How to Digitize a Basic Corporate Logo
From Start to Finish (The Right Way)
Digitizing a corporate logo isn’t about making it fancy—it’s about making it clean, readable, and reliable on every garment it’s stitched on.
This guide walks you through the entire digitizing process, step by step, using best practices that professional digitizers follow every day.
Step 1: Start With the Right Artwork
Before opening your digitizing software, look at the logo carefully.
What You Want:
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Vector artwork (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF)
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High-resolution raster if vector isn’t available
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Clean edges and solid colors
Red Flags:
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Low-resolution JPGs
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Tiny text
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Gradients or shadows
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Extremely thin lines
Pro Tip:
👉 If the logo won’t embroider well, simplify it first. Clean logos sew better and look more professional.
Step 2: Decide the Final Size and Placement
Corporate logos are usually stitched in standard locations:
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Left chest (≈ 3.5"–4.25")
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Cap front
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Sleeve
Before digitizing, decide:
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Final stitch size
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Fabric type (polo, jacket, cap, etc.)
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Expected hoop size
Why this matters:
Digitizing at the correct size prevents resizing later—which can ruin stitch quality.
Step 3: Analyze the Logo Like a Digitizer
Now think in stitches, not shapes.
Ask yourself:
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Which areas will be satin stitches?
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Which areas need fill stitches?
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Are there outlines or borders?
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What stitches should go first?
Rule:
👉 Large background areas first, details last.
Step 4: Choose the Correct Stitch Types
For a basic corporate logo:
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Satin stitches
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Text
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Borders
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Columns under 0.4"
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Fill (Tatami) stitches
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Large solid areas
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Background shapes
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Running stitches
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Underlay
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Small details
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Light outlines (when appropriate)
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Avoid using satin stitches that are too wide—they cause looping, snagging, and thread breaks.
Step 5: Add Proper Underlay (Do Not Skip This)
Underlay is the foundation of embroidery.
Common Corporate Logo Underlay:
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Edge run under satin stitches
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Zigzag underlay for columns
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Tatami underlay under fill areas
Underlay helps:
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Stabilize the fabric
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Prevent distortion
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Improve coverage
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Make designs sew smoother
Beginner mistake: Skipping underlay to save time.
Step 6: Set Density and Compensation
This is where many beginners struggle.
Density:
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Too dense = stiff design & thread breaks
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Too light = fabric shows through
Compensation:
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Pull compensation: Expands stitches to account for fabric pull
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Push compensation: Adjusts for fabric being pushed outward
Settings vary based on:
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Fabric
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Stitch type
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Design size
There is no universal setting—testing is key.
Step 7: Plan the Stitch Order (Sequencing)
Correct stitch order prevents shifting and misalignment.
General Corporate Logo Stitch Order:
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Background fill stitches
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Inner details
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Lettering
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Borders and outlines last
Minimize:
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Jumps
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Trims
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Color changes
Think like the machine.
Step 8: Run a Test Sew-Out
Never send a logo without testing.
Test on:
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Similar fabric
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Same backing
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Correct hooping method
Look for:
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Gaps
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Distortion
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Thread breaks
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Registration issues
Make adjustments in the software—not on the machine.
Step 9: Fine-Tune and Clean Up
After the test sew-out:
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Adjust density if needed
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Increase compensation where gaps appear
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Improve stitch angles
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Remove unnecessary stitches
This is where average digitizing becomes professional digitizing.
Step 10: Save and Deliver Correctly
Export the file in the correct format:
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DST, PES, EXP, etc.
Include:
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Final stitch count
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Recommended size
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Fabric/backing notes (if applicable)
A clean, tested file builds trust and reduces callbacks.
Final Thoughts: Corporate Logos Demand Precision
A great corporate logo:
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Sews clean
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Looks professional
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Repeats consistently
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Works across garments
The goal is not artistic flair—it’s reliable production embroidery.
Master this process, and you’ll handle 80% of real-world embroidery jobs with confidence.