The fastest way to get a good stitch file is to send a complete order the first time. Every missing detail means a question back, a reply, and another wait. Here are the five things a digitizer needs, why each one matters, and a few extras that help.
1. The artwork
This is the picture of what you want sewn. Better artwork means a cleaner file and less guessing. In order of preference:
- Vector art (AI, EPS, SVG): crisp edges at any size. Best for lettering and logos with fine detail.
- PDF: often contains vector art, especially if it came from a printer or designer.
- A clean PNG or JPEG: fine if it is large and sharp. A logo that is at least a few hundred pixels across with clear edges is workable.
What causes trouble: tiny images pulled from a website, screenshots, photos of a business card or an old shirt, and art with heavy shadows or gradients. If that is all you have, a simple vector cleanup first can help a lot.
2. The finished width
How wide the design should be when sewn, in inches. This is the single most important spec after the art itself. Size changes everything: stitch types, density, how small the lettering gets, and the stitch count, which sets the price. A logo at 3.5 inches and the same logo at 10 inches are planned completely differently. If height matters, for example on a cap, send the maximum height too.
3. The placement
Where the design goes: left chest, cap front, jacket back, sleeve, or something else. Placement tells the digitizer the likely size range and, for caps, that the file needs center-out sequencing and seam handling. See why a cap and a left chest are two files.
4. The garment or fabric
Thread behaves differently on different fabrics, so the file should too:
- Pique polos and performance knits stretch and have texture; they need good underlay so stitches do not sink.
- Fleece and sweatshirts are lofty; they need support so the design sits on top of the pile.
- Twill, canvas, and structured caps are stable and can hold more density.
- Nylon jackets pucker easily and need a light touch.
“Polo” is good. “Pique polo, 100% cotton” is better.
5. The machine format
The file type your machine reads. Common ones are DST (Tajima and most commercial heads), PES (Brother and Baby Lock), EXP (Melco and Bernina), and JEF (Janome). If you are not sure, tell us the make and model. At Stitch Desk, DST is always included and the named format comes with it at no extra charge.
Optional, but helpful
- Thread brand. If you stock Madeira or Isacord, say so and we match the run sheet to that chart.
- Exact thread colors or Pantone references if the customer is picky about brand colors.
- Hoop size, especially on single-needle Brother or Janome machines that cap the design area.
- Deadline. If you need it the same day, ask for rush and get the order in by 10am ET.
A complete order, in one email
Logo attached (PDF). Left chest, 3.5 in wide. 100% cotton pique polo. DST. Madeira thread. Overnight is fine.
That is all it takes. With those five pieces, we can quote from the fixed menu and punch the file overnight. You get the stitch file, a preview PNG, and a run sheet with colors, stitch count, and size.
See the steps on how it works, check the FAQ, or use the order form. It builds this email for you.