery process, such as cotton, polyester blends, or fleece. Make sure you're getting premium threads that resist fading and fraying over time. Investing in quality materials will ensure your embroidered pieces retain their professional appearance even after repeated use and washing.

2. Do Work with a Reputable Supplier

Your choice of supplier can make or break your custom embroidery project. Look for a company with a proven track record, strong reviews, and a portfolio of previous work. Don't hesitate to ask questions about their experience, equipment, and production process. A reputable custom printing company will provide clear communication, support, and expertise, ensuring your vision is executed flawlessly.

3. Do Provide Clear and High-Resolution Artwork

Embroidery machines require precise, high-resolution artwork to replicate your design accurately. Whenever possible, provide vector files (.ai, .eps) or high-quality image/pdf files (.png, .jpg) with a resolution of at least 300 dpi. This ensures that every detail of your design, from intricate logos to bold text, translates seamlessly to the embroidered product. Poor-quality files can lead to distorted or blurry results, so it's worth the effort to prepare your artwork correctly.

4. Do Consider Placement and Size Carefully

Common placements include the left chest, sleeve, back, or hat front. Think about the purpose of the item and how it will be worn when deciding on placement. Additionally, ensure the size of the design is appropriate for the garment or accessory—too large or too small can throw off the balance and aesthetic.

5. Do Request a Sample or Proof

Before you commit to a full production run, always request a sample or digital proof of your design. This gives you a chance to review the colours, placement, and overall look, ensuring everything meets your expectations. Catching potential issues at this stage can save you time, money, and frustration later on. A good supplier will happily provide a proof to confirm your satisfaction before production.

6. Do Keep Branding Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to representing your brand. Make sure your embroidery aligns with your organization's branding guidelines, including colour schemes, fonts, and logo placement. Consistent branding across all your apparel and accessories strengthens recognition and reinforces your identity. Collaborate with your supplier to ensure your designs are an accurate representation of your brand.

The Don'ts of Custom Embroidery

While following best practices is essential, avoiding common mistakes is equally important when ordering custom embroidery and when deciding between different t-shirt printing methods. Here are some key don'ts to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process and exceptional results.

1. Don't Overcomplicate Your Design

Intricate designs with tiny details, gradients, or excessive colours may look great on screen, but they may not translate as well to embroidery as they do with silk screen printing techniques. Even though we use multi-thread needles and digital embroidery files, overly detailed designs may lose clarity or appear cluttered. Simplify your design by focusing on bold lines, clean shapes, and limited colours. This ensures your embroidery is sharp, legible, and visually appealing.

2. Don't Ignore Fabric Compatibility

Not all fabrics are created equal when it comes to embroidery. Stretchy, lightweight, or overly textured materials can cause puckering or distortion, making your design look messy. Avoid fabrics like thin jersey or silk unless your supplier has specialized experience with these materials. Stick to stable, durable fabrics such as cotton, twill, or polyester blends for the best results.

3. Don't Forget About Budget

Custom embroidery costs can vary based on factors like design complexity, stitch count, thread type, and order volume. Neglecting to plan your budget can lead to unexpected costs. Work with your supplier to understand the pricing structure and identify ways to balance quality and affordability.

R&P Prints offers a lowest-price-in-Canada guarantee and free shipping in Canada because we're passionate about helping small businesses acquire affordable hoodies for bulk orders, for example, without sacrificing quality.

4. Don't Underestimate Turnaround Time

Plan your project well in advance, especially for large orders or peak seasons. Most suppliers require 2–4 weeks for production, so give yourself plenty of time to review proofs, make adjustments, and receive the finished products.

5. Don't Assume All Colors Will Translate Perfectly

Thread colours don't always match digital colours exactly, and gradients or subtle hues can be challenging to replicate. Rely on your supplier's thread colour charts and ask for samples or a thread colour proof to ensure the colours align with your expectations. If brand consistency is critical, consider using Pantone colour matching to achieve the closest match possible.

6. Don't Neglect Care Instructions

Even the highest-quality embroidery can suffer if not properly cared for. Failing to provide or follow care instructions can lead to fading, unravelling, or fabric damage. Advise your team or customers on proper care, such as washing embroidered items in cold water, avoiding harsh detergents, and air-drying instead of using high-heat dryers, for example.

Ready to give your uniforms, promotional products, and branded merch a polished, professional look? Get in touch or upload your design for a free consultation!