Embroidery Digitizing Service

Embroidery digitizing is the process of converting artwork (a logo, an image, a sketch) into a machine-readable stitch file that an embroidery machine can sew. The digitizer assigns each shape and color in the artwork a specific stitch type (running, satin, fill), stitch direction, density, underlay, and pull compensation. The output is a binary file in formats like DST (Tajima), PES (Brother), EXP (Melco), JEF (Janome), VP3, or XXX. Without digitizing, an embroidery machine has nothing to follow.

Yes. Every custom patch order at Panda Patches includes free digitizing as part of the standard mockup process. There is no separate digitizing fee, no setup fee, and no art charge on patch orders regardless of quantity, size, or complexity. The digitizer reviews the artwork at the quote stage, prepares the stitch file, and runs the test stitch as part of the 12 to 24 hour mockup. The customer approves the mockup before production starts.

Yes, with one free trial. Standalone digitizing on a simple first design under 4 inches is free. Larger designs, complex multi-layer artwork, photo-realistic conversions, very small text under 3mm, or anything requiring 10,000 or more stitches is quoted separately. The price scales with complexity and is confirmed in writing before any work starts. Standalone digitizing orders are intake through chat or the artwork upload form on this page rather than through the standard checkout.

Standard delivery formats include DST (Tajima, the most common commercial format), PES (Brother), EXP (Melco), JEF (Janome), VP3 (Husqvarna Viking), XXX (Singer), and SEW. The buyer specifies the target machine or format in the design notes and the digitizer delivers in the matching format. Multiple formats are available on the same job for buyers who run more than one machine brand. All output files are tested on a sample machine before delivery.

Free digitizing on a patch order is included in the 12 to 24 hour mockup turnaround. Standalone digitizing on a simple design under 4 inches (the free trial) returns within 24 to 48 business hours of the chat or form submission. Complex paid digitizing jobs are scoped at the quote stage with an explicit turnaround commitment, typically 2 to 5 business days depending on stitch count and detail level. Rush turnaround is available on quoted jobs for an additional fee.

Use the Start Chat button or the artwork upload form on this page. Upload your design in any common format (AI, EPS, PDF, SVG, PNG, JPG) and include the target final size, the target machine or file format, the thread color list (Pantone codes preferred), and any specific notes about stitch direction or coverage. The design team reviews and either confirms free digitizing or returns a quote within business hours.

Six factors matter most for a clean embroidery result: stitch density (too tight puckers fabric, too loose looks sparse), underlay (stabilizes the fabric and supports the top stitching), pull compensation (corrects for thread tension stretching the design), stitch direction (changes the way light catches the design), small-text legibility (text below 4mm rarely reads clean in machine embroidery), and color count (most patches stay under 10 to 15 thread colors). A skilled digitizer balances all six against the artwork and the target fabric.