Whether you have finished artwork, a rough idea, a few inspiration images, or no design at all, I can help get your project ready for embroidery. You don't need to understand embroidery files, digitizing, stitch types or production requirements before reaching out. That part is handled here in the studio.
Don't have a design yet? That's okay.
A lot of custom projects start with an idea, not finished artwork. You might know you want hats for a wedding weekend, a golf event, a company retreat, a run club, a bachelor or bachelorette party, a team or a special event, but have no idea what the design should look like. I can create custom artwork based on your event, theme, wording, style, references, colors or general direction.
If you have inspiration, send it:
- Reference images
- Logos
- Invitations
- Mood boards
- Fonts you like
- Color palettes
- Existing branding
- Photos or screenshots
- A rough sketch
- Or just a description of what you have in mind
The goal is something that looks good and also works well when translated into thread.
Already have artwork?
Send the best version you have.
Best: AI, EPS, SVG or vector PDF
Also accepted: PNG, JPG, JPEG, PDF and other high-resolution image files
For a PNG or JPG, upload the largest, clearest version available. Tiny screenshots and heavily compressed web graphics may not hold enough detail, but if that's all you have, send it anyway. I'll tell you what can be used and what needs to be cleaned up or recreated.
From artwork to embroidery
A design that looks good on a screen doesn't automatically make good embroidery. Thread is physical, so artwork often needs adjusting before it can be stitched cleanly. That can mean simplifying small details, thickening thin lines, enlarging small lettering, converting gradients into solid colors, simplifying shadows, cleaning up shapes, or reworking areas that won't sew cleanly. The goal is to keep the character of the design while making it work in thread.
Very small text, extremely thin lines, intricate distressing, photographic detail and subtle tonal changes may not reproduce the way they do in print. As a general guideline, lettering below about 1/4 inch tall gets difficult to embroider cleanly, though what's possible depends on the font, fabric, placement and thread. If something is too small or detailed, I'll tell you and recommend an adjustment.
Before artwork can be embroidered, it has to be digitized. That means deciding how the design is built with stitches: stitch type, direction, density, underlay, pull compensation, sequencing, travel paths, trims and how the material behaves. I handle the digitizing here so the artwork is prepared for the specific product, fabric and placement it's going on.
No third-party embroidery files are accepted except an editable Wilcom EMB file. I'll still review it before production, and it may need adjusting for the hat, garment, fabric or placement being used.
Thread colors
Embroidery thread and screen colors aren't exactly the same. I match thread colors as closely as reasonably possible using available embroidery thread. If you need a specific brand color, Pantone reference or a particularly close match, include that when you submit your artwork. Screen settings, photography, lighting, fabric color and the shine of embroidery thread can all change how colors appear.
Embroidery size and placement
Available embroidery space depends on the product and placement. For many hats, front embroidery can be up to:
5.5" wide × 2.5" high
Side, back and specialty placements have different size limits, and the usable area also depends on the hat profile, seams, structure, fabric and the artwork itself. If your design isn't a good fit for the placement you asked for, I'll recommend a better size, layout or location before production.
Proofs and approvals
Every custom order gets a digital proof before production, so you can see your design as embroidery. If something needs adjusting, I’ll work with you on the necessary revisions before production. Check these carefully:
- Spelling, names, dates and numbers
- Artwork and colors
- Placement
- Product style, sizes and quantities
Once you approve, production is based on that approval. A digital proof shows the general look and placement of the design. The finished embroidery can vary slightly because it's physical thread on fabric, not pixels on a screen.
Customer-provided text
Double-check all names, dates, spelling, numbers, wording and capitalization you supply. I review artwork for obvious issues, but customers are ultimately responsible for the information they submit or approve.
AI-generated artwork
AI-generated artwork is welcome, but generated images often include details that don't translate into embroidery: gradients, tiny decorative elements, inconsistent lettering, extra texture, strange geometry and fine shading. It may need simplifying, cleaning up or partial redrawing before it can be digitized. Send the highest-resolution original, not a screenshot.
Note: An .AI file is an Adobe Illustrator file, which is different from AI-generated artwork.
Artwork ownership
By submitting artwork, logos, trademarks, photographs or other creative material, you confirm that you have the right or permission to use and reproduce it. La La Land Embroidery LLC is not responsible for obtaining licensing or usage rights for customer-supplied artwork.
Not sure what to send?
Send what you have. You don't need to know whether your file is vector, whether the lettering is big enough, or how a design should be digitized. If you have finished artwork, I'll prepare it. If you have a rough idea, I'll help develop it. If you have nothing, I'll create a design for your project.