Embroidery digitizing for Etsy sellers who sell custom work
Selling embroidered products online is mostly about two things: making each item look like the listing photo, and getting custom orders out inside your processing time. Both depend on the stitch file. A file that sews cleanly on one hoodie and puckers on the next makes returns and bad reviews more likely. A custom request that takes a week to digitize eats your whole processing window.
StitchQuill builds each file by hand for the size, placement and fabric you give us. You see a stitch simulation proof and a PDF worksheet before paying anything, revisions are unlimited until you approve, and the finished files download in every machine format.
Files that sew the same on every order
Consistency comes from building a file for the real product. Tell us whether the design goes on a cotton tee, a fleece sweatshirt, a canvas tote or a baby bib, and the digitizer sets underlay, density and pull compensation for that fabric. The result sews the same way on the tenth order as on the first, as long as you use the same blank, stabilizer and hooping.
If one design goes on very different products, such as a left-chest logo on a tee and a larger version on a sweatshirt back, order each size so each one is built for its size. An extra size of the same design is $6.
Stitch a test piece on the same blank you sell before you photograph a listing. The photo then shows exactly what your customer will receive.
Custom embroidery file for small business branding
Many online sellers need a custom embroidery file for their own small business: the shop logo stitched on your own product line, a branded cap for markets and craft fairs, or matching shirts for events. We digitize business logos from any artwork you have, including a PNG from your shop banner. Small designs up to 4.5 in are $14 and medium designs up to 8 in are $24. The logo digitizing page covers how we handle small text and brand colors.
Turnaround for custom orders
When a buyer asks for their own logo or artwork on a product, the clock starts. Our standard turnaround is 24 hours from when you place the order. If you promised a quick ship, rush is 12 hours for $5 more, and express is 6 hours for $10 more. The turnaround page explains how the time is counted.
Build the art time into your processing time. If your listing says it ships in three business days, a file that arrives within a day leaves you time to check the proof, stitch and ship without a rush fee.
Names, monograms and personalization
Personalized items are the backbone of many Etsy shops. There are two common ways to handle them:
- Use your machine or software lettering for the names. Order the decorative part of the design from us once, such as a floral frame or a mascot, and add each customer's name with the built-in fonts on your machine or in your embroidery software.
- Order a digitized file for special lettering. When a buyer wants a specific script or their own handwriting, order it as a design. A name that fits in the small size is $14.
Keep names and monograms at about 0.25 in tall or more for clean letters. Very thin script on a textured fabric like fleece or terry may need a slightly heavier letter to sit on top of the pile.
Who owns the file
You own the custom design files you order from us. You can stitch them on as many products as you sell, and they stay in your dashboard for download whenever you need them.
You do need the rights to the artwork you send. For original designs you drew, commissioned or own, that is simple. For other artwork, such as characters, sports logos or brand names that belong to someone else, check that you have permission before selling products with them. We cannot give legal advice, so ask the rights holder or a qualified advisor if you are unsure.
Re-orders and a growing design library
Best-selling designs come back again and again. Every file you order stays in your dashboard with its proof and worksheet, and the saved logo library keeps your designs together. If a customer wants a new color scheme, a thread color change within 30 days of delivery is a free minor edit. If you need a new size or a cap version later, re-order from the original file instead of starting from scratch.
Sellers who order often can buy credit packs with bonus credit that never expires, and pay for approved orders from that balance.
What it costs
Prices are flat per design by finished size, with every machine format included. Our guide to embroidery digitizing cost explains what drives the price across the market and what to expect for different sizes. Your first design is free up to $24, with no card needed to place it.
Try us on the design you sell most. Upload it, see the proof, and only approve if it is right. Start your free design
What to send with an order
- The artwork. A JPG, PNG, PDF, AI, EPS, SVG or PSD, or a photo of a sketch.
- The product and fabric. For example, a heavyweight cotton tee, a canvas tote or a structured cap.
- The finished size and placement. Width or height in inches, and where it sits on the item.
- Your machine. So we can mention anything specific to your hoop or format.