Techniques and applications
Workwear embroidery: when does your logo work in stitches?
A logo must suit stitches, fabric and final size. Compare detail, colours and garment positions before placing a team order.
A suitable embroidery logo is designed for fabric and size.
Workwear embroidery translates an image into stitches, thread and thread colours. Clear shapes with sufficient spacing are a useful start. Small letters, fine lines and gradients may need adjustment. Feasibility also depends on fabric and garment position.
An embroidery file is more than an image
A PDF logo or other image shows the appearance. An embroidery file describes construction: stitch locations, direction and the order in which elements are made. This translation must suit size, fabric and intended look.
An existing embroidery file is therefore not automatically suitable for a different garment. A version that works on firm fabric may behave differently on a light, stretchy base. Major resizing can also change the relationship between stitches and detail.
If you have an embroidery file, specify format, dimensions used and previous garment. Include a photograph of that result where possible. This tells us more than simply saying the logo has been embroidered before.
Check the smallest letters and narrowest lines first
A screen logo can be enlarged indefinitely. On a chest, letters must remain recognisable within limited space. Check the smallest tagline, thin outlines and letter openings at actual size. These details often determine whether simplification is needed.
There is no universal minimum letter height for every font and fabric. Thread, needle, construction and base influence the result. A strong block typeface differs from decorative lettering with fine joins. Fit the specification to the design instead of relying on a general millimetre measurement.
Distinguish the elements that make the brand recognisable from supporting information. A small tagline can sometimes be omitted while retaining name and symbol. A separate position may also work. Agree such changes beforehand, using brand guidelines as the starting point.
Technical background: Madeira on embroidering small lettering. The material and machine choices described do not provide a universal size guarantee for your clothing.
Thread has its own colour and sheen
Screen colour, printing ink and embroidery thread show colour differently. Thread has texture and sheen, so lighting affects perception. Use brand colour as a reference and discuss a suitable thread colour against the garment colour.
Check contrast too. Navy thread on navy fabric can create a subtle detail but stands out less than a light version. Decide whether the aim is a restrained look or immediate recognition. The intended role helps guide the choice.
Standard stitches and a few thread colours cannot reproduce a photograph or gradient literally. A simplified version may suit the garment. To retain a highly detailed colour image, compare clothing printing.
Fabric and accessible position also matter
A polo, sweatshirt and lined work jacket behave differently under embroidery. Fabric texture and stretch require suitable backing and stitch construction. Large dense areas can make the garment locally stiffer. Consider comfort as well as visibility.
Check pockets, seams, zips and lining. A logo above a chest pocket may have different space from one on a flat front panel. Specify position from the wearer’s perspective: left chest means the left side of the person wearing the garment.
For waterproof or protective clothing, product requirements must be considered. Embroidery adds needle holes; do not assume functional properties remain unchanged without assessment. Mention certification and special use requirements before choosing the specification.
Further guidance on combining fabric, use and embroidery materials: Madeira on embroidering workwear.
Keep polo, sweatshirt and jacket recognisable as a set
A team using several clothing layers need not have the identical logo size on each. Keep symbol, main colours and placement approach consistent while adapting each article. A small chest logo on a polo shirt can accompany a different proportion on a work jacket.
A personal name can have its own position. Use one list connecting name, style, colour, size and quantity. Identify names that should not appear, for example on garments shared by several colleagues.
Record the approved logo, size, position and garment model for repeat orders. For new colleagues, say whether only the name changes. Article availability and suitability of alternatives are checked again.
Compare the complete specification and care
Price reflects clothing, embroidery file preparation, stitch count, positions and quantity. A broad dense back design is not comparable with a compact chest logo. Request proposals for the same garments and positions when comparing options.
Describe cleaning methods. Garment label and personalisation guidance remain applicable together; follow the stricter instruction. Embroidery does not justify assuming a high washing temperature or professional cleaning for every garment.
How to present your logo and garment requirements
Supply the best available logo, intended clothing, colour, position, quantities by size and required receipt date. You need not convert the design into stitches yourself. Under clothing embroidery SDLG assesses which details are feasible on your product.
For a combination with back prints, read our guide to workwear printing. Choose a suitable specification for each use within one recognisable team identity.
Have your embroidery logo assessed ↗
SDLG works from Breda and ships products throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. Discussions, drop-off and collection are by appointment. See our contact details and directions.
Production and delivery
Lead time: 1–5 working days, subject to stock availability. For larger projects, we agree the lead time individually. The schedule is confirmed after checking stock and the proposed work. Shipping transit time is separate. Delivery and shipping guidance.